Music Festivals to Enjoy This Summer
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Summer music festivals offer a vibrant atmosphere for enjoying live music. The camaraderie of fellow music lovers gathering to hear songs from their genre creates a unique experience. The Rochester area hosts many music festivals this summer.
■ Great Blue Heron Festival
July 2–5, Sherman
In addition to hearing live folk and roots music, festivalgoers can enjoy camping, vendors, music workshops, and family activities, including the kids’ tent, teen tent, Slyboots Circus and swimming.
■ Syracuse Jazz Fest
July 9-12, LaFayette.
On the picturesque campus of Beak & Skiff Apple Farm, Store, Distillery & Winery, the festival includes jazz, funk, soul, R&B, gospel. Hear Dumpstaphunk, Gunhild Carling, Hejira, Nathan Williams Sr., Orange Juice, Tower of Power, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, USAF Airmen of Note and local artists.
■ NYS Old Tyme Fiddlers Summer Concert Series
Sundays through Sept. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., Redfield
Join member chapters and individual artists as they entertain listeners with concerts of old time fiddle music every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame, 1121 Comins Road, Redfield.
■ Brantling Bluegrass Festival
Dates TBA, typically late July, Sodus
In addition to live music, visitors can participate in workshops. The event also offers camping facilities.
■ Lincoln Hill Farms Bluegrass Festival
July 11, Canandaigua
Hear Sam Bush Band, Yonder Mountain String Band and The Fretliners. Limited seating is available, then standing room only, except for low-backed chairs for those unable to stand for extended periods.
■ Fireside Festival
July 25, Rock Stream
Platinum-selling country artist Darryl Worley headlines with JB Aaron, Tink Bennett & Tailor Made, Seneca Jam, Gillmur Girls, Nicholas Stark & These Dues, Wendy Owens & Jim Anderson and Payton Clark. In addition to the music, peruse the wine garden, beer tent and vendors and enjoy the bonfire and fireworks show. Camping is available.
https://thefiresidefestival.com
■ Lima Crossroads Festival
July 30-Aug. 3, Lima
In addition to numerous bands, a bevy of events are lined up for the festival, including a townwide parade, food trucks, craft vendors, children’s activities, petting zoo, puppet show, pony rides, book sale, 5K footrace, craft vendors and barbecue competition.
■ Hoochenanny Festival
Aug. 14–16, Fairport
This festival features local and regional artists performing Americana, rock, alternative, punk, outlaw country and rockabilly, along with a whiskey auction, whiskey tasting, craft cocktails, artisan sale and food vendors.
■ Pickin’ in the Pasture
Aug. 20-22, Lodi
Held on a working sheep farm, the event features up-and-coming entertainers and top acts, including Authentic Unlimited, Po Ramblin’ Boys, Newfound Road, Kody Norris Show, Hillbilly Biscuits, Little Roy and Lizzy, Mark Miklos, Chris Davis Band, Remedy Tree and Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. Camping is available.
■ Borderland Music & Arts Festival
Sept. 18–20, East Aurora
Set at Knox Farm State Park, hear performances of local and national indie rock, roots, jam bands, folk, Americana and more, along with food vendors and art displays. Activities include axe throwing, virtual reality, festival braids, children’s activities and other things to do. A Sober Space is available.