Green River Festival celebrates its 31st year with a lineup featuring the Mavericks, Lake Street Dive, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, taking place once again at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA, July 14-16, 2017To submit a review or story for consideration hit us at [email protected]Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.Presented by Northampton, MA-based label Signature Sounds and Whately, MA-based company Tea Guys, the Green River festival was recently deemed “one of 2015’s must see summer festivals” by Rolling Stone and one of the “fifty essential summer music festivals” by The New York Times. The festival takes place at Greenfield Community College (1 College Drive in Greenfield, MA) and combines a spectacular lineup of over 40 acts on four stages, the best in local food, beer and wine, handmade crafts, a dance tent, a wide array of kid’s activities and entertainment, hot air balloon rides and a balloon glow, for Western Massachusetts’ largest outdoor event of the summer. For the second year, festival camping will be available at the nearby Franklin County Fairgrounds.The MavericksThe Next Wave Stage is a new addition to the festival this year; the Friday night festivities will include the best up-and-coming regional musical acts under the age of 18. Sponsored by the Valley Advocate Live Music Sessions, the stage will feature five of the most promising Western New England music groups whose members are 18-and-under. Even better? Friday night festival admission is FREE to anyone 18 or under. No ticket required, however, this promotion applies to Friday night ONLY.Friday headliners the Mavericks blend Cuban grooves and Bakersfield-inspired twang, a direct opposition to the hair metal scene that dominated Miami, their hometown, at the time of their inception. Their unique sound has netted them several CMA and ACM Awards, plus a Grammy in 1995. They charted numerous singles and albums while earning accolades as one of the finest live bands in the business. The band has been around, in some incarnation, for the past three decades.Lake Street Dive has the honor of headlining Saturday’s festivities. The quartet, based in Brooklyn, shot to stardom with a soulful cover of Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” that went viral on YouTube. Their roots are still firmly in Franklin County, however- the band played in local venues like Turners Falls, MA’s the Rendezvous years ago before hitting the big time, performing on The Colbert Report and touring nationally, releasing their 2016 album Side Pony to widespread critical acclaim. Several side projects of theirs will also play throughout the weekend.From the YouTube channel of WFUV Public Radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LhsE-uqqE0 Closing out the festival on Sunday, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead brings the music of the Grateful Dead to life. Founded by Furthur drummer Joe Russo, the band has been performing since 2013. Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, and Marco Benevento round out the lineup.Tank and the Bangas are the winners of NPR’s Tiny Desk 2017 contest. Based in New Orleans, the group is a fresh mix of funk, soul, and R&B with a hefty splash of idiosyncratic humor. The band’s rapport is clear to anyone who watches them perform and it’s a safe bet that they’ll charm their audience when they hit the stage on Saturday.From the YouTube channel of Jon Metz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh7WRGgfh8E Another Western Mass favorite, the Suitcase Junket, brings his one-man band to the festival. Playing out of, among other things, a literal suitcase and a whole slew of upcycled artifacts made to play music, the Suitcase Junket, aka Matt Lorenz, has been on the touring circuit since his bandThe Suitcase Junket aka Matt Lorenz – photo by Andrew RinkhyRusty Belle (co-founded with his sister Kate) went on permanent hiatus at the beginning of the decade. His new album Pile Driver is a delightful mix of sweet harmonies and crunchy instruments. No doubt his Sunday set will be a highlight of the weekend.Also on the roster: Workman Song, Hammydown, Sun Parade, Houndmouth, Amadou & Mariam, Pokey LaFarge, Darlingside, San Fermin, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, John Brown’s Body, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Dan Bern, The Deslondes, Twisted Pine, Beige, Dietrich Strause & The Blue Ribbons, funky METERS (featuring founding members of The Meters), the Infamous Stringdusters, Robbie Fulks, the Dustbowl Revival, Mandolin Orange, Chicano Batman, Parsonsfield, River Whyless, Kat Wright, Sweet Crude, Big Al Anderson & The Floor Models, the Sweetback Sisters, Western Centuries, and Lake Street Dive Side Projects: Bridget Kearney (w. full band), Rachael Price & Vilray, and Madam Uncle. Pedrito Martinez Group, Fulaso, and Alia Cycon Project will be featured on the Dean’s Beans World Music Stage.What a lineup! Simply put, this is a weekend NOT to be missed.ADVANCE TICKET PRICES:3- day weekend $119.992-day weekend $109.99Weekend with camping $169.99Friday day ticket $ 34.99Saturday day tickets $64.99Sunday day ticket: $64.99Purchase your tickets online here. Tickets may also be purchased in person at 32 Masonic St. in Northampton, MA. Box office hours are Monday-Thursday from 12-5 PM. BALLOON RIDES: Advance:• $250.00 after June 20th (includes a one-day festival ticket)At the Festival:• $250.00 (no festival ticket included) Cash and credit cards (VISA or MasterCard) are accepted. To make flight reservations, please contact The Franklin Country Chamber of Commerce at (413) 773-5463 or via email [email protected]. From the official press release: “Master pilots from all over New England will be at the festival, many of whom have been regulars at this event and love the area as a place to fly. Launches are scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge to watch the early morning balloon launches and it’s a great experience for all ages. A balloon glow will happen Saturday night, around 9 p.m.”Another point of interest for the Green River Festival, Makers Market will bring a fresh batch of craft vendors to the Green River Festival this year. A few popular vendors return to do the show in addition to dozens of new artists offering their handmade wares, upcycled goods and contemporary, quality crafts during both days of the festival. Visit the vendors in the bustling row of tents and food trucks on your way towards the second stage.The Green River Festival happens rain or shine. Festival tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and no dogs (service dogs are the exception) or tents are allowed onsite. Only one small handheld cooler (no larger than 16″ x 12″) per person allowed.www.greenriverfestival.comTo submit a review or story for consideration hit us at [email protected]Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.
