July Music Festivals
Th-Su 7/14 through 7/17- GREY FOX BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, at the Walsh Farm, Oak Hill —Sure, there are lots of great summer music festivals out there, some big-ticket multi-superstar mega-sellers out there breaking out the sound to the shirtless and steaming masses. But it’s also the summer season of the bluegrass festival, which—if you are at all so inclined—gives you a bit more that just loud music, heavy security, and overpriced beverages for your hard-earned dollars. The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is a great example. Though it’s changed homes a few times over the years, this annual Columbia County farm-based event has become one of the Northeast’s most consistent draws, growing yearly in popularity. As well they should: the line-up is as good it gets, and the opening “house band”—The Dry Branch Fire Squad, playing all four days—sets a pretty serious bar for the headliners, of which there are almost too many to count. But it’s not just the concert; there’s also the Dance Pavilion, where dance oriented groups keep feet on the floor all day and night, and lessons in square and clog dancing for those inclined to learn. There are musical workshops and master classes with bluegrass masters like Sam Bush and Tim O'Brien, as well the Grass Roots tent, where amateurs can jam and get tips from greats like Bill Keith and Kimber Ludiker. Plus, the Bluegrass Academy for kids, and family friendly things like crafts, tie-dying, yoga, games, and performances by clowns, ventriloquists, puppeteers and musicians at the Family Tent each day. Camping is optional, food and beverage vendors galore, and spontaneous jam sessions tend to sprout up about the premises. Sound good? Get those tickets! Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Walsh Farm, 1 Poultney Rd., Oak Hill, www.greyfoxbluegrass.com, 888.946.8495, 315.724.4473. See website for finalized schedule; this is also an incomplete line-up.
Sa/Su 7/23 & 24- ROSENDALE STREET FESTIVAL, in Rosendale—This is truly the “people’s festival.” Though it started in the ‘70s as a much bigger deal, and over the years morphed into a showcase of regional musical talent and local vendors, the Rosendale Street Festival has weathered the abandonment of corporate donation and the spotty economy to continue to deliver a fun FREE weekend of music in July, five stages full of music in one of the coolest towns this side of the Hudson (in my humble opinion, anyhow). How do they do it? Well, it’s simple: everybody works for free (except, of course, the vendors): staff, drivers, musicians, sound guys. It’s kind of a mutual arrangement to just have a really good time for a couple of days. And some might put up their noses at the lack of “big named acts,” like festivals are supposed to have, I reckon. Well, I would reply this: dude, it’s a FREE festival. There are some really fine bands here that maybe aren’t super famous, but they get the job done every weekend all over five counties. And once y’all have spent umpteen hundred dollars at a Bonnaroo or Coachella or even Mountain Jam, I’m thinking FREE is a pretty damn good deal for a change. Who’s with me? And who knows, you might walk away with a new favorite regional band! And any donated funds go to help fund music scholarships for area youth. Speaking of which, the Festival is very kid friendly, with a Family Stage and flag-making station, and the Rosendale Theatre will also be open for the duration, showing a lineup of locally-produced short films. Visit www.rosendalestreetfestival.org for more information. See you there.
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