Schwagstock is Woodstock for the 21st century

The Love Generation had Monterey and Woodstock, now the youth of the digital generation have Schwagstock.

Are you looking for a music festival closer to home, without having to spend a few hundred dollars and traveling to a mega-commercialized festival such as Rothbury and Bonnaroo?

Well boys and girls, many of you would be surprised to know that there is one right here in the secluded backyard of Missouri. Schwagstock takes place in the heart of Shannon County.

What is Schwagstock? Why, it's a music festival that takes place over a weekend with live music, arts and crafts on 370 acres of camp ground known as Camp Zoe.

Schwagstock takes place roughly every other month and is always headlined by a Grateful Dead tribute band called The Schwag.

Over the years, festival has regularly attracted a crowd for anywhere from 4,000 to upwards of 10,000 people. Schwagstocks have been gaining more public attention, as well being noticed by some of the premiere names in 1960's rock.

On one of my previous trips to a Schwagstock, in September of 2008, original Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann played a blistering drum solo with the other members of The Schwag.

Other noticeable guests have included: The String Cheese Incident, as well as popular tribute bands of The Band, Pink Floyd, The Doors and Led Zeppelin, along with Hot Tuna, comprised of former Jefferson Airplanes' lead guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady.

Now, I don't want people getting the wrong impression that one has to be a devoted Deadhead to enjoy their time at a Schwagstock--that's hardly the case.

A few weeks ago, I took part in an 11-mile canoe trip on the nearby Current River during my time at a Schwagstock.

The helpful Camp Zoe staff will arrange the transportation and all necessary equipment for you, for $45 a canoe.

You are permitted to camp anywhere on the camp ground, so as soon as you see that ideal spot with the shade and nearby trash cans, grab it!

There is so much to see and do at Schwagstock. Just people-watching could keep you occupied for quite a while.

One should know that there is no cell signal at Camp Zoe, and the festivities take place rain or shine, so as long as you don't mind getting wet and you enjoy being in the outdoors and camping, a great time is to be had by all.

From the great scenery to the sound of live music being heard for miles around, to the many unique shops offering different hippie accessories, it seems like you have traveled back in time to the actual Woodstock.

In this little stretch of land in the middle of the woods, there is a true sense of community, good feelings, and the joy of thousands of people having a good time.

For more information, visit www.campzoe.com for directions as well as suggestions on what to bring.