It’s a good time to be a music lover in New England. The region is awash with great music festivals, both long-standing and new. Not surprisingly, my list starts with the recent Twangville Music Festival and the famed Newport Folk Festival. Here, however, are a host of new festivals bringing great music to New England.
Outside the Box — Boston Common and City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA (July 13 – 21)
The newest kid on the block is also one of the most interesting. The nine day festival begins today and will present more than 200 artists performances.
It somewhat resembles San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in that it is a free festival in the heart of the city. It differs in some respects, however. Events will take place throughout the day, offering those who work in the city a great excuse for a “late lunch.” While music is at its core, it also serves up theater, dance, puppetry and even a “culinary stage.”
And the musical performers are as impressive as they are eclectic: Alejandro Escovedo, Los Lobos, Buffalo Tom, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Ricky Skaggs, David Wax Museum, Blind Boys of Alabama and Taj Mahal, to name just a few. Full schedule here.
Life is Good Festival — Prowse Farm, Canton, MA (Sept 21 – 22)
Sponsored by the clothing and lifestyle company whose name adorns the festival, this two day event prides itself on an eclectic family-oriented line-up. The performers range from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Dawes and from Hall & Oates to Delta Rae. There’s even a children’s headliner: Yo Gabba Gabba!… whoever they are. Full line-up here.
Boston Calling (Fall Edition) — City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA (Sept 7-8)
This festival was launched back in May of this year. Apparently everyone had so much fun (in spite of a torrential rain storm!) that they decided to do it again this fall. The two-day event is co-curated by Aaron Dessner from the National and features a diverse mix of R&B, rap and indie rock. Performers include The Gaslight Anthem, Deer Tick, You Won’t and Okkervil River. Full line-up here.
The Nines Festival — Willard Field, Devens, MA (Aug 10)
Yet another newcomer, the Nines Festival also tends toward the indie rock end of the musical spectrum, with comedians and visual artists to add some extra flair. Delta Spirit and Dr. Dog are among the notable musical participants. I’m kinda intrigued by the visual art component — should be interesting. Full line-up here.
Tweed River Music Festival — Stockbridge, VT (Aug 16-18)
Musician Bow Thayer founded and curates the five-year old event, which features a healthy dose of amazing Americana artists. The festival draws heavily from the Boston Americana scene, this year bringing Session Americana, Tim Gearan and Glenn Yoder & the Western States, among others, to the mountains of Vermont. The aforementioned Thayer and his band Perfect Trainwreck play a traditional Saturday night set. And how could anyone not like a festival with its own bus? Full line-up here.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.