Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival Returns on October 21
The 8th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, October 21st from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Winding Trails in Farmington. Set amongst the beautiful 380 acres of forest and fall foliage on Dunning Lake, there will be music on two stages, with a beer garden at the beach featuring free samples from local breweries. The festival headliner is Enter the Haggis. For the better part of two decades, Toronto’s Enter The Haggis has combined bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctively eclectic sound, praised by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and Canada’s Globe and Mail. Their songs offer singalong melodies and deep, meaningful lyrics which tell the stories of everyday hard-working people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Signature songs like “One Last Drink”, “Gasoline”, “Down With The Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” have had hundreds of thousands of plays on social media, appeared in Hollywood movies, and have been performed and recorded by artists around the world.
The Festival also features Damn Tall Buildings. If you like your bluegrass served with a little punch, attitude, grit and gravy, with that busking spirit that was so present and palpable in the early incarnations of Old Crow Medicine Show and made you realize that string band music could be so much more than fuddy-duddy reenactments by crusty ol’ relics, then the Damn Tall Buildings will slide in nice as a welcome addition to your listening rotation. Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting, they offer virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness.
Also appearing on the main stage will be The Ruta Beggars. Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun.
In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for $30 adults, and $10 children at windingtrails.org or by calling Winding Trails at (860) 677-8458.
This one-day music festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset and is rain or shine. Performances take place on the Boathouse stage and the Dunning Lake stage. Bring a tent in the event of rain. Free samples from local breweries will be available, while supplies last. Food and additional refreshments are available for sale or attendees may BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails, sports fields, and disc golf.
Festival proceeds benefit the Winding Trails Trails Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing year-round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages. The festival is presented by Lodestar Energy. ClarkHirth CPAs is sponsoring the Festival Beer Garden and Thomaston Savings Bank sponsors the Main stage. The festival is also made possible with support from the Wood-n-Tap, the Sounding Board, and The Law Offices of Michael Freeman.