Friday, March 7, 2014

Charlotte bands take over VA's FloydFest

The lineup for FloydFest - the rising 13-year-old summer music festival, which takes place in Floyd, VA this year from July 23 through 27 - features several Charlotte-based acts. The Dirty Drummer (aka veteran Charlotte musician Dave Haire) is among festival headliners Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ray LaMontagne, Thievery Corporation, Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Buddy Guy.

Other Charlotte acts are part of the On The Rise lineup. Area artists include Ancient Cities, Elonzo, Super Ape (pictured, also featuring Haire), Paleface, and the New Familiars. Richmond's the Shack Band features Charlotte-native Andrew Gillespie as well.

NC acts Caroline Chocolate Drops, Greensboro's Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands, and Piedmont area transplant Curtis Eller's American Circus join headliners Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Donna the Buffalo, JJ. Grey & Mofro, the Lee Boys, and the Duhks as well. For a full lineup click here.

The five-day festival takes place on 80 acres off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Other activities include panels and workshops, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, yoga and massage, disc golf, and programs for children and teens. For more information check out http://www.floydfest.com/.