Here’s what I’ve been able to pull together for festivals for 2010 so far. I’ve had to reach far afield for some of these. Since Refrain now has correspondents and photographers in Oklahoma now as well as readers in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, I’ve expanded our festival listings to include those areas as well as our standard MT, ND, SD, MN, IA, and WI listings. I’m sure there will be more popping up as time goes. I am also having to go directly to past festivals and do searches by individual states and even bands to find more. (Please note that this list does not include every festival in the states listed but those that offer jam music and its intendent offspring. …

March 26-27, 2010 

Right on Rendezvous

Milwaukee, WI: BBC 2022 E. North Avenue

Info: Right on Rendezvous After spending a year in South Korea playing music and teaching a bit of English, singer/songwriter, Mike Brumm, is throwing the first ever Right on Rendezvous. This will be his first performance in Milwaukee in over a year.

Artists: Mike Brummn, Last Rhino, Bowser, and R.A.S. Movement

Time: Music will start at 8:30 pm

Tickets: $8

Questions/comments: mike@mikebrumm.com

April 1-4, 2010 

Sweetwater Shakedown

Lutsen, MN: Papa Charlie’s

Info: The environmental conditions that push the North Shore maples into producing the finest maple syrup in the world coincidently are the best conditions for spring corn snow skiing. Our 3-day festival celebrates the sweetwater run (with sweet skiing & sweet music accompaniment).

Artists: Thursday, April 1st: Cornmeal & Trampled by Turtles

Friday, April 2nd: Gordon Thorn, Charlies Parr, Hot Tuna

Saturday, April 3rd: Absynth Quintet, Donna the Buffalo

Tickets:  3-Day Pass – $36 (Advance Only), Thu/Fri Pass – $29 (Advance Only), Fri/Sat Pass – $29 (Advance Only), Thu only – $14 Advance ($18 Door), Fri only – $18 Advance ($22 Door), Sat only – $14 Advance ($18 Door)

Festival Website: http://www.lutsen.com/swshakedown/shakedownTickets.cfm

April 2-4, 2010 

Spring Hookah in the Hills (ekoostik hookah Dream Show)

Guysville (Athens), OH: Poston Lake Music Park

Info: a multi-day/night family friendly music festival and campout in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Athens County Ohio. Celebrating our 10th Hookah in the Hills we will have food & craft vendors, kids area, dry firewood for sale (no outside firewood allowed), glass bottles ARE allowed so BYOB & much more. Go to www.bigeventspresents.com/rating to vote for your 5 favorite ekoostik hookah songs as the band embarks on their 20th year as a band.

Artists: ekoostik hookah (performing 3 sets of fan voted songs), The Werks, Mike Perkins (2 sets), Rumpke Mountain Boys (performing late night sets both nights), The Recipe (7 piece “Night of the Porch People” style lineup), Jones For Revival, Elemental Groove Theory, & The Paranormals

Tickets: Weekend ticket price: $35adv/$50gate – Saturday ticket price: $25adv/$30gate.

Festival Website: http://www.HookahintheHills.com

April 15-18, 2010

Spring Jam 6

Salem, MO: Camp Zoe

Info: Camp Zoe is a 370 acre privately owned campground located in a valley of the Ozark Hills of southern central Missouri. Beaches, caves, bluffs, and swimmin’ holes line the spring-fed stream that runs through the middle of the campground. Zoe is a former youth camp that is surrounded by 90,000 acres of private timber reserves and national park property. Camp Zoe has a general store, a concession stand, a shower house with flush toilets, a bathroom house with flush toilets, 75 porta-jons, on-site septic service, ATM, payphone, 500 trash cans, 3 trash dumpsters, 4 miles of gravel roads, private security, 2 stages, power for vendors, and lots of shaded camping. You park where you camp and camp where you park. All camping space is first come, first serve – no reservations. There will be food & beverages for sale on-site. There is plenty of room for RV’s and pop-up campers – no electric sites are available at this time.

Canoe Float Trips : Available on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. The float is 11 miles on the Current River. You will float from “Pulltite” to “Round Spring.” A school bus will come to Zoe and pick up and return the floaters. Costs are $45 per canoe and include transportation, paddles, canoe rental, and life vest.

Artists: The Schwag/Dead Ahead (w/ Stu Allen from JGB), Garaj Mahal, Moonlight Drive (Doors tribute band), Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, Albaster Brown

Tickets:  Available at the gate + advance tickets on sale now. TICKET PRICES $60 per person for the weekend (Friday & Saturday) $100 per person for weekend VIP $200 Season Pass $400 VIP Season Pass $25 per RV pass (RV pass good for vehicle only) Ticket price includes camping, parking, concerts, & MO sales tax 1 day tickets are only available for the Saturday show for $40 at the gate GATES OPEN ON THURSDAY APRIL 15 at 10 a.m. Early bird admission is available on Thursday for an extra $10 per person in addition to the weekend price. (excluding advance ticket holders who receive free Thursday admission) NO DOGS ALLOWED

Festival Website: http://www.campzoe.com

April 16-18, 2010 

Muncie Springfest

Muncie, IN: the Waterbowl

Info: Springfest is a music festival, dedicated to raising environmental awareness in our communities, promoting local and regional art, encouraging respect and acceptance of all peoples and belief systems, and continuing to grow the Midwest music scene. Springfest 2010 is the third annual continuation of building a stronger local music community. A combination of music festival, art fair, performance exhibition, and, of course, amazing sensory experiences, Springfest 2010 is dedicated to helping breathe new life into the Midwest.

Artists: Papadosio, Great American Taxi, Macpodz, Roots of Creation, Lubriphonic, Covert Operations, MC Sparkplug, UV Hippo, Twin Cats, Psychedelphia, Midwest Hype, Mudkids, Rich Hardesty Band, Spacesuit, Root Hog, Shaggy Wonda, 8 Stories High, Waldemere Revival, Sexfist, Thinner Teed, Dr. Kevorkian and the Volunteers, Catch Curtis & Friends, Mikial Robertson, Derick Howard, Cabin Fever, Mike Martin & the Peaceful Revolution, One Side Later Tax Brandywine, Dan Dickerson, Cowboy Angels, When, Not If…. More to come soon…

Festival Website: http://www.munciespringfest.com

April 24-25, 2010 

Norman Music Festival

Norman, OK: Downtown Norman,Ok.

Info: The third annual Norman Music Festival is free and open to the public and will take place east of the railroad tracks on Main Street. Saturday night entertainment will be predominantly at indoor locations, and Sunday will feature the full-blown festival atmosphere complete with street closures and large outdoor stages.

Artists: Saturday Night April 24th: Evening hours at a dozen indoor locations, plus a couple small outdoor locations. Sooner Theatre Stage April 24th Headliner Evangelicals and more to be announced very soon!

Sunday Outdoor Festival April 25th: Main Stage Performers: Dirty Projectors, Electric Six, The Sword Edan with guest Dagha, Grupo Fantasma, Jabee, Dead Sea Choir, Mayola, Gentle Ghost

Jagermeister Stage: Leon Russell and more to be announced very soon!

April 25th Headliner The Non + Cloud Collision Orchestra  more TBA

Blackwatch Studios Stage 107 West Comanche (’round back) Saturday April 24 starting at 7:15pm: Jesse Aycock, Beau Jennings, Chase Pagan, Radiant, The Burning Hotels, The Orbans, Odis, Ishi, Native Lights, Bear Colony

Sunday April 25th starting at 1pm: The Red Alert, Cecada, Marcy Priest, OK Sweat Heart, Brine Webb, Paul Benjamin, Graham Colton, Broncho, The Workweek, Chrome Pony, DJ’s

Festival Website: http://normanmusicfestival.com

April 30-May 5, 2010 

Funk You 2010

Martinton, IL: Jodie Funk’s 

Info: Evolution Eyes Productions Presents the first annual Funk You 2010 A music, arts, and camping festival. Live Music, Live Art, Hoopers, Fire Dancers, Dancing, Projections, Lights & MORE!  Our events are hosted at “The Land of Funk” in Martinton, Il (just south of Kankakee), one five acres of beautiful secluded farmland.

Time: Friday, April 30, 2010 at 12:00pm End Time: Monday, May 3, 2010 at 12:00pm Location: Martinton, Il Description

Artists: Steez, High Society, Insectoid, Raoul Duke, The Coop, Sean Shiel, Free The Fox & Pony Boy, Jaik Willis, MC Sparkplug, Elemental Groove Theory, Chicago Farmer, Sam Sinclair Trio, Didgy Slacker, Barefoot Fred, E3PO, Pete Jive & Juice Digits, Sneaky Gene, HellBender, MPMMB, Kali Yuga, Herbert Wiser Band, Brainchild, Spread, Left in the Dust, Pony Boy, Roger Rabbit, Lilith, LateKnight, DJBLS, Robot Guii, Brandy & Fred, NOLA, The Native Americans, Space Boogie Productions, Justin Nemesis, and more

Tickets: 3-Day Presale Ticket–Camping, parking, music $20; At gate $30

Festival Website: http://www.wix.com/lateknight/funkyou

May 7-9, 2010 

Cabin Fever

Thornville, OH: Legend Valley

Info: Shake off that Cabin Fever with Legend Valleys first festival of the summer. Some of Ohio’s finest bands and local talent. $30 online $40 at the gate camping and parking included. BYOB and as alway’s Vending is FREE with paid admission.

Artists: One Under, The Spikedrivers, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Cowboy Hillbilly Hippie Folk, more tba

Festival Website: http://www.legendvalley.net

May 21-23, 2010

Jam for Jam Music Festival

Sullivan, WI: Concord House

Info: Three days of Music in support of Jam for Jam 2011 and roofing projects in Porus, Jamaica. Food presented by Nashotah Clubhouse and Stolley’s Hogg Alley.

Artists: Friday, May 21 Dirty Diesel, Jack’s Epic Bazaar, We Are Your Father, Cherry Pie, Tristan Royalty Squad, Roster McCabe, Sean Shiel, The Wundoes, Ron Klein and the OverServed Band, Nicholas Mrozinski and The Feelin’ Band, Shoeless Revolution, Steez, Bryan Cherry Band, Heatbox, R.A.S. Movement, XL Big, The Danny Miller Blues Band

Tickets: $35 in advance/$40 at gate for the weekend. $15 Fri. $25 Sat, $5 Sun $5 per car to park. $1 for motorcycles. Carpool and save $$. Ages 18+ or with parent, Drinking w/ 21+ ID. Full bar available. No carry-ins allowed into venue. Free camping Friday and Saturday night.

Festival Website: http://www.jamforjam.org

May 21-22, 2010

Widow’s Peak Music Festival

Earlville, IL: Stonehouse Park

Info: The best collection of folk, blues, bluegrass, country and roots rock East of the Mississippi and all set against a beautiful square mile of campgrounds, woods, ponds and creeks at Stone House Park in Earlville, IL (2 hours or less from Chicago, Madison, Quad Cities, Champaign, Bloomington/Normal and Peoria). Two days, 30 bands, camping, friends and good times! 

Artists: Chicago Farmer, The Hooten Hallers, Clifton Roy & Folkstringer, Venice Gas House Trolley, Z.A.P., Uncle Zesty’s Old Time Boot Knockers, Old Time Country Blues Revue, Overman, and many more…

Tickets: Tickets are now on sale at http://www.yourticketstand.com/tickets/182

Festival Website: http://www.myspace.com/widowspeakmusicfestival

May 27-31, 2010

Hookahville XXXIII

Thornville, OH: Legend Valley

Info: Hookahville is an Ohio music festival institution celebrating its 16th year in 2010. Fall Hookahville will be held on Memorial Day Weekend Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio. Hosted by the Columbus, Ohio group ekoostik hookah who headline both nights, the music and camping event features the talents of veterans of the improvisational music world, as well as some of the top younger talent the scene has to offer. Hookahville has designated camping areas for the handicapped, families and those wishing a quiet camping area. Children 12 and under are admitted free, and the festival is an all ages event. Camping is included in the price of admission, with primitive camping services including bathrooms, medical staff and water. Vendors offer many different dining choices as well as a wide variety of merchandise. Alcohol is not sold at Hookahville; however you are free to bring your own.

Artists: 2 nights of ekoostik hookah (Friday and Sunday night), 2 sets Gov’t Mule (Saturday night), 2 sets Michael Franti and Spearhead, Larry Keel Natural Bridge, Zach Deputy, The Ark Band, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Boogie Matrix Mechanism, Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk

Tickets: Early bird camping and music on Thursday May 27 for an additional $20, VIP tickets are also available for behind-the-stage camping and parking.

http://valley.inticketing.com/events/70789

Festival Website: http://www.hookahville.com

May 28-30, 2010

Summer Camp 2010 Music Festival

Chillicothe, IL: Three Sisters Park 

Info: Jam & Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment is proud to announce the Summer Camp 2010 Music Festival. This will be the festival’s 10th anniversary and will feature over 60 bands on 5 stages, plus on-site camping, unique arts & crafts, workshops, a Kid’s Camp, great food and plenty of good beers!

Artists: moe. (3 days!), Umphrey’s McGee (3 days!), Yonder Mountain String Band, The Avett Brothers, Keller Williams, Bassnectar, EOTO, Cornmeal, Family Groove Company, Backyard Tire Fire, Kinetix, The Ragbirds, Brainchild and many more!

Festival Website: http://www.summercampfestival.com/2010

May 28-30, 2010

Bella Vida

Geneva, MN: Harmony Park!

Artists: Keller Williams, Robbie Krieger & The Doors Experience w/ Special Guest Steve Molitz, EOTO (Headlining Thurs Night Pre-Party), Great American Taxi feat Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, DJ Logic, That 1 Guy, Boombox, AnaSia, Heatbox, Mark Joseph Project w/ Special Guests The Synthesis Lab feat. Steve Molitz (Phil Lesh, Particle) & DJ Logic (MMW, Project Logic), Pert’ Near Sandstone, Root City Band, Roster McCabe, Kinetix, Shoeless Revolution, Dance Band, Devine Collection, The Hue, The Reef (Formerly New Rebelution), More Than Lights, The Histronic, Nicholas Mrozinski & The Feelin Band, Cymatic, The San Souci Quartet, Jake Dilley & The Color Pharmacy, Sovereign Sect, DJ Applejews, Useful Jenkins, North Country Bandits, SOAP, Gypsy Lumberjacks, Jason Dixon Line, Jackson Mare, Plus MANY MORE including more headliners.

Live Art by:  Chuck U, Chuck Hues, Jeredt Runions

Tickets: 3 Day Ticket Price–$75 General Admission, All ages; VIP 3 Day Ticket Price–$145 VIP Pass includes 2 meals w/ beer, 18 & Over Only; RV Pass with the purchase of a weekend pass-$34.90 Includes a private spot with power. Please bring at least a 50ft power cord and specify the size and type of RV you have and plug size.

Festival Website: http://www.bellamusicfest.com/Bella%20Madre/Home.html

May 28-30, 2010

Backwoods Bash Music & Camping Festival 2010

Prue, OK: Walnut Creek State Park

Info: This family friendly event has featured a diverse array of musical styles including indie rock, world music, jazz, Native American, hip hop, Americana, bluegrass, gospel, reggae, electronica and other alternative music. The Backwoods Bash Music Festival is the most affordable music and camping festival in or around Oklahoma. Kids under 12 are free. This year the festival has moved to a location that overlooks Keystone Lake and includes a swimming area, boat ramp, RV parking and more. Aside from music, the Backwoods Bash Music and Camping Festival features a full kids area, veteran’s memorial service, swimming, fishing, boating, food and drink vendors, and many other activities including some put on by various sponsors.

Artists: To be announced

Festival Website: http://backwoodsbash.musiclovr.com

May 28-30, 2010

Rocklahoma

Pryor, OK: Catch the Fever Music

Artists: ZZ Top, Godsmack, Tesla, Buckcherry, Cinderella, Chevelle, Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Saliva, Saving Abel, Adelitas Way, Janus, Aranda, Burno Halo, Richy Nix, Shaman’s Harvest, Taddy Porter, Like A Storm, Taking Dawn, New Medicine, Year Long Disaster, Brookroyal, Within Reason, Wildstreet, Firstrkye, Krank, The Glitter Boys

Festival Website: http://www.rocklahoma.com

June 3-6, 2010

Wakarusa

Ozark, AR: Mulberry Mountain

Info: The Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival is a 4-day foot-stomping party in the heart of the Midwest.

Artists: STS9,The Disco Biscuits, Slightly Stoopid, John Butler Trio, Blues Traveler, Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa, Bassnectar, Railroad Earth, The Machine performs Pink Floyd, JJ Grey & MOFRO, Lotus Rebelution, ALO, Tea Leaf Green, Boombox, Black Joe Lewis, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, EOTO, James Zabiela, Split Lip Rayfield, Hayes Carll, Sub Swara, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Trampled by Turtles, Wookiefoot, Mishka, Big GiganticTruth & Salvage Co., Fort Knox Five, Mountain Sprout, Band of Heathens, Last Waltz Ensemble, Cash’d Out, Earl Greyhound, Bluetech, Uglysuit, Passafire, Simplified, Hoots & Hellmouth, Resident Anti-Hero

Festival Website: http://wakarusa.com

June 11-13,2010

Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival

Wakarusa, IN: Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival grounds at 66425 State Road 19 South

Info: The 6th annual Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival has been expanded to include two free events: an open-jam on Friday the 11th (starting at 6 pm) and the usual Sunday morning bluegrass gospel service and carry-in lunch (starting at 10 am). Partnering with the Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee, Indiana, The Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival, Inc., is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization. There will be plenty of good food, coffee and soft drinks. No alcohol allowed on the festival grounds.

Artists: The Saturday Festival (requiring paid admission) features Millard Edwards and the Virginia Crossties (from Coeburn, VA), Ricky Prater and the Midnight Travelers, Sandi Paul and Raisin’ Corn, Deadwood, Clyde Carr and the Hymn-Tymers, and the Heartstrings Bluegrass band.

Tickets: $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. Advance tickets may be purchased by sending a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival PO Box 12, Wakarusa, In 46573 Bring a low-backed folding chair or blankets. Primitive camping is available for $5 per night

Festival Website: http://www.wakarusabluegrassfestival.com

June 11-12, 2010

Winstock Country Music Festival

Winsted MN:

Info: Winstock is one of the Upper Midwest’s premier outdoor country music and camping festivals organized entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds from this event used to help fund private education for students from Winsted and surrounding communities.

The Festival grounds offer a large concession area, beverage tent, medical and handicapped facilities, 24-hour security, primitive camping, country music vendors, and more. There is an ATM on site. Also at WINSTOCK 2010 will be showers in the campground….Winstock camping offers primitive sites only with no running water or electrical hookups. Each campsite is limited to one sleeping unit. We provide fresh water, medical facilities, and one free vehicle-parking pass per campsite. No pets are allowed. This year again the Winsted Fire Department will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner Thursday starting at 5 p.m. and we will also have live music in the beer tent from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For anyone interested in breakfast, we will be running a shuttle bus every half-hour starting at 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The bus will stop at the Blue Note, downtown Winsted, also at Glenn’s SuperValu, and Subway.

Artists:  Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Sara Evans, Phil Vassar, Ronnie Milsap, Jake Owen, Trailer Choir, Blackhawk, Rocket Club, David Nail, Her and Kings County, the Wayne Renn Band, and White Creek

TICKETS: $85 for early bird general admission; $150 for reserved seating; $250 for VIP; and $85 for camping. Buy online at www.winstockfestival.com or by phone at 888-946-7865.

Festival Website: www.winstockfestival.com

June 11-13, 2010

Love Your Mother…Earth Festival

Lolo Hot Springs, MT: Lolo Hot Springs Resort

Info: 40 bands plus Miller Creek, Andrea Harsell, Bluegrass, Blues, Electronica, funk, rock, punk, reggae, ska…ocean (pool) stage, Valley Stage, saloon stage, geodesic dome, campground folk stage, workshops

Festival Website: http://www.earthboundproductions.org

June 11-13, 2010

Bandit County Fair

DeSoto WI: Gunner’s

Info: The BANDIT COUNTY FAIR returns to Gunner’s in DeSoto Wisconsin. We are very excited for another great year at the bandit county fair music festival, and we know that it wouldn’t be possible without all the great music lovers out there! Be sure to keep posted on when and where tickets will be going on sale!!  Hope to see you all there!!!!!  Yeah buddy!!

Artists: While the Smokin’ Bandits, Heatbox, Shoeless Revolution, Down Lo, White Iron Band, Nicholas Mrozinski &The Feelin’ Band, Moon Boot Posse, Tugg, Roster Mccabe, Mr. Blink, Fayme Rochelle & The Waxwings, North Country Bandits, Evergreen Grass Band, Soapbox Project, The Grasshoppers, New Grass Review, Clovis Mann, Overserved Band, Nimbus, Michelle Lynn, Luke Hembd & Cheech, E Rock 

Festival Website: http://www.myspace.com/banditcountyfair

June 17-19, 2010

Moondance Jammin Country Fest

Walker, MN: Moondance Festival Grounds

Info: Moondance Jammin Country Fest is a country music festival held annually on the Moondance Events festival grounds in the Leech Lake/Chippewa National Forest Area near Walker, Minnesota. Country music stars are highlighted all three days on the main stage with two additional regional band stages. The event features a large outdoor concert area with open festival seating, 300 acres of groomed camping, well kept facilities, a variety of food and vendor stands, an air conditioned bar and grill with a backstage view and an acoustic stage, an indoor regional stage and seating area with a full bar, a shaded VIP area with access to stage box viewing, excellent security and EMS crews, an organized staff and more. Fans are treated to a country music and camping celebration in a clean, safe and friendly atmosphere.

Artists: Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Kellie Pickler, Neal McCoy, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Justin Moore, James Otto, Trailer Choir, Bomshel, Colt Ford, Granger Smith, Chuck Wicks and two more artists yet to sign.

Festival Website: http://www.jammincountry.com

June 18-19, 2010

Love Fest in the Midwest

Wahoo, NE: Wahoo Peony Park

Info: A Revolutionary Peace Rally

Artists: EOTO, Funk Trek, Blue Martian Tribe, Southpaw Bluegrass Band, The Bishops, Paddy O’Furniture, John Eric, Solid Gold, Brent Crampton, Sovereign Sect, Curtis the Destroyer, Weeping Figs,and more to be determined.

Festival Website: http://www.lovefestinthemidwest.com

June 25-27, 2010

Project Earth

Geneva MN: Harmony Park

Artists: TBA

Festival Website: http://www.wookiefoot.com/ProjectEarth/home.cfm

July 2-3, 2010

America, “Folk Yea”

Martinton, IL: LOF

Info: America, “Folk Yea!” Come out and see some of the most talented bluegrass & folk artists in the midwest! Campout Fest – Cookout/PotLuck – Americana, Folk, Blues and Roots Musis

Artists: Jaik Willis, Chicago Farmer, Creek Road Ramblers, Danny Goett & Friends (Members of Woodbox Gang & Giant City Slickers), Corn Desert Ramblers, Dime Store String Band, Northside South Paws, Sean Shiel, Left in the Dust, Pete Jive, The Pickin’ Grinners, More TBA

Festival Website: http://wix.com/lateknight/eep

July 7-11, 2010

Winnipeg Folk Festival

Winnipeg Manitoba: Bird’s Hill Park

Birds Hill Provincial Park will come alive July 7-11, 2010 when one of Canada’s finest summer music festivals celebrates its 37th year with a stellar line-up that features legends, locals, and some of the best new Canadian folk voices and emerging artists from around the world.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival continues its tradition of showcasing an impressive selection of accomplished artists with the likes of eleven time Grammy nominee John Hiatt and The Combo, Juno nominated Sarah Harmer, and the Academy award winning duo of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, better known as The Swell Season.

Other highlights include The Levon Helm Band fronted by The Band’s former drummer and singer Levon Helm, The Avett Brothers, hot off the heels of their career-defining album I and Love and You, indie-folk darling Andrew Bird, and legendary Country Music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris who will grace the main stage once again. Australia’s The Cat Empire are back this year, and two-time Grammy award winning, hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development will make their first ever Winnipeg Folk Festival appearance.

This year’s crop of home grown Manitoba talent includes recent Juno nominee Romi Mayes, singer/songwriter Greg Macpherson, The Wailin Jenny’s, Grammy and Juno nominee The Duhks, Del Barber, and Weakerthans frontman John K. Samson. The festival is especially thrilled to welcome back folk legend Oscar Brand, one of the festival’s original performers from the 1974 festival who continues to captivate audiences in his 90th year. Other distinctive Canadian female acts include Montreal’s Ladies of the Canyon, and 2010 Juno nominee The Good Lovelies, known for their clever songs and humorous onstage banter.

“I think we’ve put together a line-up that strikes a great balance between both high profile and up-and-coming artists. We have some incredible music legends this year, but we are equally excited about supporting emerging artists and giving them opportunity to launch and develop their careers” says Artistic Director, Chris Frayer, “our adventurous audience enjoys the sense of discovery these artists bring to the festival.”

Traditional and contemporary blues are well represented with Steve Dawson’s Mississippi Sheiks Tribute Featuring The Sojourners, Geoff Muldaur, Del Rey and Alvin Youngblood Hart who pay tribute to the work of this historic group with heartfelt blues and country picking from the 1930s. The festival also welcomes American blues great Sonny Landreth, known for his amazing slide guitar technique, and Hot Tuna, an offshoot of psych-rock band Jefferson Airplane with guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady.

A different kind of blue brings out the night owls – Big Blue at Night, the stage known for introducing new sounds on the fringe of folk will see performances from the likes of DJ Dolores, The Rural Alberta Advantage, The Dodos, and the return of last year’s sleeper hit Oka from Australia.

Festival-goers will also have the chance to discover eclectic musicians from across the pond and beyond. Scotland’s The Peatbog Faeries combine pipes and fiddle with a world-class rhythm section to deliver exciting Celtic fusion, and junkyard instrumentalists Konono N° 1 from the Democratic Republic of Congo mix tradition and technology to create an absolutely hypnotic sound. Additional international artists include 2009 Grammy nominee for Best Traditional World Music Album, India’s lap slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya whose originality has earned him admiration worldwide.

Bringing fun and excitement to the highly interactive family area will be local French chanteurs, Lulu and the TomCat, bluegrass family favourite Aaron Burnett, and the all-star indie folk-for-kids group Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.

“In our 37th edition, The Winnipeg Folk Festival will once again engage audiences in musical discovery and a celebration of community” says Executive Director, Tamara Kater “the festival’s top-notch programming, unique performance collaborations, and warm atmosphere have established its reputation as a premier cultural destination in Canada and a world class event.”

The 2010 Winnipeg Folk Festival takes place at Birds Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada, from Wednesday July 7 through Sunday July 11, 2010. Early-bird tickets are on sale now at the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store, 211 Bannatyne Avenue (at Albert) or through Ticketmaster: (204) 780-3333 or 1-888-655-5354, or www.ticketmaster.ca.

Featival Website:  www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca

July 8-10, 2010

Thunder Mountain Rock Fest

Sawyer ND:

Artists: Wednesday Free Party–Rock Sugar; Thursday–Asia Featuring John Payne, The Sweet, Foghat, Blood Sweat & Tears with Chuck Negron Formerly Of 3 Dog Night, and The Guess Who; Friday—Nelson, Great White, Kix, Survivor, and Night Ranger; Saturday–The Veer Union, Framing Hanley, Cavo, Default, and Hinder

Tickets: Camping Passes are $140.00 for Baillies Blue Sky, $100.00 for Irelands Acres, and $80.00 for  Shays Shack.  Tax, S/H extra.  Please call 701-757-7625 to order camping passes Leave a message if necessary and you will be contacted the same day.

Single Day General Admission Passes are $70 and Stage Seating single day tickets are at $130. Stage Seating passes are limited so get them quick. Only available by calling 1-877-881-9447. ALL spots are close to being filled.

Festival Website: http://rockdakota.com

July 15-16, 2010

The Peace Through Music Festival

Bellefontaine OH: The Zane Shawnee Caverns

Info: The Peace Through Music Festival is a music festival featuring some of Ohio’s, Michigan’s, West Virginia’s, and Indiana’s groove-est bands. All proceeds go to the Shawnee URB to help pay for and keep the land that is rightfully theirs. We provide music for a weekend out of the year to enjoy Peace through Music. The land is beautiful, full bathrooms (showers, stalls, clean, etc..), phriendly people, and amazing music. The music festival features constant music on 2 stages and NO overlapping sets. Visit our site for complete details and pictures from last year.

Artists: The Ragbirds, the Macpodz, Under the Sun (2 days), One Under, Super Massive, Jones For Revival, Romeo Champagne, Skeleton Crew, Flux Compacitor, Jahman Brahman, Perfect Norm, and many more.

Festival Website: http://www.myspace.com/peacethrumusicfest/

July 15-17, 2010

Moondance Jam

Walker, MN: Moondance Festival Grounds

Info: Moondance Jam is a rock & classic rock festival held annually on the Moondance Events festival grounds in the Leech Lake/Chippewa National Forest Area near Walker, Minnesota. Moondance Jam is Minnesota’s largest rock festival and is recognized as the premier classic rock festival in the United States with three days of national rock and classic rock bands on the main stage and two additional regional band stages. The event features a large outdoor concert area with open festival seating for general admission, 300 acres of groomed camping, well kept facilities, a variety of food and vendor stands, an air conditioned bar and grill with a backstage view and an acoustic stage, an indoor regional stage and seating area with a full bar, a shaded VIP area with access to stage box viewing, excellent security and EMS crews, an organized staff and more. The clean, safe and friendly atmosphere is a big reason why Moondance Jam has gone from being a party for a few thousand in 1992 to a rock ‘n’ roll and camping celebration that entertains tens of thousands of Jammers from all over the Midwest, the US and the world.

Artists: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Buckcherry, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Jonny Lang, Don Felder, Hoobastank, Collective Soul, Cinderella, Black Stone Cherry, Pat Travers, Blackberry Smoke plus 3 more bands to sign.

Festival Website: http://www.moondancejam.com

July 16-17, 2010

Camp Euforia

Lone Tree, IA: Camp Euforia

Info: Iowa’s Premier Independent Music Festival Hosted by Euforquestra A Cornfed Production

Artists: Euforquestra, EOTO, Kyle Hollingsworth, Public Property, Heatbox, Juno What!?, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Henhouse Prowlers, Lubriphonic, Mr. Babers Neighbors, Mountain Standard Time, Max Eubank, Dead Larry, Workshy, Dr. Z’s Experiment, Lick It Ticket ,The Grosso Family Band, Uniphonics

Festival Website: http://www.campeuforia.com

July 28-August 2, 21010

Duck Fest 2010

Martinton, IL: LOF

Info: Be sure to bring all that you need for the weekend – Food/Rain Gear/Tent/Flashlights/Cooking Gear/Xtra Clothes/Water/ETC (eep) Events Support – * An active responsibility within respect to your environment and others * Truth *Art * Awareness of social and cultural priorities, truths, and ignorance’s. We believe in co-creating a collective environment for expression, respect, creativity, inspiration, and community. This event is on a close friends property. We enforce a leave no trace policy!

Artists: High Society, Insectoid, Eastern Sunz, Ifficial Reggae Movement, Strange Arrangement, MPMMB, LateKnight, The Coop, BRAINCHILD, Jaik Willis, Elemental Groove Theory, This Must Be The Band, Raoul Duke, Sam Sinclair Trio, Illamental, Chester Brown, STEEZ, Thinner Teed, The Lorax Tree AKA Captain Kneal and the Noise Makers, Zmick, NOLA, Herbert Wiser Band, Tula, Great Society Mind Destroyers, Sean Shiel, MC Sparkplug, Indigo Sun, Pete Jive & Juice Digits, Illith, BOOMJUICE, Sneaky Gene, Robot Guii, The Native Americans, Fifth World, Lttle Marsh Overflow,DJ Tom Pazen, Didgy Slacker

Festival Website: http://www.wix.com/lateknight/Duck-Fest

July 29-August 1, 2010

Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering

Janesville, WI: Camp Rotamer

Info: This year we will be opening the venue on Thursday July 29, 2010 for anyone who wants to come early for the pre-party. Camp Rotamer is located at 5245 East Rotamer Road which is about 5 miles northeast of Janesville, Wisconsin. -Facilities include bathrooms, showers. -The camp is located on Spaulding Pond with a pier available for fishing. -There are canoes and life jackets for adults and children when supervised by adults. -SWIMMING IS NOT PERMITTED! -Camp Rotamer does not offer RV facilities or individual overnight campsites. -There is a large lawn area available for Frisbee and other games. There are also horse shoe pits for those who like to pitch. -There are nature trails for those that enjoy nature. -This is a leave no trace event…Keep it clean. If you bring it…take it with you. Individuals need to provide their own blankets, sheets, towels, and personal items.

Artists: Bands,set times, tickets and pricing will all be announced soon.

Festival Website: http://www.cosmicrailroad.com/familygathering.htm

July 29-August 1, 2010

GRATEFUL GARCIA GATHERING

Black River Falls, WI: Camp NCN Venue (formerly Jamboree Campground) 

Info: Return to where it all began over 7 years ago! Ecomomics is tough for all of us. The number ONE PRIORITY of the 3G’s Festival will be to KEEP TICKET PRICES THE LOWEST EVER so that you, and your family of friends can join us to enjoy this fun outdoor camping and music weekend! The venue features over 75 acres of brilliant surroundings with tall trees that nicely shades your camp site and has a full array of conveniences, including 2 shower facilities with flushing toilets and hot showers and other luxurious accommodations. Other venue amenities include a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, hiking trails, outdoor/indoor shower facility, full service concessions with food, and supplies!

CAMPING: Campers will be able to have campfires at each individual campsite and firewood is available for purchase at the campground! There will be plenty of awesome vendors on-site for you to check out, a kind and friendly atmosphere, and a stellar musical lineup for all to enjoy! As always, there is going to be a memorabilia “Jerry Garcia Shrine” near the main stage. All attendees are encouraged to bring pictures, candles, ticket stubs, tie-dyes, old posters with Jerry’s signature, any and all related items related to Jerry Garcia, or the Grateful Dead! You can place it at the shrine for all to enjoy! Mystix Toyz will be on board at the 3G’s Festival for tons of family fun with Juggling Demonstrations, Juggling Workshops, Hoops, Face Painting, plus Drum/Fire Jams, and so much more every night.

Artists: Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band w/ In the Dark & Elf Lettuce along with guitarist Josh Daniels of Jam and the Playground Kids, Family Groove Company, Boney Fingers, Lava Jama, One Man Gathers, Grateful Beth, Paradise Waits, JImmy Goodtimes Dead Guise, Ifdakar, Baghdad Scuba Review, Fungus Garden Reverb, Brokn Arrow, The Bar Tab Band, Wook, Grateful Gary as Emcee, The GGGang, LATE NIGHT w/ ABSOLUTE GRUV and THE GRASSHOPPERS, and more!

Festival Website: http://www.GratefulGarciaGathering.com

July 31, 2010

Sawtooth Music Festival

Stanley, ID: Sawtooth Mountains

Info: Twelve hours of music set at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains in beautiful Stanley, Idaho. Beer and craft vendors, fire show, stilt-walkers, and much more. Camping allowed on Saturday, July 31st only.

Artists: TBA

Festival Website: http://www.sawtoothmusicfestival.com

August 6th, 7th and 8th, 2010

Sioux River Folk Festival

South of Canton, SD: Newton Hills State Park

Artists: Friday–Crabgrass Crew, Art Stevenson & Highwater, Elephant Revival; Saturday–Public Domain Tune Band, Art Stevenson & Highwater, Elephant Revival, Bill Bourne & the Bop Ensemble; Sunday–Art Stevenson, Bill Bourne & the Bop Ensemble

Tickets: Start selling June 1. Weekend Pass $35.00; Friday night only $20.00; Saturday all day $25.00; Sunday all day $5. Children 14 and Under FREE. Weekend pass available at the gate or by mail. One day tickets available at the gate only.

Festival Website: http://www.fotm.org/festival.html

August 6-8, 2010

The Rootwire Music and Arts Festival

Logan, OH: The Woods at Kaeppners Place

Info: Papadosio is overjoyed to announce that 2010 is the first year we will be hosting a gathering of EPIC proportions: The Rootwire music and Arts Festival. It is our honor, our joy, and our mission to create a harmonious space for the visionary artist in all of us to truly break out. This year’s Musical lineup will not be chosen based on how many people the artist can bring, or how many tickets they can sell. Rather, they will be hand selected by us, Papadosio. These are the artists we have met on the road who create a spectacular show, have incredible music, and we feel are of the highest quality possible. We are setting the standard as high as possible. The festival is still in its birthing stages, but we are hard at work creating attractions and cultivating ideas. So far we are planning on having open stages, open jams, elevated hooping and poi stands, live painting, forest lighting, live comedy, workshops, morning yoga, even a large graffiti wall. If you have anything to offer, join the community at Rootwire.ning.com and pitch in! We are proud to hold the festival in the beautiful Hocking Hills of Ohio.

Artists: TBA

Festival Website: http://www.papadosio.com/rwf.html

August 27-29, 2010

Whispering Beard Folk Festival

Morning View, KY: Thornhill Farm

Info: The Whispering Beard Folk Festival is a mix of local, regional and national talent coming together to make music and have a good time. The laid back atmosphere of the gathering draws folks from around the region to spend a day or the weekend to camp, play tunes, hear some great music, and catch the vibes of the festival. Tree huggers, city slickers, hippies, and just plain folk come to gather at this event, most of which, if not already, leave as a Beardo. The Whispering Beard Folk Festival is held at Thornhill Farm along the Licking River in Morning View Kentucky.

Artists: Guy Clark, Trampled By Turtles, Those Darlins, The Tillers, Paleface, Chicago Farmer, Two Man Gentleman Band, Pine Hill Haints, Red Clay River, John Haywood, Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, The Dust Busters, The Boys N the Barrel, Mt. Pleasant String Band, Hiram Rapid Stumblers, Magnolia Mountain, Wonky Tonk, Duke Jr. & The Smokey Boots, Lauren Houston, Downtown County Band, Billy Catfish, Rocky Cash, Frontier Folk Nebraska, Hazle Weatherfield, Eric Tepe and the Reeds, The Brothers and Sisters

Tickets: All Weekend Pass $68 adult ($75 at the gate) | $20 Child; Day Pass (Friday or Saturday Only) $40 adult | $10 Child; Sunday Only Pass $15 adult | $5 Child [Child is 6-12 years of age; 5 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.]   Lakeside Campsite $25 (per site, not per camper). Campsites can be reserved/purchased the same way you purchase your tickets. Visit our camping page for a map of available sites. ORDER TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL TOLL FREE: 1.800.928.5626 Phone hours are 9am-8pm EST

Festival Website: http://www.whisperingbeard.com

August 12-15, 2010

Come Unity Music and Fire Festival

Cushing, MN: Come Unity Park

Info: Community, Come unity, Come! Drums and fire from dusk till dawn, with bands Four days of incredible music and arts. During the drums and fire there will be many professional fire performances, including a competition to find out who’s the best of the Midwest!

Artists: DigitAlchemy, The Rez, The Infinite Flow, Dead Larry, Turn Back Now, Classical Chill, Nice Purse, Gina Citoli, Johnny Refferseed and the High Rollers, Johnny on Point, Thankful Dirt, Stalking Butlers, Hyentyte, Elf Lettuce, Dirty Darlings, Lunar Funk Theory, Useful Jenkins, Gypsy Lumberjacks, the Limns, Lunar Funk Theory, and many more

Festival Website: http://www.comeunityfest.com

September 4, 2010-03-26

Loon Fest

Vergas MN: Loon Field

Info: This second annual all day event raises money for Vergas Fire and Rescue and for Loon Field improvements.

Artists: GB Leighton, and more TBA

Tickets: $12 day of show, $10 advance; 18+

Septembter 9-11, 2010

Harvest Fest

Geneva MN: Harmony Park

Artists: TBA

Festival Website:  http://www.wookiefoot.com/HarvestFest/bs.cfm

September 18, 2010

August Schell’s 150th Anniversary Celebration

New Ulm, MN: South Park – Schell’s Brewery

Info: Celebrating the August Schell Brewery’s 150th Anniversary

Artists: GB Leighton and more TBA

Event Website:  http://www.schellsbrewery.com/home.php

 I will be adding to this feature over the next week. But here are a few to whet your appetites for new music. Enjoy!

 TUUNG

 Those London-based twisted pop wonders, Tunng, will release their fourth album, …And Then We Saw Land, this April 2010 on Thrill Jockey Records, and it promises to be their best yet.

The band recently did a ten-day voyage of discovery with Malian desert bluesmen,  Tinariwen, a unique collaboration that aimed to fuse the sounds of the two bands together.  An experience that helped shape Tunng’s approach to the new album, “We learned that you don’t always need structure!  As long as there is presence, emotion and groove. It taught us that everything is open and adaptable…”

In the spirit of all that travel and experimentation, they’ve decided to call their new album …And Then We Saw Land – and it’s full of adventurous spirit.  The first Tunng album to take more than a year to write and produce, it’s packed with big choruses and joyful tunes. Three songs contain what the band describe as The Mega Chorus – a 15-strong group of collaborators and drinking buddies who lent their voices to the album one rainy night in an abandoned school hall in Old Street.  The same blend of rustic acoustic based folk, kitchen sink experimentalism, delicate electronics, and pop melodies that don’t let go still pervade and remain the core of Tunng’s rich sonic tapestry.  

Download their new song: “Don’t Look Down Or Back” here:

http://thrilljockey.com/assets/freedownload/Tuung-Dont_Look_Down_Or_Back.mp3

And check out the video for the track, “Bullets,” that appeared on the album Good Arrows (Thrill Jockey 2007) right here:

http://www.thrilljockey.com/vault/index.html?media_id=44

photo by Pearson

DIRTFOOT

“Dirtfoot … is a spectacle, a movable party with instruments.” — Janie Franz, Skopemag.com

“Imagine Nick Cave on a bed of rusty nails, the cover of “Gin and Juice” by the Gourds, some old-timey “Dem Bones,” Old Crow Medicine show culture-clash, and that subtle fecal stench of Mr. Bungle skronk sax craziness: let them stew in an oaken barrel for years and out comes Dirtfoot.” — Spencer, Synthesis.net

“From laid back odes to liquor and lovers, to foot-stomping sing-a-longs their sound manages to be effortlessly their own. With the abundance of musical acts these days, they are certainly a refreshing alternative. Not to mention, it is almost impossible not to at least… jump up and dance along.” — Rachel, www.scenestars.net

Check out their music here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/artist_23941

THE DISCO BISCUITS

New Album, Planet Anthem, Has New Release Date: March 16th (Diamond Riggs Records)

The Video for “You and I” won the MTVu’s Freshman Five and is in Rotation on MTV2’s Subterranean!  See it here:

And the MP3 for “On Time” can be found here: ttp://www.girlieaction.com/music/the_disco_biscuits/downloads/On%20Time.mp3

GRACE POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals just debuted their new video for “White Rabbit” (off the Almost Alice Soundtrack). You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vy1OoBAL-E

Also, it’s official – their third album, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, will be released June 8th on Hollywood Records.

Atlantic recording artist, Halestorm,  a hard-driving metal band, is touring in support of their self-titled debut album, which made a top 5 debut on SoundScan’s “Hard Music” chart upon its release. Produced by Howard Benson, the album is a volatile collection of infectious hard rock anthems.  Current single “It’s Not You” is doing well at Active Rock radio, and the companion video recently premiered on AOL’s Noisecreep.

Halestorm has been garnering intensive press attention in recent months, with frontwoman Lzzy Hale on the cover of Revolver’s recent “Hottest Chicks in Metal” issue.  Artist Direct recently noted, “There is nothing more invigorating or inspiring than watching a band on the rise that has it.  It is the inexplicable quality that all legends possess.  It is swagger, sex appeal, soul and, of course, songs.  It’s that ability to make a crowd go absolutely crazy…Halestorm has it.”

These guys (and lady) swagger and moan and belt out 21st century rock while looking like something on the cover of a fantasy novel. They are garnering a wide following from tweens to Moms (seriously!), as well as die-hard metal fans.

www.myspace.com/halestorm / www.halestormrocks.com