Any doubt that summer is here can be cast aside as music festival season has arrived.
Some locales already fired up the amplifiers and electric guitars. Bethel, for one, hosted Mysterland, USA 2015 just two weeks ago. The Memorial Day weekend kicks things off.
Capital District music lovers have two festivals to choose from this coming weekend.
One of the largest Irish festivals in the United States takes place on Saturday, June 6, when the Saratoga County Fairgrounds plays host to Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival. The one-day event promises arts and entertainment focused on an Irish heritage that, frankly, is quite prevalent in this area.
“I enjoy my family heritage,” said Delmar resident Cyndy Fowles. “I love to listen to Irish music and watch Irish Step dancing. We usually attend as a family.”
Farrell School of Irish Dance is scheduled to be on-hand, along with a slew of musicians throughout the day that include Brothers Flynn, Frank Jaklitsch, the McKrells, Get Up Jack and Emish.
On the opposite side of the Capital District, music fans will be heading south on the Taconic Parkway for the 11th annual Mountain Jam Music Festival at Hunter Mountain starting Thursday, June 4.
Mountain Jam is a four-day, multi-stage event, that annually features forty bands on three stages in what many consider one of the best natural amphitheaters on the East Coast. Legendary rock artist Robert Plant headlines this year’s event. The Led Zeppelin frontman now sings leads for Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. The list of acts also include Alabama Shakes, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rebelution, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Railroad Earth, Lake Street Dive, Trigger Hippy, Benjamin Booker and The Wailers, Rusted Root, Nicki Bluhm & The Grambers, Shakey Graves, Jon Cleary, The Budos Band, Dopapod, Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers, Hurray For The Ruff Raff, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, The Mother Hips, Nikki Lane, and Sons of Bill.
Local acts like Marco Benevento, moe. and Gov’t Mule share the bill as well.
“I’m crossing off major acts on my bucket list,” said Susan Rice of Albany. “The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, Robert Plant, Lark Street Dive and JRAD (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) are my top thrills.”
The Mountain Jam Festival is produced by Mountain Jam, LLC, a collaboration between Townsquare Media Group and Chet-5 Festivals in association with Woodstock, NY’s legendary independent radio station, Radio Woodstock 100.1 (WDST) and acclaimed guitarist Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes Band, The Allman Brothers Band, The Dead).
In winter, Hunter Mountain is a world-class ski resort. But, it also offers many year-round amenities, making it versatile venue.
Carry overs from snow skiing season, The Lodge provides fans with 24-hour access to indoor bathrooms, a large, full-service bar, and food services. And, the Sky Ride provides another vantage point from which fans can take in the beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains while also listening to the music. Thrill seekers can also experience North America’s longest and highest Zipline. Children 10 and under are admitted at no charge with a paid adult and there is plenty of entertainment for kids, including a children’s tent with fun-filled activities.
The festival features an Awareness Village, which hosts exhibits from not-for-profit organizations and environmental groups, children’s entertainment, performance and sculpture art, physical and spiritual healing, as well as beer and a wine garden. The Festival has an on-going effort to recycle and offset its carbon-footprint by offering $1 water refills to reduce the usage of plastic water bottles.
The most popular camping accommodation is the Mountain Jam’s Jammer (VIP) experience. There are shaded outdoor hospitality lounges with good views of the main stage, a variety of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and beverages, discounted beer, and air-conditioned Jammer-only bathrooms. The Tavern in the Woods features a private bar area and a hammock section. Other benefits include early arrival access, a Jammer Viewing Area in front of the two, main stages, and private camping areas.
Despite the accommodations and big names headlining the shows, not all festival regulars are sold on Mountain Jam’s upcoming weekend.
I’m not going for the first time in six years, said Howell, N.J. resident Christine Locklear. “Prices and sections of camping are completely ridiculous. I’m sad, but it’s not the fest it used to be. I’ll be streaming in my driveway, with a fire in the fire pit instead.
Daily passes for Mountain Jam 2015 cost as high as $85 ($49.00 for Thursday’s shows) otherwise, a four-day pass camping costs $269.00 ($225.00 no camping), and a three-day camping pass costs $249.00 ($215.00 no camping). For tickets and information visit http://mountainjam.com/about/.
Tickets for Irish 2000 are available for purchase online at www.irish2000fest.com/fundraiser-online-tickets. Tickets cost $10, with an additional $1 online handling fee. Children aged 10-years-old and younger are free.
