See What’s Waiting For You At The Festy Experience Including The eTown Stage & Chickapig Farm

The 8th Annual Festy Experience Is Kicking Off At Infinity Downs Farm
Thursday-Sunday, October 5 – October 8, 2017
Featuring:

The Infamous Stringdusters, Ani DiFranco, Drive-By Truckers, Elephant Revival, Sam Bush Band, Beats Antique, The Jerry Douglas Band, Joan Osborne, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more!

The Festy Experience Presents The eTown Stage and “Almost eTown”
Featuring Host Nick Forster and Guest Host Danny Barnes

Visit the Chiackapig Farm

Full weekend and Single Day Tickets On Sale Now → www.thefesty.com

Charlottesville, VA — The Festy Experience is excited about “The eTown Stage,” a new partnership with eTown, a nationally syndicated non­profit radio broadcast/podcast focused on educating and entertaining diverse audiences through music and conversation in order to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world.

For over 25 years, eTown’s Nick & Helen Forster have produced musical, social, and environmental programming to uplift and inspire listeners around the world. eTown listeners come for the music… and stay for the message.

Their social and environmental focus makes eTown a perfect fit to host The eTown Stage, a third stage premiering at The 8th Annual Festy Experience. Throughout the weekend, eTown co-­host Nick Forster and acclaimed banjo bellwether Danny Barnes will present “Almost eTown,” a series of 30 ­minute conversational performances. Danny Barnes & Nick Forster will also be featured with their full band on The Skyline Tent Stage on Thursday night.

Almost eTown will consist of shorts sets and interviews with artists already performing at The 8th Annual Festy Experience which takes place October 5-8, 2017 in the Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm, a 387-acre property in Arrington, Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This year’s full festival lineup includes The Infamous Stringdusters, Ani DiFranco, Drive-By Truckers, Elephant Revival, Sam Bush Band, Beats Antique, The Jerry Douglas Band, Joan Osborne performing the songs of Bob Dylan, and lots more.

In addition to Almost eTown, The eTown Stage will be home to family yoga, local artist performances, and workshops. The Festy aims to give the ultimate laid back festival experience which is fun for the entire family: camping, outdoor activities, craft food and beer, the 22nd Annual Blue Ridge Burn (5k/10k), and stellar music on three stages!

See the full schedule for each stage →  www.thefesty.com/lineup-by-day.

The Festy is also excited to host the Chickapig Farm! Chickapig is a new strategic and fun board game created in Charlottesville. Chickapig breeder and game creator (and luthier) Brian Calhoun joined forces with his farming buddy and musician, Dave Matthews, to bring this game from farm to table where players dodge opponents, hay bales, and an unruly pooping cow. There will be games to play on site as well as a life sized version!

Environmental sustainability is important to the organizers and they are eliminating all waste from single-use plastic cups. Instead every All Weekend ticket comes with a free commemorative steel pint cup from The Festy’s Partner, Klean Kanteen, which they can use for free water from filling stations placed throughout site as well as beer purchases.

The Festy Experience ~ Full 2017 Lineup:
The Infamous Stringdusters
Ani DiFranco
Drive-By Truckers
Elephant Revival
Sam Bush Band
Beats Antique
The Jerry Douglas Band
Joan Osborne
The Travelin’ McCourys
Sierra Hull
Danny Barnes & Nick Forster
EmiSunshine
Garrettgrass Gospel Hour
Della Mae
Cabinet
Shook Twins
Billy Strings
Sarah Siskind & Sunliner
Carl Anderson
Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers
Love Canon
Maggie Koerner
Dori Freeman
Erin Lunsford
Gallatin Canyon
Tara Mills

Location: Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm
1510 Diggs Mountain Road
Arrington, VA 22922

Infinity Downs Farm is conveniently located just 35 miles south of Charlottesville and 30 miles north of Lynchburg, (it is also the site of LOCKN’ Festival). The property features outdoor amphitheaters, open fields, campgrounds, hiking, and over 7 miles of biking trails. Stay tuned for more information about outdoor activities and workshops.

Tickets, more information, and updates at www.TheFesty.com,
www.twitter.com/thefesty, www.facebook.com/thefesty, and www.instagram.com/thefestyexperience.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@theartistfarm.com or 434-220-4000.

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The 8th Festy Experience Adds Ani DiFranco, Elephant Revival, Beats Antique, Joan Osborne, Sierra Hull, and more!

The 8th Annual Festy Experience Announces Additions of
Ani DiFranco, Elephant Revival, Beats Antique, Joan Osborne, Sierra Hull, & More

Thursday-Sunday, October 5 – October 8, 2017
at Infinity Downs Farm in Arrington, VA

Tickets are on-sale now at
www.thefesty.com

Charlottesville, VA — The Festy Experience is excited to announce the second round of its music lineup for the 8th annual festival, happening October 5-8, 2017 in the Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm, a 387-acre property in Arrington, Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lineup comprises a carefully curated blend of national and local roots music acts and additions include Ani DiFranco, Elephant Revival, Beats Antique, Joan Osborne, Sierra Hull, EmiSunshine, Della Mae, Shook Twins, Sarah Siskind & Sunliner, Phoebe Hunt, Maggie Koerner, Dori Freeman, Erin Lunsford, and Tara Mills. Danny Barnes, Nick Forster, and Gallatin Canyon have also been recently added!

Other performers already announced include The Infamous Stringdusters, Drive-By Truckers, Sam Bush Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Jerry Douglas Band, Cabinet, Billy Strings, Love Canon, Carl Anderson, and The 8th Annual Garrettgrass Gospel Hour.

With half of the lineup consisting of female artists, The Festy Experience Director Michael Allenby says, “We recognize that the previous version of the music industry is hurting and can not invest in artists and progress their careers. It is now the promoter’s job to evolve the industry and we believe that gender equality is a critical issue. Other industries often claim that gender inequality is a ‘pipeline issue’ that will take a long time to evolve; however, there’s no shortage of amazing female artists and performers. The marketing of this talent happens AT festivals… not just FOR festivals.

“The fact that the first half of this year’s Festy lineup was ALL MEN went surprisingly unnoticed by most.” Allenby continues, “We see unbalanced programming too often and wanted to do something to draw attention to the issue. It’s one of many progressive changes that The Festy intends to roll out over the coming years and we are challenging promoters to make social progress a priority in all aspects of large-scale community gatherings.”

Throughout the event’s year history, The Festy Experience team has worked hard to produce a diverse festival experience that illustrates its core values: a love of craft food & beer (they will be offering a variety of Virginia’s award winning craft beer), appreciation for the outdoors, and stellar music. A family-friendly atmosphere is key; along with a family camping area, there will be a large kids area, a teen zone, special programming, a kids instrument making workshop, as well as other family activities. Of course they’ll still have an amazing yoga program, plus the 22nd Annual Blue Ridge Burn (5k/10k)!

Environmental sustainability is important to the organizers and they are eliminating all waste from single-use plastic cups. Instead every All Weekend ticket comes with a free commemorative steel pint cup from The Festy’s Partner, Klean Kanteen, which they can use for free water from filling stations placed throughout site as well as beer purchases.

The Festy Experience started in 2009 and is a partnership between Allenby’s Virginia-based company, The Artist Farm and The Infamous Stringdusters and it offers more than music. This will be The Festy Experience’s second year at Infinity Downs Farm, which is conveniently located just 35 miles south of Charlottesville and 30 miles north of Lynchburg, adjacent to the site of LOCKN’ Festival. The property features outdoor amphitheaters, open fields, campgrounds, hiking, and over 7 miles of biking trails. Stay tuned for more information about outdoor activities and workshops.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@theartistfarm.com or 434-220-4000.
More information can also be found at www.thefesty.com.

Location: Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm
1510 Diggs Mountain Road
Arrington, VA 22922

Tickets and Lodging Upgrade Options:

Tickets are on sale now and there are plenty of options including Weekend Camping, Car Camping, Family Camping, RV (powered or non-powered options), Individual Day, and Weekend-Day Passes with addition parking fees added on depending on your needs. Kids under 12 are free and there are special rates for teens (13-17).

All Weekend Access Tickets also Thursday Arrival (making it 4 days total over Columbus Day weekend). This is made possible because of a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC/  Virginia Is For Music Lovers) who recently awarded sponsorships to 32 Virginia music festivals, including The Festy Experience.

The Festy Experience is thrilled to announce Lodging Upgrades. The Show Sherpa Village offers all the fun, with none of the hassle. The Show Sherpa will provide the gear you need (Tents, Camping Cots, Lanterns, Camping Chairs), set up your campsite, and brew you coffee each morning!

The High Country Village provides many of the comforts and conveniences of a Hotel but with the full Festy Experience of camping on-site for the weekend. Set in a premium location, The THC Village has three lodging options: Deluxe Hideout RV, Deluxe Solid Ground Shelters (with Queen and Twin Sized Beds), Standard Solid Ground Shelters (with Camping Cots). Each option includes a breakfast & coffee bar, daily Happy Hour, a large covered lounge, a fire pit, power, free showers, and last but not least, flushable toilets.

Tickets, more information, and updates at www.TheFesty.com,
www.twitter.com/thefesty, www.facebook.com/thefesty, and www.instagram.com/thefestyexperience

 

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The 8th Festy Experience Announces The Infamous Stringdusters, Drive-By Truckers, Sam Bush Band, The Travelin’ McCourys

The 8th Annual Festy Experience Unveils First Half of Artist Lineup
Thursday-Sunday, October 5 – October 8, 2017
at Infinity Downs Farm in Arrington, VA

The Infamous Stringdusters, Drive-By Truckers, Sam Bush Band,
The Travelin’ McCourys, The Jerry Douglas Band & more
www.thefesty.com

Charlottesville, VA — The Festy Experience is excited to announce the first half of its music lineup for the 8th annual festival, happening October 5-8, 2017 in the Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm in Arrington, Virginia. The lineup comprises a carefully curated blend of national and local roots music acts, featuring The Infamous Stringdusters, Drive-By Truckers, Sam Bush Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Jerry Douglas Band, Cabinet, Billy Strings, Love Canon, Carl Anderson, and The 8th Annual Garrettgrass Gospel Hour. And this is just half of the artist lineup. The next installment of artists will be announced on Wednesday, June 14th. Tickets are on-sale now.

The Festy Experience came about as an idea between Virginia-native Michael Allenby and The Infamous Stringdusters in 2009. Allenby’s Charlottesville-based company, The Artist Farm, was working with the band at the time in management. They got to talking and wanted to organize an event that grew out of the band’s shared experiences with fans over the years on the road. Music was a focus, but it was always more than music to them. Some had started raising families and community has always been at the heart of their involvement in the festival scene.

Throughout the event’s seven-year history, The Festy Experience team has worked hard to produce a festival experience that illustrates its core values: a love of craft food & beer (they will be offering a variety of Virginia’s award winning craft beer), appreciation for the outdoors, and stellar music. A family-friendly atmosphere is key; along with a family camping area, there will be a large kids area, a teen zone, special programming, a kids instrument making workshop, as well as other family activities.

With acres of meadows and miles of trails, The Festy Experience is crafting a full weekend of outdoor activities that will include Disc Golf and many other outdoor activities… plus Guided Nature Tours, Trail Runs, and Hosted Bike Rides. Of course they’ll still have an amazing YOGA program, plus the 22nd Annual Blue Ridge Burn (5k/10k)! Stay tuned for more information on activities, workshops, and special accommodations.

This will be The Festy Experience’s second year at Infinity Downs Farm, a 387-acre property in Arrington, VA, located in the Nelson County Preserve at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia adjacent to the site of LOCKN’ Festival. The property features outdoor amphitheaters, open fields, campgrounds, hiking, and over 7 miles of biking trails. The Festy is fortunate that Infinity Downs Farm has been investing in extremely rare infrastructure (fencing, power, roads, water, internet) that will provide a sturdy foundation for The Festy Experience to continue its mission of long-term sustainability. It is conveniently located just 35 miles south of Charlottesville and 30 miles north of Lynchburg.

Tickets are on sale now and there are plenty of options including Weekend Camping, Car Camping, Family Camping, RV (powered or non-powered options), Individual Day, and Weekend-Day Passes with addition parking fees added on depending on your needs. Kids under 12 are free and there are special rates for teens (13-17). If you have any questions please contact us at info@theartistfarm.com or 434-220-4000.

The Festy Experience is excited to announce that All Weekend Access Tickets now include FREE Thursday Arrival (making it 4 days total over Columbus Day weekend). This is made possible because of a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) who recently awarded sponsorships to 32 Virginia music festivals, including The Festy Experience.

Anyone that purchases an All Weekend ticket will also receive a FREE commemorative steel pint cup from The Festy’s Partner Klean Kanteen. This is part of the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability and used for beer purchases and water from free filling stations throughout the event.

Watch out for a series of events throughout the year in central Virginia to keep The Festy Experience around all year such as Bluegrass Brunch, listening room shows, and other special family friendly events.

The Festy Experience ~ First Half of 2017 Lineup:

The Infamous Stringdusters
Drive-By Truckers
Sam Bush Band
The Travelin’ McCourys
The Jerry Douglas Band
Cabinet
Billy Strings
Love Canon
Carl Anderson
The 8th Annual Garrettgrass Gospel Hour
More TBA in June!

Tickets: www.TheFesty.com

Location: Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm
1510 Diggs Mountain Road
Arrington, VA 22922

More information and updates:
www.thefesty.com, www.twitter.com/thefesty, www.facebook.com/thefesty, and www.instagram.com/thefestyexperience

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Town Mountain Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates

Town Mountain Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates

Town Mountain is ready and reelin’ to travel the country this spring and summer! They will have stops in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Washington and Oregon. Notable events include performance at the Leftover Salmon’s Bluegrass Throwdown, John Hartford Memorial Festival, ROMP, The Hampton Taphouse Festival, The Festival of Bluegrass, RapidGrass and much more!

Stay tuned for a new music videos coming your way from Town Mountain this season, including a track from Leave the Bottle [Pinecastle Records 2012]. They will be launching a new covers series that will kick off with their version of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”. This will premiere on The Bluegrass Situation this June (http://www.thebluegrasssituation.com).

Based in Asheville, NC, Town Mountain is Phil Barker on mandolin and vocals, Robert Greer on lead vocals and guitar guitar, Jesse Langlais on banjo and vocals, Bobby Britt on fiddle, and newest member Jake Hopping rounds them out with his rock-solid bass. One listen to their instantly memorable songs, and it’s plain to see why Grammy-winner Mike Bub would align with the group to produce Leave the Bottle as well as 2011’s Steady Operator.

“I’m not sure what the definition of bluegrass would be in words alone, but if that definition was set to music, it would probably sound something like Town Mountain’s Leave the Bottle… I could go on,” says Bluegrass Today’s David Morris, “There are no duds, and no filler songs on this project. But you get the point. This, my friends, is how bluegrass is supposed to sound.”

Leave the Bottle effortlessly covers a wide array of styles in the stringband spectrum featuring the stellar in-house songwriting that has become the band’s trademark. There’s the barroom swagger and honky tonk edge of tracks like “Up the Ladder” and the title track “Leave the Bottle”, the Jimmy Martin style bounce and confidence of “Lawdog” and “Lookin’ in the Mirror”, the Irish flavor of Bobby Britt’s “Four Miles”, and the laid back John Hartford style groove of “Greenbud on the Flower” among others. But no matter the style, the band’s delivery gives every tune a true and honest feel.

Town Mountain On Tour Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates
Fri 5/10 Chapel Hill, NC Merritt’s
Sat 5/11 Harrisonburg, VA The Clementine Cafe
Fri 5/17 Bloomingdale, GA Randy Wood Guitars
Sat 5/18 Panola, SC Birdfest at Pineland Farms
Sun 5/26  Black Mountain, NC Pisgah Brewing w/ Leftover Salmon’s Bluegrass Throwdown with Elephant Revival & Dangermuffin
Fri 5/31 Bean Blossom, IN John Hartford Memorial Festival
Sat 6/1 Carbondale, IL The Hangar 9
Sun 6/2 Chicago, IL The Red Line Tap
Mon 6/3 Urbana, IL The Iron Post
Tue 6/4 Lancaster, WI House Concert
Wed 6/5 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon w/ Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Thu 6/6 Bangor WI Leo and Leona’s w/ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and Cactus Blossoms
Fri 6/7 Cincinnati, OH THe Crow’s Nest
Sat 6/8 Lexington, KY Festival of the Bluegrass
Thu 6/13 Lexington, NC High Rock Outfitters
Fri 6/14 Tryon, NC Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival
Thu 6/20 Salem, VA Private Event
Fri 6/21 Raleigh, NC The Pour House Music Hall
Sat 6/22 Hampton, VA Hampton Taphouse Festival & After-Party
Sun 6/23 Norfolk, VA Town Mountain BBQ Picnic @ Norfolk Taphouse
Wed 6/26 Lexington, KY Willie’s Locally Known w/ Tyler Childers and the High Wall
Fri 6/28 Owensboro, KY ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival
Sat 6/29 Belvidere,TN Circle E Guest Ranch 2nd Annual Bluegrass Festival
Thu 7/4 Gold Hill, CO The Gold Hill Inn
Fri 7/5 Fort Collins, CO Acoustic Bridge Musical Potluck
Sat 7/6  Idaho Springs, CO Clear Creek RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival
Thu Thu 7/11 Charlotte, NC Whitewater River Jam at US National Whitewater Center
Fri 7/12 Fairfax, VA Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series at Royal Lake Park
Sat 7/13 Gardners, PA Bluegrass On The Grass
Sun 7/14 Mount Solon, VA Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Tue 7/23 Bellingham, WA The Green Frog
Thu 7/25 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Fri 7/26 Skamania, WA Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival
Sun 7/28 Eugene, OR Sam Bond’s Garage
Fri 8/2 Saxapahaw, NC Haw River Ballroom w/ Big Fat Gap

Please visit www.TownMountain.net for more information and further tour dates.

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Donna the Buffalo continues to stampede with the Herd this winter!

“With more than 20 years of experience, impeccable musicianship, and uplifting, heady music, Donna the Buffalo has become one of the premier Americana and roots-rock outfits on the eastern seaboard, if not the whole country.” ~ Ryan Whirty, Rochester City Paper

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Donna the Buffalo continues to stampede with the Herd this winter! They will be traveling through North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama before heading back up north to West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York before making the trek back down to Florida for the Inagural Virginia Key Grassroots Festival the 2nd weekend of February!

Travis Newbill wrote an awesome live review from Donna The Buffalo’s recent show at Revolution Live in Ft Lauderdale on Jan 9th! Some excerpts are below.

Donna’s groove is infectious, hypnotic and wholesome, subtly incorporating trance, reggae, and pop qualities into a sound which is Americana first and foremost. It is rootsy music offered by deep, sensitive players. At times they could be described as Mazzy Star, sped up and minus the echo, with an emphasis on allowing grooves to develop, peak, and come to rest.

Singer and multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins has the presence of an Americana shaman. Whether she is zoning with the tambourine, violin, washboard, accordion, guitar, or singing, she is visibly tapping into mystical energy, and inviting all those willing into that vast space. Ditto guitarist Jeb Puryear, whose eyes roll involuntarily into the back of his head while the rest of his body surrenders as well–possessed by the groove with jaw agape.

The band was locked in from start to finish Friday night while delivering their sweetly melodic songs and jamming extensively. The crowd was locked in as well. The audience was equal parts bluegrass, Grateful Dead, and reggae people — all friendly spirits. It is no wonder why this band has such a dedicated following. There is no other band that this writer has come across that does quite what they do. And they do it with a humble confidence and great joy. Click here for the full review in the Broward-Palm Beach New Times.

Photo credits: Full band shot by John D Kurc.  Jeb Puryear by Gene Martin. Tara Nevins and Kyle Spark by Rich Orris.

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DtB on the radio this winter:

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Sun, Jan 15th; between 6-8pm EST — WQFS in Greensboro, NC — Interview with Tara on “Hangin’ with Higgs”. (also doing a ticket giveaway!)

Tue, Jan 17th; 6-8pm EST — WMNF in Tampa, FL — Jeb Puryear Co-Hosts & plays Virginia Key GrassRoots Fest DJ with DJ Ed Greene on “Freak Show” Listen to the Poscast!

Thu, Jan 19th; 4pm EST — WQFS in Greensboro, NC — Duo session with Jeb & Tara on David Wright’s program “The Caravan” (also doing a ticket giveaway!)

Fri, Jan 20th; 5pm EST — WDVX in Knoxville — Jeb & Tara duo session with Tony Lawson in the “Features at 5”

Sat, Jan 21st; between 4 and 6pm — 98.1 The River in Asheville — Jeb & Tara duo session with Aaron LaFalce in “Studio AVL”

Sat, Jan 21st; in the 5pm EST hour — WCOM in Carborro, NC — Tara Nevins interviews on Tom Arnell’s “Placeholder Show”

Sun, Jan 22nd; starts around 7pm EST — Kix Country in Port Charles, FL — Studio session and interview with Jeb who will also play DJ with Virginia Key GrassRoots Fest Music on Larry’s Timko’s show “Down Home Cookin'”

Sat, Jan 28th; — time tba  WWVU (U92 fm) in Morgantown, WV — Jeb and Tara duo session with Carly Parana’s “Alternate Routes”

Sun, Feb 5th; 2pm WLRN in Miami, FL — Interview with Jeb Puryear and Emma Hewitt about the Virginia Key Grassroots Festival with Michael Stock on “Folk & Acoustic Music”

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DtB on tour this winter:

Thu, Jan 19, 2012 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger – w/ Woody Pines
Fri, Jan 20, 2012- Knoxville, TN – The Bijou Theatre – w/ Woody Pines
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel – w/ Woody Pines
Sun, Jan 22, 2012 – Huntsville, AL – Crossroads Café – w/ Woody Pines
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 – Birmingham, AL – WorkPlay Theatre – w/ Woody Pines
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley – w/ Wooten Brothers
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 – Carrboro, NC – The Cat’s Cradle – w/ Woody Pines
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 – Falls Church, VA – The State Theatre
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 – Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant Street
Thu, Feb 2, 2012 – West Chester, PA – The Note – w/ Mason Porter
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 – Buffalo, NY – The Tralf
Sat, Feb 4, 2012 – Utica, NY – Uptown Theatre
Sat-Sun, Feb 10-12, 2012 – Miami, FL – Virginia Key Grassroots Festival
Fri, March 23, 2012 – Charleston, SC – The Pour House
Sat-Sun, March 24-25,2012 – Live Oak, FL – Suwanee Springfest
Sun, March 22, 2012 – Atlanta, GA – Sweetwater 420 Festival
Thu-Sat, April 26-28, 2012 – Wilkesboro, NC – Merlefest

More shows tbd…
Stay tuned to www.donnatehbuffalo.com

 

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Charlottesville, Virginia – The Festy Presents at The Southern: Larry Keel and Natural Bridge with The Founding Fathers!

Introducing “The Festy Presents!”

In response to amazing feedback from the first two years of The Festy Experience, the talent, party, vibe, and hospitality of The Festy Experience will be brought to you throughout the year in the Charlottesville area. The Festy Presents will feature artists who have performed at The Festy as well as artists you can anticipate for The Festy 3 (October 5-7, 2012)

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On Saturday, December 3rd, The Festy Presents brings two-year veterans of The Festy, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge to The Southern along with The Founding Fathers (featuring Chris Pandolfi and Andy Falco of The Infamous Stringdusters). The night will feature draft beer from Devils Backbone Brewing Company and ALL advance ticket purchasers will be entered to win a pair of ticket to New Years Eve at The Jefferson Theater with The Infamous Stringdusters or a Festy merchandise package.
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Original, and from the soul, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge joyfully ride the changing tides of traditional bluegrass, country, jam rock, roots reggae, and even the currently emerging indie-alt scene always honoring the pioneers that introduced Bluegrass and Mountain Music into popular culture. Larry Keel is an award-winning Acoustic Americana flatpicking guitarist, well known for his entirely unique song-writing, gravelly voice and lightning fast licks and is “consistently touted as the hottest, most provocative and most entertaining bluegrass (artist) of this decade.” Joining the award-winning Flatpickin legend to make up Natural Bridge are the vastly talented Mark Schimick on mandolin and vocals, Larry’s life-long picker pal (and fishing phenom) Will Lee on soulful, blues-grass style 5-string banjo and penetrating lead vocals, and wife Jenny Keel with her impeccable timing and solid, yet imaginative bass lines as well as tenor vocal harmonies.

Show details at a glance:
The Festy Presents:
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge
The Founding Fathers
Saturday December 3, 2011

Doors at 7:30pm
$12 in advance/$15 day of show
Limited Seating Available
Advance tickets are available for pickup at The Southern, Rapture, and Devils Backbone Brewing Company

Or online at:
www.thesoutherncville.com
www.thefesty.com
www.thefestypresentslarrykeel-larrykeel.eventbrite.com

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Free Download of the Title Track of Dehlia Low’s ‘Ravens and Crows’ Which Releases Through Rebel Records on Aug 2, 2011

Newly signed to Rebel Records, Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country with a strong bluegrass flavor, crafting a fresh originality that feels like home in the flourishing roots music soundscape. Their new release ‘Ravens and Crows’ was produced by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book and hits the streets on August 2nd…

Dehlia Low’s vocal harmony and instrumentation reflect a deep connection to traditional music with modern arrangements and relevant, smart songwriting. The band combines their gripping, rustic-flavored vocal style with extraordinary instrumental prowess in original songs that feel at once both old and new pushing their sound into the emerging Americana genre. The group’s sound is focused on original music rooted in bluegrass but with a distinctive country/folk feel true to their southern Appalachian roots.

Dehlia Low’s eagerly-anticipated Rebel Records debut ‘Ravens & Crows’ is released August 2nd. Produced by Travis Book of The Infamous Stringdusters, this album helps to firmly establish Dehlia Low as one of the most compelling and distinctive young groups on the acoustic music scene today. With their tasteful, sometimes moody blending of different styles, the group has created a unique sound that already seems fully mature and established.

Dehlia Low formed in late 2007 as part of Asheville, North Carolina’s roots music renaissance. Singers Anya Hinkle (from Blacksburg, VA on fiddle) and Stacy Claude (from Atlanta, GA on guitar) pulled together a group of talented pickers from the region: Aaron Ballance on Dobro (Winston-Salem, NC), Bryan Clendenin on mandolin (Hurricane, WV) and Greg Stiglets on bass (Jackson, MS).

Here is what the press is saying about Dehlia Low’s Ravens and Crows:

“The group has taken off like a skyrocket…and deservedly so: in a musical world that doesn’t always treasure creativity, Dehlia Low has staked out a good piece of ground all its own.” ~ Nashville Scene, Jon Weisberger

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“Dehlia Low’s “Ravens & Crows” is carefully crafted to lure traditional, country, bluegrass and Americana fans. They are generally appealing to all of these genres without alienating anyone, which is hard to do.” ~ Boone Mountain Times, Ashley Wilson

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“Heavenly lead & harmony vocals…superb original songs…musical prowess.” ~ Al Shusterman, Backroads Bluegrass on KCBL

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“…bittersweet vocal harmonies and spirited picking…Dehlia Low promises to bring the sounds and soul of the Blue Ridge Mountains …” ~ Art News New Orleans

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“…relying on the warm tones of acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass, slide guitar, and not to mention fiddle thumpin’, strummin’ and pickin’ underneath honeysuckle vocal harmonies — the Asheville, N.C., quintet seems like it has rolled straight off a mountainside and right onto a wraparound wooden porch in some summer-grass valley.” ~ Style Weekly, Mike Hilleary

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“The real highlight on Ravens and Crows is the vocal harmony. Lead singer Anya Hinkle, guitarist Stacy Claude, and bassist Greg Stiglets’ voices blend beautifully on songs like the album’s title track.“ ~ Americana Music Examiner, Chris Griffy

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“…really special. I have added them to my “must see” list permanently.” ~ The Bluegrass Blog, Diane Farineau

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In 2011, Dehlia Low will be taking their “Appalachiagrassicana” sound across the U.S. in support of the new album:

Sun, July 24th – Mast Farm Inn – Banner Elk, NC
Fri, July 29th – North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center – Nevada City, CA
Sat, July 30th – Sutter Creek Theatre – Sutter Creek, CA
Sun, July 31st -Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA
Tues, August 2nd – House Concert – Bear Valley, CA
Wed, August 3rd -The Abbey at Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol, CA
Thurs, August 4th – The Red Fox Tavern – Eureka, CA
Fri, August 5th – Dead on the Creek Festival – Willits, CA
Sat, August 6th – Oaksong Music Society at Gray Pine Farm – Oak Run, CA
Sunday, August 7th – House Concert | Berkeley, CA
Sat, August 13th- Stecoah Valley Center -Robbinsville, NC
Mon, August 15-21st – Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival |- Big River, SK
Fri, August 26th – Bacchus Bistro – Marshall, NC
Sat, September 3rd – The Station Inn – Nashville, TN
Thurs, September 8th – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC
Sat, September 10th – Mountain Song Festival – Brevard, NC
Fri, September 23rd – Hendershots Coffee Bar – Athens, GA
Sat, September 24th – Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s – Crawford, TN
Mon, September 26th Abbeville County Career Center – Abbeville, SC
Tues, September 27th – The Basement – Nashville, TN
Sat, October 1st – The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center – Asheville, NC
Sat, October 8th – Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival – Silk Hope, NC
Fri, October 14th – Private Event – Seneca, SC
Sat, October 15th – Private Event – Candler, NC
Sun, October 16, 2011 – Poplar Knight Spot – Aberdeen, NC
Thurs, October 20th – Cafe Nola – Frederick, MD
Fri, October 21st – The Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV
Sat, October 22nd – Elk Creek Café – Millheim, PA
Sun, October 23rd – Puck Live – Doylestown, PA
Sat, November 12th – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
Fri, November 18th – Ashland Coffee & Tea – Ashland, VA
Sat, November 19th – Southern Cafe and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA
Tues, December 6th – Wilbert’s | Cleveland, OH
Wed, December 7th – Circus – Ann Arbor, MI
Thurs, December 8th – Salt of the Earth – Fennville,MI
Stay tuned to DehliaLow.com for more tour dates TBA!

Dehlia low on the web:
www.dehlialow.com
twitter.com/dehlialow
www.reverbnation.com/dehlialow
www.facebook.com/pages/Dehlia-Low

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Galen Kipar Project Tours WV, VA, and MD this July with stops at The Mockingbird, FloydFest, the Purple Fiddle and more!

Galen Kipar. Photo By Gary Reckard.

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Upcoming shows:
Thu, July 21st – Staunton, VA – The Mockingbird
Fri, July 22nd – Floyd, VA – The Sun Music Hall
Sat, July 23rd – Frederick, MD – Cafe Nola
Sun, July 24th – Thomas, WV – Purple Fiddle Cafe
Wed, July 27th – Roanoke, VA – Awful Arthur’s
Fri-Sun July 28-31st – Floyd, VA – FloydFest

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“If the Pied Piper-like migration of people to the stage during their FloydFest performance this past summer [2010] is any kind of barometer, the band is on an immutable trajectory of permeating Southwest Virginia with their versatile, yet immediately attainable sonority.” ~ Todd Guill, New River Voice

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“Their style can be described as broad, showing influences from blues, jazz, and folk. It’s a fusion of these elements that give GKP its full and rich sound, described by Galen as “a stew” and by Benjamin [Bass player] as “familiar yet original.” I could easily picture myself finding a secluded stream high on the mountain and lying in the warm sun as the Galen Kipar Project played softly in the background. Maybe I can talk them into hiking with me one day, with instruments in hand, of course. I would even offer to carry a few things.” ~Jeremiah Greer, Magazine 33

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“It’s like a collection of short stories, brilliantly constructed and with a unique and compelling literary voice. I keep coming back to each song, listening more deeply and being drawn more deeply in. I was knocked out by their last CD, and was hoping I’d like the next one even half as much; if anything, I like this one twice as much.” ~ David Gans, KPFA’s Dead to the World, Host of Grateful Dead Hour

WWW.GalenKipar.com

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Full schedule of events awaits Rooster Walk 3 patrons on Memorial Day weekend!

MARTINSVILLE, VA. – A lights-laden performance from Grammy-nominated headliners the Infamous Stringdusters, two long sets from festival hosts Folk Soul Revival and a packed list of events at the workshop stage: These are just some highlights from the Rooster Walk 3 schedule recently released by event organizers.

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The Infamous Stringdusters, a progressive bluegrass band from Nashville, Tenn., will perform from 8:40-10:10 p.m. on the Creekside Stage at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds on Saturday, May 28. The band, which tours throughout the country and abroad, will be making its first trip to Rooster Walk.

The Infamous Stringdusters will headline Rooster Walk 3 on May 27-28 at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds near Martinsville, Va. Members of this Grammy-nominated band are (on floor): Travis Book, (on couch, from left) Jesse Cobb, Jeremy Garrett, (standing, from left) Andy Falco, Andy Hall and Chris Pandolfi.

“It sounds like a good time, and that’s largely one of the guiding principles of what we do these days: What sounds like the most fun, for us and for people who want to come be a part of it?” said Travis Book, a vocalist and upright bass player for the Stringdusters. “And Rooster Walk fits the bill. It’s gonna be a really great time, and that’s one of the most important things to us. Since we’re all just spinning around on this planet, why not try to enjoy it as much as possible?”

Roots-rockers Folk Soul Revival are the only band scheduled to perform during both nights of the festival. The group, which formed in Wise just three years ago, will play on the Blue Mountain/Bassett Furniture Stage from 10:25 p.m.-midnight on Friday, May 27. FSR will play one night later on the Creekside Stage from 5:30-6:50 p.m.

“We’re very excited to be a part of this and be the festival hosts,” said Folk Soul Revival guitjo player Justin Venable. “We’re pumped to play, and also we’re excited to be there as fans of the other bands. It’s gonna be a great time.”

Joanne Lane (left) and daughter Hunter Lane pause for a picture during Rooster Walk 2 on Memorial Day weekend, 2009.

Another new addition to the festival is the Arts at the Rives Theatre (ART) Workshop Stage, a smaller, temporary structure that will play host to nine activities on Saturday, May 28, ranging from children’s programs (painting, guided creek walk, drum circle) to yoga, songwriting and guitar workshops.

“We’re very excited about this year’s offerings at the ART Workshop Stage,” said Johnny Buck, a co-founder of Rooster Walk and an ART board member. “Being able to add programs like an educational children’s nature walk along Snow Creek, a Saturday-morning yoga class and a songwriter’s workshop will really compliment the atmosphere we’re trying to cultivate and promote. Music, the environment, education: Each one is a critical part of the Rooster Walk experience.”

Festival gates will officially open at noon May 27, with the Blacksburg-based kids rock band Levi’s Gene Pool getting things started at 4 p.m.

Mainstreet Moonshine, a band of Hampden Sydney College students that features Martinsville native Riggs Roberson on guitar, will play at 4:50, followed by the Stuart-based band Poverty Level at 5:50 and Relacksachian, of Roanoke, at 6:55.
Festival favorites Sanctum Sully will hit the Blue Mountain/Bassett stage at 8 p.m., followed by Charlottesville pop-troubadour Travis Elliott, Folk Soul Revival and jamband stalwarts the Kings of Belmont.

Gates will open at 8 a.m., on May 28, and the Pan United Youth Movement Steel Drum Orchestra will start the day’s music. The Martinsville Community Jazz Ensemble will perform at 11:35 a.m., followed by the Australian-born singer/songwriter Mariana Bell. Bluegrass behemoths Big Fat Gap will fire up at 1:45, and the soulful vocals of the Lizzy Ross Band will start soaring at 2:55.

Charlottesville rockers Rob Cheatham & GUNCHUX! Will play at 4:05. Folk Soul Revival will then perform on the Creekside Stage, followed by reggae-rocker Jesse Chong on the Blue Mountain/Bassett stage.

The Infamous Stringdusters will get going at 8:40, as Berkeley Dent of 81 Productions cranks up a full-fledged lights show. Guitar wizard Jamal Millner, of Jamal Millner and Comrades, will begin at 10:20 before giving way to The Mantras, a popular jamband from Greensboro, N.C., who will close out the festival.

A mother and daughter dance at Rooster Walk 2 on Memorial Day weekend, 2009.

Proceeds from Rooster Walk go to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund at Martinsville High School. The fund, like the festival itself, is named in memory of late Martinsville natives Edwin “the Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank. In just two years, festival organizers have donated $10,000 to the merit-based scholarship fund.

This year’s scholarship winner will be chosen from the current senior class at Martinsville High School. He or she will then be honored during the festival on May 28.

Tickets are currently $40 for a general admission weekend pass ($105 for VIP), and camping is $20 per vehicle with no limit to the number of occupants per vehicle. Tickets are available in the Martinsville area at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center uptown, Woodall’s Music in Collinsville and Binding Time Cafe in the Druid Hills shopping plaza.

Ticket prices will increase to $50/G.A., and $125/VIP at the gate on festival weekend.
For more information, visit www.roosterwalk.com. For a detailed band schedule, head to the festival blog at www.roosterwalk.wordpress.com.

MUSIC SCHEDULE:

Friday, May 27 (Gates open at noon)
4:00 – Levi’s Gene Pool – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
4:50 – Mainstreet Moonshine – Creekside Stage
5:50 – Poverty Level feat. Sammy Shelor – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
6:55 – Relacksachian – Creekside Stage
8:00 – Sanctum Sully – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
9:20 – Travis Elliott – Creekside Stage
10:25 – Folk Soul Revival – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
Late Night – The Kings of Belmont – Creekside Stage

Saturday, May 28 (Gates open at 8 a.m.)
11:00 – Pan United Youth
Movement Steel Drum Orchestra – Creekside Stage
11:35 – Martinsville Community Jazz Ensemble – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
12:45 – Mariana Bell – Creekside Stage
1:45 – Big Fat Gap All-Stars – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
2:55 – Lizzy Ross Band – Creekside Stage
4:05 – Rob Cheatham & GUNCHUX! – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
5:30 – Folk Soul Revival – Creekside Stage
7:00 – Jesse Chong Band – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
8:40 – Infamous Stringdusters – Creekside Stage
10:20 – Jamal Millner & Comrades – Blue Mtn/Bassett Stage
Late Night – The Mantras – Creekside Stage

ART WORKSHOP STAGE SCHEDULE:
Saturday, May 28
10-10:30 a.m. – Yoga
Join Allison Wilkie, the yoga instructor and fitness director of Chatmoss Country Club, as she leads you through a stretch of exercises that will get you ready for another awesome day of festival goodness.

11:05-11:35 a.m. – “Honey Bee Where Are You?”
“Honey bee, where are you?” is a serious question being asked around the world today. Honey bees are extremely important, but they are becoming extinct! Join Patrick County author Martha Scott as she reads her rhyming children’s book that explores life inside a honey bee colony. The book also gives ideas about how people of all ages can help these tiny, fuzzy insects continue their fight for survival.

Noon – 12:30 – Kids Painting with Redbeard
Jonathon Blake has been a fixture at Rooster Walk since Day 1, painting live performance art as the bands perform. Blake’s reputation as a performance painter is well established along the East Coast, and now he’s going to share some of his tips with kids at the festival. The result of the workshop will be a group-made painting.

1:05-1:45 – Songwriters workshop
We’ve brought together two accomplished young songwriters to discuss their craft. Travis Elliott (Charlottesville, Va.) has written about  subjects ranging from love to spaceships on the way to a song catalog of more than 500. Lizzy Ross’ work has been drawing critical acclaim since she hit the scene in Chapel Hill, N.C. roughly three years ago.

1:50-2:30- Kids’ Creek Walk
Put on your water shoes and join Robin Jensen of the Virginia Museum of Natural History as leads a guided walk along – and into – beautiful Snow Creek. Children will learn about macroinvertebrates and aquatic ecosystems as well as the importance of protecting their environment.

3:35-4:05 p.m. – Guitar workshop
Two guitar masters from different disciplines will combine forces for a very special guitar workshop. Jamal Millner brings a jazz background and classical training, while John Garris has been playing bluegrass since he was old enough to hold the guitar. Both are incredible musicians.

4:15-5 p.m. – Tie Dye
Follow our group leader step-by-step as you tie dye your own Tshirt! Buy a Rooster Walk shirt from the Merchandise Tent or bring your own. Fun for the whole family.
5-5:30 p.m. – Kids Drum Circle
Bring your budding musician for the chance to play on bongo drums of various shapes and sizes. Led by Martinsville native Jeff Sharp, kids will try their hand at keeping a beat and making some music for all to enjoy.

6 p.m. – Joe Washrag Memorial Duck Race
Once, there was a band. A band so skilled that their every song was a perfect soundtrack to the incredibly popular duck race at Rooster Walk. … Though Joe Washrag has disbanded, their spirit lives on in the form of tiny plastic birds floating down Snow Creek, with great prizes awaiting the quickest finishers.

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Larry Keel and Natural Bridge play the Capital Ale House in Richmond on Friday, April 13rd!

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge head back though Richmond, VA to play the Capital Ale House on Friday April 22nd, 2011.

Style Weekly did a nice preview stating, “Sporting the wildest mutton chop sideburns since Ambrose Burnside, flat picker Larry Keel plays bluegrass Americana that exhibits the kind of technical mastery of acoustic guitar only time can provide. Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the veteran player and songwriter — alongside his band, Natural Bridge — has remained a much-respected fixture of the Appalachian musical tradition. With the kind of gruff vocal delivery that could take Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder by surprise…”

Listen in to a wonderful interview podcast with Larry and Jenny Keel on Eternal JamNation here: http://eternaljamnationradio.com/shows/LarryandJennyKeel.mp3

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