BELLOWS FALLS-Next Stage Arts continues its Bandwagon Summer Series with a Folk, Roots, & Americana Music Festival Saturday, July 18, at Robertson Paper Company Field, 21 Island St.
The festival begins at 4 p.m., with gates opening at 3 p.m. Featuring The Mammals, Michael Veitch Band, and folk quartet Doozy Jane, the festival celebrates the enduring power of song, storytelling, and community.
Headlining the event, The Mammals bring their signature blend of high-energy Americana, string-band virtuosity, and socially conscious songwriting. Led by Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar, the group balances enthusiasm with “intimate, reflective moments” in their performances. They say their latest release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2, explores themes of “freedom, kinship, and ecological renewal while continuing the band’s tradition of connecting audiences through music and shared purpose.”
Also taking the stage is the Michael Veitch Band. Singer-songwriter and tenor Veitch also plays guitar. Over the course of a long career, his songs have explored themes of love, activism, memory, and hope, organizers say, “delivered with warmth, sincerity, and masterful musicianship.”
Opening the festival will be Doozy Jane, a dynamic quartet known for four-part treble harmonies and arrangements. Combining fiddle, clarinet, guitar, and bass, the group re-imagines folk traditions “through a contemporary feminist lens,” organizers said in news release, “drawing inspiration from both historic and modern voices in American roots music.”
Whether drawn by the harmonies, the storytelling, or the sense of community, event promoters say audiences will find an afternoon and evening of music that celebrates connection and shared experience.
Food vendors for the festival include Smokin’ Bowls, Taza Afghan Foods, and The Blue Pig homemade ice cream. A cash bar will also be available onsite. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics to enjoy the performances in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Tickets are $28 in advance, $32 at the gate, and free for children under 12. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.