Front Porch Fest dropped the first of three line up announcements for the annual 4-day music festival to be held Aug 31-Sept 3 in Patrick County. Held on the front porch to the Blue Ridge mountains in Stuart, the yearly event weaves together a love of music and community and the fourteenth annual is set to be the biggest yet. In addition to the high quality lineup, organizers are curating a full schedule of arts, movement, and nature based offerings, a wide variety of vendors, and engaging children’s activities, ensuring there’s fun for the whole family this Labor Day weekend at Front Porch Fest 14.
As always, the impressive lineup spans musical genres providing something for all music lovers. Topping the initial line up is the versatile four-piece band Dangermuffin, who describes its sound as “futile to define,” but points to themes of nature such as ocean, mountains and sun as inspiration for its music. Returning with powerhouse vocal performances, Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast hail from Asheville, N.C., and captivate audiences with a perfect balance of power and vulnerability.
Front Porch Fest fan-favorite, Winston-Salem’s Big Daddy Love is no gentle string quartet and has been described as “a blend of rock, bluegrass, southern soul, and psychedelic jams,” and will be returning for another year with fresh arrangements and soon to be announced special guests. Seven-piece Americana Brass band The Judy Chops will be back on the FPF stages with its chameleon-like arrangements and modern take on vintage sounds. Richmond’s The Wilson Springs Hotel will be making its Front Porch Fest debut and will surely have the audience dancing to tones of traditional country and western swing, bluegrass, folk, and rock that create a unique and individual sound. The cutting-edge Isaac Hadden Organ Trio redefines the modern organ trio and carves out a distinct voice in the world of funk, jazz, rock, and R&B. Local groovy blues band, Slick Jr & the Reactors brings its unique perspective to the blues with a blend of original materials and groovy covers. Eclectic, familial folk-rock group Striking Copper effortlessly combines rhythm-driven rock, haunting vocal arrangements, and harmony-rich Americana. Featuring soaring guitar and pedal steel over a heavy groove, Marvelous Funkshun has toured the Southeast heavily since 2014 with dynamic, foot-stomping get downs. If Jerry Garcia and Tom Waits made an Appalachian music duo, it might sound a little like the Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs, which blends the traditional with the trippy to create original music which has been called folk(ish). With many more bands to come over two more announcements, this initial drop has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether your favorite band is on the bill, or you’re looking for fresh, new music from singer-song writers to nationally touring powerhouses, the caliber and diversity of music at Front Porch Fest promises to deliver.
Tickets are available online now and guests can choose from 4-day general admission tickets or a limited supply of VIP tickets that include meals, drinks, FPF swag and discounts. Day tickets will be released in the coming months. Limited quantities of car camping tickets remain. Tent camping does not require a pass. The festival is a family friendly event and children 12 and under are free but do require a ticket. The festival features delicious food vendors, tasty libations and eclectic and creative merchandise vendors to ensure an enjoyable weekend. For additional information, to see the lineup, and to purchase tickets for this unforgettable weekend, search for Front Porch Fest on social media or visit the website at www.frontporchfest.com.
FPF is produced by One Family Productions, a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting and supporting community enrichment and growth. OFP creates impactful partnerships and events that are accessible, innovative and engaging. Proceeds from this event are donated to local charities such as the Patrick County Community Food Bank, Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County and others. More information about the community impact of One Family Productions and ways to get involved can be found at onefamilyproductions.org.
