Thunder at Crosley Field: Mountain Deliver a Fierce “Dreams of Milk and Honey” at the 1970 Midsummer Rock Festival
On June 13, 1970, Cincinnati became the site of one of the notable outdoor rock gatherings of the early decade when the Midsummer Rock Festival took place at Crosley Field. The ballpark, long known as the home of the Cincinnati Reds, briefly transformed into a stage for some of the most energetic acts in contemporary rock. Among the featured performers was the American hard rock band Mountain, whose powerful sound and commanding stage presence were rapidly gaining attention across the United States.
At the time of the festival, Mountain consisted of guitarist and vocalist Leslie West, bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, drummer Corky Laing, and keyboardist Steve Knight. The band had already introduced itself to a wide audience through the release of the album Climbing! in early 1970. With its heavy guitar driven sound and blues foundation, the record helped establish Mountain as one of the emerging forces in the developing hard rock scene.
During their appearance at Crosley Field, Mountain performed “Dreams of Milk and Honey,” a track that showcased the group’s heavier musical character. The song stands as a powerful example of the band’s heavy blues rock approach, built around thick guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. In a live setting, the piece often became a platform for Leslie West to demonstrate his distinctive guitar style. His playing combined raw blues phrasing with a forceful tone that cut through the large outdoor space of the stadium.
The performance highlights how Mountain translated their studio sound into a dynamic live experience. West’s guitar work pushed the song forward with bold riffs and fiery solo passages that emphasized the aggressive edge of the composition. Beneath him, Felix Pappalardi’s bass lines reinforced the weight of the arrangement while Corky Laing delivered a solid and energetic drum performance. Steve Knight’s keyboards added depth to the sound without competing with the dominant guitar presence.
The Midsummer Rock Festival itself brought together a diverse group of artists who represented several directions within the rock world of 1970. The lineup included Alice Cooper, Grand Funk Railroad, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and the British band Traffic featuring Steve Winwood. Each act reflected a different facet of the expanding rock landscape, from hard driving American bands to more experimental and blues influenced groups.
Mountain’s set at Crosley Field captured the raw energy that defined their early concerts. “Dreams of Milk and Honey” in particular demonstrated how effectively the band could build momentum through heavy riffs and intense improvisation. For audiences in attendance that day, the performance offered a clear example of why Mountain quickly earned a reputation as one of the most powerful live acts of the early seventies.