Some are already calling it the deepest jam lineup of the summer. When perusing over the 50+ acts playing over four days on four stages, it’s hard to argue that assessment. From its humble beginnings in June 2001 at Sturbridge, MA, Disc Jam has blossomed into a premier 4-day music festival destination set to take place June 11th-14th at a brand new majestic location at Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, NY. The reasonably priced festival ($150) is convenient for most parts in the Northeast with an approximately 2.5 hour drive from NYC, New Haven, Providence or Boston and 3 hours from Burlington. There are late night acoustic sets including bands like Phutureprimitive, The Hornitz and Lespecial. There is also an opportunity for attendees to discover the Silent Disco – an intense party where everyone involved wears a headset and listens to music together in general silence. The artists-at-large have just been announced and are highlighted by Turkuaz’s Mikey Carruba and Craig Broadhoad. Many are also excited about the addition of Todd Stoops (formerly of Kung Fu/Raq) as an artist-at-large as he was recently fired by his longtime band Kung Fu and many are eager to see Stoops back in the fray doing his thing. Disc Jam brings together the finest in jam, jamtronica, funk, electronica and bluegrass and also offers other activities like live painting, art installations, yoga sessions, quality vending, hula hooping and Disc Golf.
Now celebrating its fifth year, Disc Jam has garnered a reputation for providing exemplary disc golf. This year is no different with two different tournaments offered on a brand new 9-hole course sponsored by Innova with impressive prizes awarded to the victors. Disc golf is played via individual score or in teams of two when in a doubles tournament, very similar to traditional golf. One can learn more about the fun game here at www.pdga.com. Everyone who signs up for disc golf receives a complimentary player pack that includes a custom Disc Jam golf disc and other items like band merch, CDs, snacks and winners take home prizes like free tickets to 2016 Disc Jam and VIbram 5 fingers shoes.
This is a festival one should motivate to attend. Having garnered about 2,000 attendees last year, the new and improved brand new location and satisfying deep lineup should attract more than 4,000 this year. It celebrates the small festival vibe while drawing some of the bigger named bands from the Northeast and beyond. There is car side camping and day passes available with Tickets and info available at www.discjammusicfestival.com.
Ten Must See Acts
LETTUCE
The funk juggernaut co-headlines the festival and brings its unique power and style. Come and witness one of the best hitters behind the kit in the business: Adam Deitch.
CONSIDER THE SOURCE
The “middle eastern sci-fi fusion” showcases superior musicianship and expertise. The intense exploratory foray into the unknown is led by master shredder Gabe Marin and impressive bassist stylings of John Ferrera.
KUNG FU
The funk rock band is back with a new keyboardist, Beau Sasser, replacing stalwart Todd Stoops. Expect veteran guitarist Tim Palmeiri to put on his usual clinic while Rob Somerville shares energy with his horn.
HEAVY PETS
The talented group from Florida shares their patented tight grooves and Jeff Lloyd’s guitar work. Songs like “Help You Help Me” me demonstrate that this band knows how to get down proper.
CABINET
The premiere bluegrass outfit in the scene complete with a usual show-stopping performance by Pappy on banjo. Americana music at is finest – the Pennsylvania outfit is starting to blow up on the scene due to its tight harmonies and luscious soundscapes.
TWIDDLE
The boys from Vermont, following up stellar performances at Rock n Roll Resort and Jam on the River bring their Hi-Def shred and the genius of Mihali. The band is set to open a show at Red Rocks soon and have fully arrived as the “it” band of the moment as they close the festival with two sets.
ROOTS OF CREATION
The unique rhythm of the reggae inspired band will have everyone dancing with enthusiasm. New Hampshire’s reggae/rock dubtronica hybrid is the perfect anecdote for those seeking a reprieve from the work week and arriving late afternoon on Friday.
DOPAPOD
Dopapod has been on a tear of late and one can find a rabid fan virtually everywhere. Witness the wizardry of keyboardist, Eli Winderman, and maybe catch an earful of the powerful, “Trapper Keeper.”
WILEY GRIFFIN AND FRIENDS
Wiley has been playing his axe on the scene for years and finally getting his deserved due. Having recently departed from the band MUN, Wiley is free to play with various friends in talented incarnations. He is a guitar player one should make sure to see in person live due to his fancy finger work.
PINK TALKING FISH
More than just a cover band, PTF pays homage to the energy and brilliance of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish with unbridled enthusiasm and clean crisp vocals layered of meticulously tight melodies.
Full 2015 ARTIST LINE-UP:
Lettuce, Dopapod, Electron, Twiddle, Kung Fu, Consider the Source, Cabinet, Phutureprimitive, Soule Monde, Pink Talking Fish, Viral Sound, The Heavy Pets, Spiritual Rez, Roots of Creation, Aqueous, Dangermuffin, Lespecial, Supersillyus, The Hornitz, Schlang Worldwide Secret Band, Bella’s Bartok, Wobblesauce, Hayley Jane & The Primates, Viva La Hop, Broccoli Samurai, Cosmic Dust Bunnies, Lucid, Fennario, Strange Machines,Teddy Midnight, Soul Rebel Project, Mister F, Blue Boy Productions, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, West End Blend, Formula 5, Relative Souls, Krewe de Groove, Ross Jenssen, Brightside, Wyllys, Subset, Of the Trees, Horizon Wireless, Aaron Fractaltribe, Robert Fractaltribe, Om Olak, Icaro, Wubson, Corey Brooks, Twist of Fate, Squanto, Cheatcode, Bells and Robes, Leila Harrison, Levitation Jones, Uncle Bob, Gater, Icculus, and Honeycomb.
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