On Saturday, July 20, hundreds of passionate music fans gathered at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY, for Larry & Teresa’s July Jam, a one-day celebration of classic Americana, hosted by industry legends Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
July Jam, the brainchild of Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, is a brand-new festival with a mission to celebrate some of the best performers in Americana music in a picture-perfect Hudson Valley setting. This year’s lineup consisted of Connor Kennedy and Onestar, The Secret Sisters, Jackie Greene, Hot Tuna, and the headliners, Larry & Teresa. July Jam came hot on the heels of Campbell and Williams’ most recent album, All This Time, which was released on April 5.
Walking into the festival in its early hours, the energy was off the charts. A steady line of guests holding blankets and lawn chairs patiently filed into the picturesque Arrowood Farms and began densely packing the designated chair area, quickly turning the zone into a colorful wall of people. Another area for only those willing to stand was positioned in front of the chair section. All eyes pointed toward the centerpiece of the festival, the main stage.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
The performance stage, a wooden platform decked out with all the lights and speakers that one would expect, was the perfect setting for the stacked lineup of talented Americana artists. A thick forest behind the stage provided the perfect atmospheric backdrop. To the left of the stage was a spacious chicken coop, with the roosters occasionally capping off the ends of songs with a “cock-a-doodle-doo,” which guests always appreciated.
Multiple artisanal stands dotted the back line of the music area. A merch table, a stand with clothing and mini dolls and a face-painting booth had a constant swarm of people eyeing up their goods and services. Off to the side of the main stage was a section for food vendors, which had a diverse variety of offerings for guests, from ice cream to lobster rolls to kebabs. A grid of wide picnic tables ensured that no guest went without a seat to eat.
Throughout the day, periods of intense rain came and went, but the guests stood their ground, unwilling to let a little water ruin the historic day of Americana. During the periods of clear skies, a gentle breeze blew the tantalizing smells of freshly cooked foods throughout the whole grounds.
With the perfect setting of Arrowood Farms for an evening of great music, the performers did not disappoint. From the opening set of Connor Kennedy and Onestar to the night’s finale of Larry & Teresa and Friends, every performance had the crowd going. By the time that the day turned to the evening, the standing area had fully filled up, and the energy rose to new peaks.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
After a wonderful set from Hot Tuna, Larry and Teresa capped off the night and were joined by many of the day’s previous artists, perfectly ending July Jam with a full-circle moment. All the billed artists have had a close relationship with Larry and Teresa for years, which made the final moments of the night even more special. Right around 9:30, the last set ended, and the guests left. Based on the inaugural July Jam’s overwhelming success, a second festival next year should be a no-brainer for Campbell and Williams.
Visit here for information on other upcoming events at Arrowood Farms.
Photo Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
The 2024 Pleasantville Music Festival was held on Saturday, July 13, marking its 18th anniversary. The festival presented eighteen performers on three stages, all within the boundaryof one day.
Affectionately referred to as “New York’s Backyard Jam” because of its proximity to NYC, the festival takes the approach of blending up-and-coming, established, and national touring acts. A cornerstone of the festival’s success is its strategy of not repeating performers, offering returning attendees something new each year.
When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston
2024 was the second year that The Garage at Lucy’s in Pleasantville was a gatewayfor local acts to perform at the festival. Through a series of battle-of-the-band competitions held at the club, three acts were selected to open the multiple musical stages at the festival.
The Collection / Pamnation Party Stage
The battle-of-the-band winners were comprised of: Gavin Mitchell & Lauren Mian who performed on the Chill Tent Stage, Mainline who played on the Pamnation Party Stage, and all-around winner Blue Moon Band who shared their music on the Main Stage. These opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
… opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
Situated in the heart of Westchester, the festival is also a family-friendly affair. Attendees brought chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing day out. This year, Kenny Green gave a special children’s performance at the Chili Tent. Alongside the musical performances bounce houses, kid-friendly activities as well as food and other vendors lined the festival’s perimeter.
2024 saw Northwell Health joining as a sponsor of the festival. In conjunction with Northwell Health, the band N.E.D. performed. The band is comprised of gynecological oncologists, including Dr. Gizelka David-West of Northwell’s Northern Westchester and Phelps Hospitals. Their band name is derived from the medical acronym for “no evidence of disease.” After their set, N.E.D. gave everyone a clean bill of health and prescribed a daily dose of rock ’n’ roll for all.
The Wailers / Main Stage
With three stages, the festival offered a mixture of musical styles. The stages and act performance times were aligned in such a way that you could experience all eighteen acts if so desired.
The Chill Tent, situated at the far end of the park, offered an open-air big top where you could sit in chairs with large fans circulating the air. This stage hosted singer/songwriter, blues, and jazz performances featuring Jesse Terry and headliner Jill Sobule.
Better Than Ezra / Main Stage
The Pamnation Party Stage served as the place to dance till you dropped. Talon, an all-girl band fromBrooklyn and Armonk tore up the stage, while Dead Tooth from Queens added fuel to the musical fire. Jersey City’s Widely Grown (who also hosted the after-party at Lucy’s) and The Collection (from North Carolina) closed out the stage in fine fashion.
The Main Stage featured national performing acts. Indie rockerMargaret Glaspy, with her haunting raspy vocal tones, shared songs from her 2023 release “Echo The Diamond.” When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston. Performing hit after hit, lead singer Mitchell Brunings led the crowd in sing-alongs throughout their set.
…the ‘burbs can rock
Grammy Award winner The Record Company followed with their straightforward rock ’n’ roll. New Orleans-based headlinerBetter Than Ezra wrapped up the night delighting the audience with a surprise abridged performance of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” during their set.
Jill Sobule / Chill Tent
With eighteen years under its belt, the Pleasantville Music Festival continues to put its mark on the music scene, proving that the ‘burbs can rock.
Main Stage
Better Than EzraThe Record CompanyThe WailersMargaret GlaspyN.E.D.Blue Moon Band
Pamnation Party Stage
The CollectionWidely GrownDead ToothMojo & The Mayhem TalonMainline
Chill Tent Stage
Jill SobuleJesse TerryThe Robert Hill Band w/Rae SimonePlane StationGavon Mitchell & Lauren MianKids Music w/Kenny Green
The 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival kicked off its first day with a spectacular lineup. Held at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, the festival’s opening nightset the stage for an unforgettable weekend of music. An eclectic night of music featured a blend of blues, rock, and eclectic performances,
The headliner for the night, Joe Bonamassa, delivered a powerhouse performance. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice, Bonamassa brought his signature blues-rock sound to the festival. He captivated fans with hits like “Twenty-Four Hour Blue” and “I Want to Shout About It.” Moreover, his set was a testament to why he remains one of the most revered guitarists in the world, as his performance was a fitting climax to an evening of exceptional music.
Stellar Supporting Acts
However, before Bonamassa took the stage, the crowd was treated to a series of impressive performances. Jim Messina, a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, brought a blend of folk, rock, and countr. His classic hits and engaging stage presence were a perfect warm-up for the night’s main act and resonated with the audience.
In like manner, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, the teenage guitar prodigy who has been wowing audiences nationwide, delivered an electrifying performance. Youthful energy and remarkable talent on full display, Niederauer shredded through a setlist that showcased his impressive range and skill.
Additionally, local favorite Kerry Kearney Band brought their unique style of blues to the stage, with Kearney’s slide guitar work and the band’s tight, dynamic sound setting the tone for the evening. Their performance was a hit with the crowd, many of whom are long-time fans of the band.
Five Towns College Stage Highlights
Likewise, the second stage at the Great South Bay Music Festival, known as the Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage, offered a diverse lineup that added to the festival’s eclectic vibe. Chloe Halpin opened the stage with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, captivating the audience with her intimate performance.
Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers followed, bringing a mix of blues, rock, and Americana that was both raw and powerful. Grey’s commanding presence and the band’s gritty sound were a standout of the night.
MJT closed out the second stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd dancing and enjoying the music. Their blend of rock, funk, and jazz was a perfect ending to the night’s performances on the Bandshell stage.
Jim Messina Setlist: House at Pooh Corner, Your Mama Don’t Dance, New and Different Way, Peace of Mind, Be Free, Angry Eyes
Over the weekend of July 5-7, Levitate Music and Arts Festival returned to the Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, MA for the 11th installment.
This family friendly festival is full of good vibes, art, music and community, featuring three stages, a skate ramp as well as a kids zone.
There were many food and beverage vendors which offered a great variety of cuisines and dessert options, as well as a large number of vendors selling their artwork and handmade items, offering henna, jewelry, glitter hair and make up.
As you walked through festival, you could watch artists work on large murals, an incredible sight to watch them work and create over the three day festival. Large sails were suspended overhead, and a misting tent helped provide shaded areas for festival attendees to take a break from the sun and chill out.
This year there was a stellar line up of performers, as there has been in past years, with every performance a treat to see.
Friday
Kicking off the weekend of music was the Levitate Foundation Winner Blue Light Bandits, playing on the Soul Stage, where fans later caught Lee Ross and Stolen Gin. The Style Stage saw performances from Grace Bowers, Neal Francis and Orebolo, with crowds greeting them with excitement.
The Stoke Stage held performances from Jon Muq, The Moss, Dirty Heads (who played songs “Medusa”, “Bum, Bum”, “Sloth’s Revenge”, “Burn Slow” among others) and Mt. Joy who closed out the music on Friday.
Orebolo
Saturday
The overcast day with off and on misty weather didn’t stop the crowds from enjoying the day. Eagerly awaiting the 12:30pm start time, multiple entrances were filling fast. While in line, attendees chatted about their experiences on Friday and what they were looking forward to doing or what bands they were planning to check out that day. Playing first on the Soul Stage was the band Snacktime from Philadelphia, along with The Mark King Band and Joe Samba later that day.
The crowds swarmed around the other stages through the day, with The Hip Abduction, Iration, and Tash Sultana playing sets on the nearby Style Stage. Staggered set times gave everyone plenty of time to catch many shows throughout the weekend. G. Love & Special sauce, Cory Wong, and The Elovators all had great sets on the Stoke Stage.
Sunday
Sunday was the warmest day of all three days at Levitate Music and Arts Festival but that didn’t stop the crowds from continuing to enjoy the festival. Performing throughout the day was Gracie Grace & All The Good Boys, Little Stranger, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, The Rins, Richie Mitch & the Coal Miners, Ziggy Alberts, Karina Rykman, Oliver Anthony played his well-known hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
Closing the main stage were Charlie Crockett and the highly anticipated performance from Sublime, who drew multiple generations of fans, playing a great selection of hits such as “What I Got,” Pawn Shop,” “Saw Red,” and “Bad Fish.”
More than two decades of Disco Biscuits music festival memories converged in Central New York over July 4-6. Combining the rocky terrain of Skye Top Festival Grounds in Van Etten, the hills of Hunter Mountain, the prime rural location of Mariaville and the heat and humidity of Montage Mountain, Camp Biscos of years past were recalled throughout the weekend, these elements compacting into a look at a bright spot in the once boisterous Northeast music festival scene.
Even with all music bumped to be an hour or so earlier than announced, the full Camp Bisco Biscoland experience was on tap. New artists to discover, veteran jam and funk acts to catch up with, Tractorbeam, various DJ sets, a Silent Disco for the post-11 pm noise curfew, and adding in the humidity and heat coupled with the threat of rain/storms, and it was like Camp Bisco 2008 all over again.
Wonderland Forest, which has the potential to be the Caverns of the Northeast, makes the experience not just inside the venue, but the location includes a drive into the rural foothills in southern Onondaga County, with a unique and accessible layout found nowhere else in the Northeast. A byproduct of the Covid-pandemic, the venue’s management thinks differently about the events they plan, the fans they cater to, and the experience that everyone has upon arrival and throughout the weekend. With a summer calendar of events lined up that rivals amphitheaters around the state, Wonderland Forest is shaping up to make Central New York a true live music destination.
Thursday arrival was smooth whether you were car camping or bringing the RV along. Staff solved preferred camping shuttle issues quickly to get fans to their sites and out to see the music.
The initial afternoon slate of music featured opening acts from JImkata, a nationally touring electro-rock band with ties to nearby Ithaca, and Kitchen Dwellers a very non-local band from Montana continually growing in popularity and serving up a blend of bluegrass and psychedelic rock.
Day 1 also featured two sets from a pair of renowned DJs, starting with Mark Farina who played an hour’s worth of house music and his signature “mushroom jazz” at the Saloon Stage. Nora En Pure, a deep house producer known for her signature style of downtempo techno, followed on the Main Stage with a set of music that served as a fitting appetizer for the main course that evening.
That would be Tractorbeam, the Disco Biscuits musical alter ego per se, which features a more techno/dance heavy and lyric-less approach to their music mixed along with other electronica inspirations. Tonight leaned heavily on the “other” with a slew of first timers making their way into the two-hour set that never truly stopped at any point until Katy Perry belted out “Firework.”
A first-time cover of Porter Robinson’s “Language” started the set and funneled perfectly into the techno-styled “Confrontation” that the band has mixed into Disco Biscuits sets as of late. The rest of the set followed suit, blending a mix of electronica classics like Fisher’s “Losing It” that segued effortlessly into a rousing “The Great Abyss” with the laser light show now at full strength. The set even featured a cover of Darude’s “Sandstorm,” also played for the first time.
With the band fittingly adorned in blue and red Adidas track suits for the holiday, they continued to effortlessly churn through new additions to the Tractorbeam musical repertoire, like their take on Fred Again & Baby Keem’s “Leavemealone” that featured some incredible work on the e-drums from Allen Aucoin. The following segment of “Monster” > “Uber Glue” > “Photograph” flowed seamlessly and was the only true run of Biscuits originals. And although there would be no professional pyrotechnics set off on the 4th, the Tractorbeam set ended with a proper cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” that put an end to the first night of music at Biscoland.
Friday warmed up fast and brought along that Camp Bisco humidity of legend and ill repute. Early sets from Dizgo and RAQ brought out those looking to get out of their campsites and hotels. Lespecial kept the crowd engaged, with bassist Luke Bemand poking fun at himself for wearing black jeans on such a hot day, bringing up Cloudchord on guitar during “Enter Sandstorm,” calling back to the Tractorbeam debut of “Sandstorm” the night before. Bemand and Co. flattered the sun-baked crowd throughout the set, reminding those gathered at the main stage “your body is a Wonderland Forest.” Sets from Lettuce and Break Science framed the night ahead, a warm up in the evening daylight for the Biscuits.
For the first proper weekend set of Disco Biscuits, a 14-minute “Vassillios” opened things up with the classic old school tune, something rare to find on this night of fresh/er Biscuits. However, we could not confirm at press time that first set highlight “Dino Baby” was influenced by regional brisket. The smoothly flowing “Dino Baby” stretched itself into an inverted “Crickets,” and once the jam was found, gave a bridge to the first (lyrical) debut of the night, “In the End We Have Forever,” although it had been played fully instrumental at Electric Forest two weeks prior. “No Recollection” closed the set with bassist Marc Brownstein encouraging the crowd (and band) they’d keep the setbreak short at 20 minutes, which they nearly delivered on.
The second set saw the debut of “Another Spin” spanning more than 30 minutes,and based on the March 9, 2024 “No Recollection” jam, per Biscuits Internet Project. Working into the end of “Another Plan of Attack”, the band debuted “Losing It,” again with lyrics, after presenting the instrumental version during Tractorbeam on Thursday night, a rare double-debut for a band that has been unloading fresh new material on fans like an A-list comic hitting the Comedy Cellar night after night for 15-minute sets.
Dipping back into the beginning of “Another Plan of Attack,” the only other old school Biscuits song of the night, “Catalyst” made itself welcome, grinding the end of the set towards “Ring the Doorbell Twice.” You’d be hard-pressed to find a dull moment from these sets, with plenty to unpack from the debuts upon relistens.
The last day of this year’s Biscoland offered a brief respite from some of the humidity and more varied musical acts leading up to two more sets of Disco Biscuits. Saxsquatch, which is exactly what it sounds like, braved the weather and delivered covers on the sax at the Saloon Stage in the early afternoon. Later on the Main Stage, albeit after a bit of a delay, The Breakfast reunited for a set of psychedelic-infused rock that included a spot-on cover of MGMT’s “Time To Pretend.” Afterwards, Space Bacon played to a full and lively crowd back on the Saloon Stage, setting the stage perfectly for the headliners with some Bisco-esque guitar riffs and impressive jamming overall.
The Biscuits continued to mesh the old with the new in their last two sets of the weekend, starting with a true old school number in “Basis For A Day.” The show began with a cohesive instrumental jam that started off fast and never let up for well over 10 minutes until the familiar chorus, with some added orchestral effects from Magner on keys, rang out. The jam out of “Basis” was patiently crafted and segued seamlessly into “Freeze,” from the band’s recent Revolution In Motion release. The extended jam out of “Freeze” led into “Better In Doses,” a completely brand new song debuted, featuring Barber on lead vocals and an infectious beat that seemed like it could have easily fit alongside other “Motion” songs on the album.
The second set began with one last nod to the days of old with a massive “House Dog Party Favor” opener that reached almost 30 minutes in length. From the ashes of the second “House Dog” jam arose yet another new song making its live debut, “Trap Door.” This elicited an intense, slow build of a jam that steamrolled perfectly into a “Cyclone” that continued to build the momentum and even used samples of Outkast’s “So Fresh, So Clean.”
An inverted “Above The Waves’ followed and served as the other massive jam vehicle of the second set. After one last introduction to “Trap Door,” the show came to a close with one last silky smooth transition into “Digital Buddha,” which allotted one last opportunity of samples and true Biscuits rock.
For those that still had a little left in the tank, a Cloudchord silent disco set was the final performance of this year’s Biscoland due to the last minute change in schedule. The Revolution in Motion producer was armed with a guitar and a drum machine and even brought up Barber for a short few minutes on a run through of “Shocked,” giving those in attendees one last chance to soak up the very last remnants of Biscoland 2.
The Disco Biscuits community has rallied to support a fan who was injured by a tree that fell in the night of July 5. A GoFundMe has been set up. Learn more here to help Mary Wallace on her road to recovery.
Disco Biscuits 2024 Tour Dates 7/11 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion 7/12 – Atlantic City, NJ – Bourbon Ballroom 7/13 – Richmond, VA – The National 7/14 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 7/15 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer 7/18-19 Thornville, OH – Secret Dreams Festival 7/20 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival 8/9-11 – Long Pond, PA – Elements Festival 8/29-30 – TBA 8/31-9/1 – Murphysboro, IL – Weekend at the Cave 9/6 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater 9/7 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT) 9/8 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT) 9/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot 9/13 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge (TRACTORBEAM) 9/14-15 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
Starting back in 2002 with a lineup that included Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones, and Sonny Rollins, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival continued in 2024 for it’s 21st edition with acts that included Taj Mahal, Sheila E., John Oates, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.
John Oates
Hosting over 1,700 artists from 15 countries at 20 venues, Rochester was transformed into a music mecca from June 21-29, as the annual music festival took to the streets surrounding Eastman School of Music.
With The famed music school in the heart of the festival, they provided three stages for use during for incoming acts. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Hatch Recital Hall, and Kilbourn Hall, all of which are housed in the same building along the makeshift Jazz St.
Kodak Hall is the largest of the venues, and played host this year to Taj Mahal, John Oates, Lee Ritenour, Laufey, and Samara Joy as headliners. While Mahal and Ritenour each garnered a respectable crowd the first weekend it was Laufey and Joy who each packed Kodak Hall, with fans lining up shoulder to shoulder to get their seats.
Rochester Regional Big Tent
Laufey, who hails from ReykjavÃk, Iceland, has risen to stardom in recent years after playing with Iceland Symphony Orchestra at 15 and competing on regional variations of The Voice and Got Talent. Winner of 2024 Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Bewitched, she amazed the sellout crowd with her classic and smooth jazzy voice. A sound that transports the listener back in time where you had to adjust the AM dial manually. Bringing the classic jazz sounds to Gen Z fans, Laufey mixes in some pop music layers that keeps her audience on their toes, regardless of age. In the days after the show, I could still hear fans talking about her and how they can’t wait to see her again, or how it was one of the highlights of their week.
Samara Joy made her third trip to Rochester for the festival, this time as a headlining act. The Brooklyn native has played the previous two years on smaller stages and packed the house each time, so it only seemed fit that she played the Kodak Hall. Fans were packing the theatre for nearly 45 minutes prior to showtime, as they eagerly awaited the three-time Grammy winner to grace the stage.
With refined vocals and strong comparisons to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Joy has delivered top tier performances three years in a row for the Rochester crowd, and she shows no signs of letting off the gas as she continues her current tour.
Playing to a much smaller crowd than other headliners, John Oates came into Rochester, and delivered an outstanding performance to the group of lucky fans who dedicated their time. Half of the 70s and 80s powerhouse Hall and Oates, the latter played a simple set of Americana/Roots, sounding like a rustic Mark Knopfler. With each song, came a story. A story of how a song became what it is, or a personal story like showing up to a meeting with a bucket list recording artist, while still recovering from a night in the Big Easy. A relic of a bygone era, John Oates needs to be on your concert wish list in 2024. Tour Dates
In addition to Kodak Hall, Hatch Recital Hall and Kilbourn Hall both hosted a series of shows with nothing less than excellence during each performance. Hatch Recital Hall is a classic hall with a handful of balcony seats available. The smallest of three theatres, Hatch offers incredible acoustics throughout and played host to some great piano pieces and woodwind sounds. Featured acts here included Franck Amsallem, Bill Charlap, and Connie Han.
Eastman Theatre
Kilbourn has more of an old world feel to it, and lends itself to little more diverse acts. ARTEMIS, Edmar Castaneda, and Django Festival All Stars were just a few of the amazing acts to serenade patrons of the hall.
Castaneda is a Columbian born harpist, who plays the piece flawlessly while laughing and having the time of his life. Not something you see or hear every day, the harp delivers majestic sounds with every strum that left the crowd in awe. Accompanying Castaneda on stage were a drummer who offered simple background beats, and a flutist who matched sounds perfectly as the show moved on.
Django All Stars (Samson Schmitt on lead guitar, Pierre Blanchard on violin, Ludovic Beier on accordion and accordion, Antonio Licusati on bass, Franko Mehrstein on rhythm guitar) played both Kilbourn Hall and Rochester Regional Big Tent across the street. For the smaller venues, each of these performances were nothing less than amazing and easily one of my favorites to watch. With duals that rivaled the banjos in Deliverance, this stellar group of artists bring the music of Django Reinhardt into the modern era and put their own spin on it in the process.
Moving on the smaller venues, The Wilder Room has become a go to spot for festival goers in recent years. A former club for affluent locals, the Wilder Room offers a beautiful space for music. Great acoustics with the open floorplan and high ceilings, Levin Brothers, Twisted Pine, and CMD were among the acts that graced the stage. CMD made their presense know on the last night of the festival and did not disappoint. I spoke with a couple fans who stayed late on this night just to see the band for second time. A trio of local musicians, CMD (Casey Filliaci, Mark Terranova, and Dave Cohen) delivers a jazzy spin on 80s pop and rock hits from artists like Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Lou Gramm that make the listeners hear an old favorite in a new way. All three musicians have other projects in the mix, but seem to have the right connection here and will have an album coming out in December.
âJazz isn’t a style…it’s a feeling.â
C. Filiaci
Christ Church, tucked right inside the festival perimeter, is a hidden gem of venues. Darker in mood, the acoustics are truly amazing, as Alex Hitchcock, Andy Milne & Unison, and Kaisa’s Machine were able to create sounds that resonated all around the church walls and left patrons yearning for more.
While this nine-day affair was focused on music, you can’t have a festival without food. Enter food trucks. Grilled cheese, poutine, mac and cheese, and meatballs were just a sampling of the culinary delights you had to choose from. Local staples like Macarollin and The Meatball Truck Co were on site and always had a line. Newer trucks like Roc Dilla Food Truck and MelttruckROC came in this week and put Macarollin and The Meatball Truck on notice. Roc Dilla was the run-away winner for me, with quite possibly the best quesadilla I have ever had. Perfectly crisped shell with cheese blend and pork carnitas on the inside and then drizzled with homemade ‘dilla’ sauce and fried tortilla strips. Classically served with pico de gallo and sour cream, this quesadilla will give you the jazz hands as you head to your next destination.
MacarollinRoc DillaMelt Truck Roc
As the festival hits day five, a new stage is erected on the grounds known as Parcel 5. The site of a former shopping center, Parcel 5 is now an empty lot that politicians and local developers fight over almost on monthly basis about what to do with it. Currently, there is nothing permanent there for activities, and it has been used for the Jazz Festival for the past seven or eight years, always drawing large crowds. Sponsored by mega grocery store, Wegmans Food Markets, these shows are all free, all the time. Surrounded by more food and beer trucks, the grounds become a gathering place for music fans and anyone who just wants to let loose. Artimus Pyle, Trombone Shorty, Bruce Hornsby, and Robin Thicke have drawn huge crowds in recent years. 2024 brought an amazing lineup that included Sheila E., Miller and The Other Sinners, Cimafunk, and Jon Cleary.
Shiela E. is no stranger to Rochester, as she has played this festival on multiple occasions, and still amazes anyone who shows up. Miller and The Other Sinners have made themselves known in Western NY in recent years and played to an amped up crowd. Bluesy, jazzy, and folky, David Miller heads the band with authority and everyone on stage plays up to the energy level set forth.
The best act from this stage has to be Cimafunk, where Afro-Cuban Rock is the name of the game and Erik Alejandro Iglesias RodrÃguez knocked it out of the park with ease. Backed by an energetic group of eight fellow Cubans, Cimafunk’s music forces fans to get up and get moving before they can even think about it. Drawing inspiration from George Clinton, James Brown, and Prince, Cimafunk is more than just street beats, its a vibe like you have never heard before. A couple fans I encountered from Syracuse have taken road trips and even cruises to experience the shows. Look for them near you, and if you like to dance, you need to go see them.
For 21 years, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival has graced downtown with a wide variety of musical talent from all over the world. Free shows, ticketed shows, workshops, fun, and food are all a part of what has made this event grow tremendously over the years. All this is thanks to producers and founder John Nugent and Marc Iacona who have worked tirelessly to build the festival to what it is today. 2025 will be here before you know it, so make plans now for June 20-28.
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Electric Forest 2024 friends and family all gathered from thousands of miles away to experience the magic that resides in the middle of the woods in Rothbury Michigan. The festival ran from June 20 to June 23 but people gathered days before this to set up camp and embrace the full forest experience.
DRAMA, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Early arrivers got treated to pre-party sets at the Evolve Afters stage where performances by Super Future and Tripp St. wooed the crowd. Their experimental bass music gave people the perfect hype to kick off this festival weekend.
Day 1 – Welcome to the Forest
First time Forest attendees and vets quickly entered the grounds the first day in a heavy anticipation of what the festival had in store for them this year. Art installations encompassed the scene including beautiful murals, interactive games, light installments, huge statues, and more. So many people are seen embracing their creative spirit from checking out vendor shops, to watching live painting, and exploring the art spread across the trees.
The heat was booming which made The Observatory stage set in the middle of the trees the place to be. It also helped that international electronic producer CloZee’s Odyzey label was doing a stage takeover. This featured performances from Dixon’s Violin, Redrum, Zen Selekta, Super Future, Tripp St., Zingara, and Marsh.
Zen Selekta’s energy at the Observatory was insane. She knows exactly how to handle a crowd and leave them wanting more. Her music intertwines dark vibes with ethereal melodies and ethnic influences.
Zen Selekta, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Over on the Ranch main stage though DRAMA had a soulful performance. This multicultural collaboration is between producer Na’el Shehade’s chic house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa’s inspirational delivery. Their dynamic is so complementary it plays on patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova.
Back at the Observatory Zingara made her return to Electric Forest, but this time with a night time set. Fresh off of her Code of Dreamz tour, she gave the crowd tons of new music and remixes to listen to. She performed her tracks, “Unlock Your Keys,” and “Up is Down.” Seeing a Zingara set transports music through the mind and body in a unique way.
Zingara, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Observatory stage had a round of insane performances from some of the most talented producers. After countless artists played, the electronic rhythmic figure CloZee came on stage for a secret set. She shared she always wanted to play at this specific stage but with her status now it became difficult with the available capacity around that area. This made her secret performance even that much more special and intimate for the lucky fans who got to experience it.
CloZee, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Day 2 – Bass Rush
It’s a Forest tradition that on the second day bass-heads camp out at the Tripolee stage for the numerous dubstep artists that throw-down hard one after the other. People brought out their chill-bos and flow toys for the hard-hitting tunes.
Up and coming artist Canabliss kicked off this day with her pink visuals. She plays on funky beats and is constantly remixing booming tracks. Canabliss even remixed the latest Irish hit “The Spark” making people go crazy. She did mix in some of her own tunes including “Saudade.”
Canabliss, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
More talented women steam-rolled the crowd with their high energy. The bass that day was flourishing to say the least. Dubstep producers Level Up and ALLEYCVT each had a set that was unbelievable. Level Up brought Subtronics out for their latest collab they’ve been working on together.
ALLEYCVT’s visuals and pyro took her performance to the next level. This was her debut at Electric Forest and it did not disappoint. Headbangers were going wild during her set and moshing at any chance they got. Many people left her performance immediately wanting to see more.
ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later into the night Pretty Lights had their comeback performance at Ranch Arena. After 10 years Pretty Lights came back to the fields in Michigan and they left zero crumbs. They brought their own fusion of electronic beats, poetic samples, and modular synthesizers. This musical project is transformative and definitely leaned into more of a jam experience in the Forest.
Back at the Tripolee stage though the late-night dubstep DJs were still giving hard-hitting performances. Boogie T, ATLiens, Wooli, and BTSM finished the round up. BTSM closed out the stage with their mesh of heavy bass and techno. Lately they have been performing with their new anime visuals from Attack on Titan and watching that from the crowd is insane to see.
Boogie T, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Day 3 – Rain Rain Go Away
Okay maybe it’s not the rain so much as the storms that Forest goers had to undergo this day that needed to go. Many started off their day at the Brainery getting in their daily dose of positive affirmations and good vibes. All week different classes were held there including meditation, yoga sessions, and shuffling courses.
Others who entered the festival grounds early attended a party at the Chapel where people got to celebrate their freaky unique selves. And if some attendees got there at the right time special wedding ceremonies would take place.
Super Future, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Unfortunately though this day ended quite early as everyone inside the festival grounds was told to evacuate to their campsites due to severe storms coming in. The intense thunder storms lasted for hours flooding campsites with heavy rain and creating so many mud pits. Many artists didn’t get to perform their set due to this.
They didn’t open the festival back up until after midnight pushing so many artists to now overlap with one another. When the gates opened back up fans ran to the stages to get a good spot for the few late night producers who didn’t lose their set. Subtronics got to throw down at Ranch. His tesseract visuals are stunning and his mixing is top of the EDM game by a landslide. He got to play his flip of Hozier’s song “Too Sweet” and his latest single “Sploinky Dub.”
Tripp St., Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
LSZEE, also known as the project by LSDREAM and CloZee, made their first ever debut as a duo this night. They performed so many unreleased songs and fun remixes. The euphoric energy these two artists brought is unmatched. The two know how valuable certain sound wave frequencies play on mood and they utilize this to take their audience on a journey. These renowned producers got to perform their songs “FRENCH DREAM” and “CHRYSALIS” for the first time as well. A night that people thought might not happen throughout the day was finished with an absolute breathtaking experience.
Day 4 – The Forest Family
Despite the third day having quite the unexpected journey, so many people were ready to fully embrace what the final day of Forest had to offer. Many who missed out on the scavenger hunt the days before went to the “Time Travel Agency” to receive their quest and start their excursion. Others went inside the Dream Emporium to watch a wrestling match, roller-skate, and even go kayaking.
An absolute highlight of the final day, if not the entire weekend, was the return of Lightcode by LSDREAM. In the afternoon at Sherwood Court, LSDREAM presented his sound healing and ambient bliss-inspired project. This meditative experience is one that no words can do justice. It truly is so transformative that it left so many people in tears. The exercise is unlike no other that sets to reopen peoples’ hearts and minds to what not only the festival, but the human experience should consist of.
Level Up, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later in the day, the up and coming trio Levity performed a set at the Observatory. This group first started taking off last year at Electric Forest when the festival needed someone to cover a slot at the Honeycomb stage and one member just so happened to bring his USB. Their 2023 last minute set ended up popping off online and caused this group to get so much commotion behind their name. It truly is a full circle moment watching Levity grow from a last minute fill-in to a night time set at forest. This group encompasses what Electric Forest is all about and their performance was nothing short of eccentric.
Levity, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Experimental bass artist INZO also had a performance that was exceptionally moving. He played on Sherwood Court and of course utilized his signature Alan Watts verbiage. Some tracks fans got to hear were “Overthinker” and “Drift Like a Cloud, Float Like Water.”
Into the night, fans gathered at Ranch Arena for GIGANTIC NGHTMRE. This is a project by Big Gigantic and NGHTMRE that has such heavy hitting beats. The layered sound from the drums, saxophone, and mixing on stage blends effortlessly. The trio definitely know how to pump up a crowd and provide that much needed energy boost. The pyro matched with the fun visuals and fireworks were captivating. The group also performed a good amount of riddim which is exactly what the Forest family needed.
GIGANTIC NGHTMRE, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
After GIGANTIC NGHTMRE ended many gathered up for a performance from the dubstep king himself, Excision. However, this was shortly met with an evacuation announcement due to another wave of severe storms that were coming in. Unfortunately there was no re-entry after the evacuation notice and this sudden goodbye left many upset.
As much as the storms were such an inconvenience to people it didn’t ruin the Forest family’s time. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you respond to the weather. And how people responded to it was by dancing in the rain, creating parties at campsites, and enjoying this time everyone got to spend together in the middle of the woods in Michigan.
ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
That is exactly what Electric Forest is all about. As much as you can play out how your weekend is going to go and schedule what artists you’re going to see, you truly can’t plan for everything. Surrendering to those moments of disarray and wonder can lead you to some of the best times. “While timing is everything, the present is where true discovery lies.” Electric Forest has always provided those moments of discovering what is really important and serves as a reminder of why we’re all here on this Earth: to let go and enjoy our time together. Maybe we didn’t get to see an Excision Electric Forest set, but at least we got to dance in the rain with our friends.
DRAMADRAMAEquanimousZen SelektaZen SelektaZen SelektaSuper FutureTripp St. Tripp St. ZingaraZingaraZingaraZingaraCanablissCanablissALLEYCVTALLEYCVTALLEYCVTLevel Up
The 2024 Caramoor American Roots Festival was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The festival featured blues, Americana, folk, and bluegrass music with a stellar lineup featuring Lizzie No, Solomon Hicks, Fantastic Cat, Poor Monroe, Hopalong Andrew, and headliner Madison Cunningham. Attendees were treated to a day of entertainment in a distinctive setting.
Milton opening the festival
Nestled in a secluded part of northern Westchester County, the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts welcomes its visitors as they pass through a gate which reveals the sprawling 90-acre property. This welcoming gesture sets the tone for the immersive Caramoor experience.
Hopalong Andrew entertaining children in the Sunken Garden
The festival was divided into two sessions: daytime and nighttime. During the day, performances were spread across multiple locations within the center, while the evening session culminated with Madison Cunningham’s performance in the Venetian Theater.
Friends Field
Daytime performers had the chance to showcase their talents twice by performing in two of the four distinct show spaces throughout the day. This two-set format allowed attendees to catch every act without having to choose who to listen to. A map is provided to guide you through the vast expanse of the Caramoor Center. Each show location is sufficiently distant from the other and offers aunique listening experience.
Lizzie No with a young fan enjoying her performance
The Sunken Garden presented the most intimate setting, as it is nestled in a clearing among the trees. This charming location allowed the music to resonate in its purest form. Many at the festival brought their children. The garden proved to be an ideal spot for Hopalong Andrew’s family-oriented set, which encouraged interaction with the children in a tranquil setting. Poor Monroe, a bluegrass band that followed Andrew, equated the location to the origins of their musical genre and the natural materials of their instruments.
Fantastic Cat performing in the Spanish Courtyard
The Spanish Courtyard is situated inside the Rosen House, a Mediterranean-style stucco villa built in the 1930s. Originally the summer home of the Rosen family, the property was donated and converted into a center for the arts and music after the death of their son in World War II.
The Spanish Courtyard is described by Caramoor as “Spanish under the influence of the Italian Renaissance.” The picturesque courtyard with its arched walkways and central fountain, provided an unusual yet enchanting setting for a rock show. Fantastic Cat embraced this unique space with, as they dubbed it, a âspayed and neuteredâ acoustic set, before delivering a full-on electric performance later in the day at the Venetian Theater.
WFUV’s John Platt introducing performers
The third location, Friends Field, offered a spacious environment. Visitors could relax on blankets or chairs and enjoy great sightlines to the large stage. The grassy field also served as a soft dance floor for those so inclined. Singer-songwriter Milton opened this stage, and was followed by Lizzie No and Poor Monroe, with Harlem blues aficionado Solomon Hicks closing out the daytime session.
After the conclusion of the day session, Grammy Award winner Madison Cunningham and her band closed outthe evening with a heartfelt performance in the open-air Venetian Theater, leaving the audience thoroughly appreciative.
Bluesman Solomon Hicks closing the day session
Festivals bring to mindcrowds, long lines, and tight spaces. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts started presenting music in 1945. They have learned the best use ofthe 90 acres offering space for the attendees, performances that do not compete against each other, as well as providinga special place for everyone to enjoy the arts.
Headliner Madison Cunningham / Photo : Gabe Palacio
The American Roots Music Festival is just one of the many curated musical events that take place at Caramoor. Caramoor has a full lineup of musical happenings throughout the year. Check their website for more details.
Year 21 of the Rochester International Jazz Festival kicked of this weekend, with 13 indoor venues as well as four open air stages being used during the nine-day event.
Bad Sneakers
Starting on June 21, streets around the famed Eastman School of Music were closed and transformed into a music lovers haven, with Gibbs St being becoming Jazz St for the next 9 days. The hub of the festival, Jazz St has a large stage with viewing from 180 degrees around, a large air-conditioned merchandise shop, beer trucks, and culinary promenade the opposite end. There are also info booths around to help visitors navigate and get questions answered.
Kingfish Ingram
Also conveniently located along Jazz St are four indoor venues, including Kodak Hall (Eastman Theatre), which hosted the legendary Taj Mahal on Friday night and Lee Ritenour on Saturday.
Mahal brought a show that mixes old school stripped down blues with tropical vibes, as he played the keyboard, guitar, and banjo. With steel drum, bass, and drums to add to the sounds, Taj and crew energized the crowd on the first of nine amazing nights of music.
Christie Dashiell
The following night, Ritenour took the stage and wowed yet another packed house of music fans. With sixteen Grammy nominations and one win (1985 “Early A.M. Attitude”), Ritenour’s music has not gone un-noticed, as he showcased his guitar skills with specials guests Randy Brecker and Bill Evans for roughly two hours.
Across the street from Kodak Hall is Max Rochester, which provides an airy atrium setting, with amazing acoustics for more casual sets, such as the soulful sounds of Christie Dashiell and Franck Amsallem‘s perfectly arranged piano pieces. Stop by Max at Eastman this week for some amazing culinary delights and perfect ambient sounds as you sip your spirits.
One of my favorite venues during the festival is The Little Theatre. Just outside the perimeter of the festival, this nostalgic theatre greets you with the aromas of classic popcorn as you make your way across the hall to the 1929 300 seat theater. A step back in time, indeed. As with recent years, The Little hosts Roots and Americans acts. Small acts, with minimal gear to set up, but amazing sounds and stories. This weekend, Thunderstorm Artis stopped by and told stories of being one of eleven kids (number 7 to be precise) and island life in Oahu. His laid-back personality, smooth and poignant vocals, and witty rizz paired perfectly the crowds for each of his 2 shows as well the venue itself. A finalist from The Voice, Artis is quickly making his name known.
You want free shows? They are plentiful each night of the festival. The blues serenaded the intersection of East Ave and Chestnut St for nearly three hours as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Chris Beard played on Saturday night to a packed street that stretched nearly a full block out and half block each way. This festival is more than grammas jazz records, as it encompasses many genres and takes.
The Jazz St Stage hosts free shows from 330pm until 10 every night. Local high school jazz bands get showcased, the Army band, and various other young local ensembles have opportunities. Later on, more noticeable acts will shake the stage, as Miss Emily did.
Hailing from Prince Edward County in Ontario, Miss Emily has a powerful soulful voice that resonates to every corner of the room she is in. Playing songs she wrote for her daughter and about mother nature (ironically as the winds picked up around the area), Emily played 2 sets for the Sunday evening crowd. Chatting with her after her first set, she says said she was amazed at the festival and the area in general and would love to come back with a full band in the future. This night was just her and the keyboardist.
âMiss Emilyâs voice has got to be heard to be believed – raw, expressive, transitioning flawlessly from a plaintive cry to a sonorous growl, weaving blues, country and rock while she does it. Miss Emily is unafraid to dig deep when she sings, tackling big, messy feelings in her songs – and you can feel it in every note.â
â Rob Baker (The Tragically Hip)
New venues for this year’s festivities are The Duke and Inn on Broadway. The Duke sits just outside the perimeter of the festival, and it is taking up space in a former retail mecca that is growing back up with the area around it. 18 sets will adorn the small stage over the week. It is the fourth business for ownership who also own a small plate venue right across the hall.
The Inn on Broadway is 95-year-old, 25 room boutique hotel and steakhouse that many visitors will pass as the make their way to the main event. The musical venue is an elegant second floor ballroom, with great sound and lots of natural light.
With the first weekend in the books, the Rochester Jazz Festival is primed for a strong finish as acts such as Sheila E, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Bill Charlap, Samara Joy, and John Oates roll into town. Local favorite, Joy, is making her first appearance as a headliner at the festival, after playing smaller stages in recent years. The festival concludes Saturday night, June 29.
Four decades since its creation, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival has not just survived but flourished. The beloved five-day celebration of all bluegrass music is set to return to Oak Hill, NY, this summer, from July 17â21.
The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is one of the oldest continuously running bluegrass festivals in the U.S. Now, the festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 16th year of Oak Hill as its home. Throughout its many years of operation, Grey Fox has grown into a community essential, now being a foundational annual event for locals in the Oak Hill area. For anybody who enjoys bluegrass music, or even just live music for that matter, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival should be on your list of New York’s summer festivals to visit.
One of Grey Fox’s specialties is the variety they put into every year’s lineup. “We want to have a wide and diverse lineup. We consider ourselves a really big umbrella to bluegrass and roots music,” said Grey Fox Festival Executive Director Mary Burdette. Don’t come to Grey Fox expecting just traditional bluegrass. There’s so much more to discover. “We do embrace all sorts of bluegrass, from traditional to contemporary, jamgrass and jazzy,” Burdette said.
One of the most diverse groups coming to Grey Fox this year is the South Korean bluegrass band Country GongBang. Country GongBang won the International Band Performance Grant in 2023, which gave them the financial assistance they needed to tour in the U.S., with the Grey Fox being one of their stops. Country GongBang’s unique take on contemporary bluegrass music with a mix of English and Korean vocals has already garnered them international attention, with the group already playing festivals in Japan and France. The quintet is set to play Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Grey Fox.
Le Vent du Nord, a French-Canadian folk band, is another standout in the lineup. The seasoned quintet, with more than 2,500 performances all across the globe, has an upcoming album that will celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band and “promises to be a vibrant testament to their evolving artistry.” Shows from Le Vent du Nord often include elements of audience participation and should be a must-see for anybody at Grey Fox looking for a lively set.
Wyatt Ellis, a 14-year-old bluegrass prodigy, is a show that any and all true bluegrass fans can’t miss. Ellis, who played at the Grand Ole Opry just eight months ago, has already garnered major attention in the bluegrass community. His debut single, “Grassy Cove,” even went to #1 on the Bluegrass Today charts. “He’s an old soul in a young body,” Burdette said. Ellis is set to play at Grey Fox on Saturday, the 20th.
On top of the festival’s lineup, every year the Grey Fox Festival designates an artist or group as that year’s artist-in-residence, who will spend the festival bouncing between different stages, playing with other artists on the setlist. This year’s artist-in-residence is Grammy-nominated all-women string band, Della Mae.
Della Mae has long been closely associated with Grey Fox, with one of their first gigs ever being at the festival nearly 15 years ago. Celia Woodsmith, the guitarist and vocalist of Della Mae, even met her husband at Grey Fox. “They love, love, love Grey Fox, and we’re really excited to have them,” Burdette said.
While the music is certainly the highlight of the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, there’s much more that comes with the experience.
The festival is held on the scenic Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, right next to Catskill Creek. There is ample space for both quiet camping and picker’s paradise camping, where you can expect after-midnight jammin’, along with the six separate performance stages. All the other essentials, like first aid, security and information booths, are present as well. A map of the full grounds can be found here.
Grey Fox has been held at Walsh Farm for 16 years, so naturally, the grounds have become special to those who come every year. With the festival itself celebrating its 40th anniversary, enough time has passed that generations of families have grown while attending Grey Fox. “One year I sent our media team out to find a good story, and they stopped at this campsite, and there was an infant, parents, grandparents and a great-grandmother all at that campsite, and they’d been coming all those years,” said Burdette.
A massive appeal of Grey Fox and one of the reasons why multiple generations of families can all come together is the festival’s family-friendly nature. Besides the billed artists, which people of any age can enjoy, kids have an entire stage dedicated to them, Family Stage. The Family Stage is home to a myriad of child-friendly activities, including tie-dying, instrument making, nature crafts, yoga for kids, family concerts, dances, sing-alongs, storytelling, puppetry, ventriloquism, movies and more. “We also have a bluegrass academy for kids, and we’ve had as many as 120 kids from ages eight to 17 learning to play, sing and perform bluegrass music,” Burdette said.
For those who have never been to the Grey Fox Festival, there isn’t too much to worry about. Take the time to learn the lay of the land. There’s no reason to rush, so get acquainted with the stage layouts and where all the other essentials are. “If you don’t really know the music that much, you can just kind of wander around, and you’ll hit something that you love,” Burdette said. No matter where you go on the grounds, music and good times will be happening, so the specifics are not too important.
The music even continues throughout the night, with countless families and groups jamming out in the picker’s paradise camping sections seemingly endlessly. According to Burdette, people will usually be jamming until 6 a.m.
And if the atmosphere gets the best of you and you think about joining in, you’re in luck. The Slow Jam Tent, which runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, is primarily for musical novices and features beginner instrumental classes, vocal workshops, and slow jams meant to help anybody with any level of experience. “Every day, all day long, they’re teaching people how to play, and then how to jam, and how to take solos if they’re ready. How to be in the background if they’re not, and just how to play well with others. The people around the campgrounds are just really, really friendly,” Burdette said.
So if you’re looking for a culture-filled music festival with something for all ages, look no further than the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival this July.
See below for lineup.
Full Lineup:
Della Mae (Artist-in-Residence) Del McCoury Band Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Yonder Mountain String Band The Steeldrivers Hawktail The Travelinâ McCourys The Gibson Brothers Sister Sadie I Draw Slow Shadowgrass Sam Grisman Project Wyatt Ellis Darol Anger & Bruce Molsky Charlie Parr The Mammals SCYTHIAN Chris Jones & The Night Drivers Pine Leaf Boys Charm City Junction Casey Driessenâs Red Shoe Stringjam Brennen Leigh The Faux Paws Joe Newberry Twisted Pine Mike+Ruthy (of The Mammals) Pictrola Zoe & Cloyd Unspoken Tradition John, Trish & Quickstep Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings Mild Goose Chase Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne Country GongBang The Cross-Eyed Possum Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Into The Fog The Clements Brothers Berklee American Roots Music Showcase
Tickets to the full festival with camping are available here. Single-day tickets will be available soon as well.
