BRIDGEPORT — Two decades ago Connecticut entrepreneur and self-avowed Deadhead Ken Hays decided to mount a concert commemorating the passing of legendary Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia. He may never have conceived the musical celebration would become an annual tradition, never mind a four-day, jam-packed home state festival destination for the world's best musicians - and tens of thousands of fans.

Much of those two decades have been spent showcasing those bands on multiple stages scattered around picturesque Seaside Park in Bridgeport, where 'GOTV' is running again this year from July 30 through August 2.

Along with those musicians and fans comes a huge village welcoming daily attendees, four-day campers, vendors, artists, carnival rides, food, artists, dancers, an important non-perishable food drive, a mall of non-profits and community building organizations, and all the spectacle reminiscent of parking lots and venues where the Grateful Dead and its followers partied for years prior to Garcia's death.

In a late June chat, Hays was riding high on the announcement that along with Dead co-founder Bill Kreutzmann and his new band Billy & the Kids, he had just locked a late night tribute to Garcia featuring a virtual supergroup being billed as Warren Haynes and the Seaside All-Stars featuring George Porter Jr, Branford Marsalis, Jackie Greene, Joe Russo, Marco Benevento and other special guests.

"That all came together after a brainstorming session — what can we do that is a unique way to celebrate the Vibes' 20th anniversary?" Hays said. "Warren has been with us for years, and all these guys have played the Vibes. So when we pitched it to him, he loved the idea and we worked together to bring George Porter, Jr, Branford, Jackie, Joe and Marco together — and they are all equally excited."

Hays said he wanted to give former Allman Bothers guitarist Haynes the reigns to serve as bandleader for this once-in-a-lifetime spectacular.

The Seaside All-Stars set — scheduled for Saturday at 11:45 pm — is being curated by Haynes, who has performed with Dead alumni countless times over the past 30 years as well as in Gov't Mule. He is also - in typical Haynes double duty fashion - set to perform with Railroad Earth at 7:30 pm that Saturday night.

While many of this year's acts are repeaters, this year the Vibes is adding other big draw first-timers to its line-up, namely The String Cheese Incident. Their 9 pm Friday set is not to be missed because the band is bringing in guests including longtime Garcia collaborator and Grammy winner David Grisman along with veteran bluegrass artist Peter Rowan.

"String Cheese will be doing two sets, the first with Grisman and Rowan who are close friends and colleagues of Jerry's , playing some of the music David played with Jerry and some Grateful Dead favorites," Hays said.

Hays noted that the 20th Anniversary Vibes is also welcoming first-timers Wilco, Ben Harper, Weezer, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and several dozen returning acts, from Connecticut's own Deep Banana Blackout and Kung-Fu, to New Riders of the Purple Sage, Greg Allman, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Ryan Montbleau, Dark Star Orchestra featuring Jerry Garcia Band keys player Melvin Seals, and Dweezil Zappa performing material from father Frank Zappa's massive catalog.

It's this line-up, according to Hays, that gives the 2015 festival more potential and greater appeal than ever to a diverse audience of musical consumers.

"That was our goal for many years — having the Harlem Gospel Choir to Jane's Addiction to the Allman Brothers. Diversity is king," he remarked.

This year will further expand the camping experience for families including a larger venue for the School of Rock, which helps develop young musicians by training them on arrangements from some of rock's most popular and endearing artists.

"It's inspiring to see these families bringing their kids — or bringing their parents," Hays said. "At this point we're bringing in three generations who have made this an annual reunion. Which is just what we always hoped gathering of the Vibes would lead to."

The Vibes also provides a stage for attendees to learn about a number of social and human service causes.

"We've continued to increase awareness through our nonprofit and sustainability village with Headcount, Oxfam, New England Donor Bank, and Connecticut's Reach Foundation," he said. "And our Terrapin food drive will help feed families with the greatest needs in Fairfield County for months following the event. So if you're coming, be sure to bring a few food donations."

Hays said Bridgeport views the festival as an economic generator and a huge asset for the city as guests from all over New England and far beyond travel in. And having 20 years under his belt, complete with some of the most significant weather issues, from monsoon rain and to heavy winds to lightning and drastic heat, Hays said his Vibe Tribe management team is prepared to work with city and state emergency management and service agencies if need be.

"You plan for horrible weather, put plans in place, and then hope for 80 degrees and sunshine. If that doesn't happen, we have an exceptional team here," hays said. "We're bringing a micro-city into Connecticut's largest city."

Tickets are available for the full Gathering of the Vibes weekend with onsite camping, and VIP ticket holders enjoy added perks: expedited entry, “Rock-star” parking with easy in/out access, prime camping areas, snacks and beverages, catered meals, air conditioned bathroom trailers, and hot showers.

Adjoining the concert field, the massive VIP hospitality tent and viewing platforms offer exceptional stage sightlines and the opportunity to mix and mingle. Single Day Tickets are still on sale as well.

For tickets, schedules and other information, visit gatheringofthevibes.com.

Check out Tedeschi Trucks Band at Gathering of the Vibes in 2011

fired up the Green Vibes stage in 2013Connecticut's Kung Fu

Dweezil Zappa reproduces a pair of Frank Zappa's popular tunes at Gathering of the Vibes in 2012