Normally, when looking to tinker with the formula on a time-tested venture, feasibility studies are conducted. Will the target population support the change? Do current trends indicate the potential for growth?
In the case of the 29th annual Green River Festival and its impending experiment in moving from a two day to a three day affair, festival talent buyer Jim Olsen says such comprehensive analysis hardly seemed necessary. Afterall, USA Today recently named the Greenfield-based event one of the top summer festivals in the country.
“The 2014 festival also sold out both days in advance, too,” Olsen notes. “So we decided to add a Friday evening show, and really, evenings are often the best time anyways as it’s usually more comfortable once that July sun goes down.”
With the proverbial expanded canvas that is this year’s July 10-12 run at his disposal, Olsen says he has amassed the “largest, deepest” roster in the event’s storied history.
“From the roots rock of Steve Earle to the art-pop of the tUnE-yArDs and the classic jazz of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, all corners of the U.S. and even other countries will be represented,” Olsen says.
A particular sonic feather in Olsen’s cap this installment was the confirmed booking of one Booker T. Jones. The infamous frontman for Booker T & The MG’s will take to the Green River Stage on Saturday, July 11.
“He doesn’t tour much, and it took a couple years to convince his management that this would be a good venue for him,” Olsen explains. “But we finally got him!”
To get your tix — or obtain more information — on one of the nation’s premier music fests, kindly point your browser to greenriverfestival.com
Speaking of taking music festivals to loftier heights … the 2015 Levitate Music & Arts Festival — slated for July 11 at the Marshfield Fairgrounds — has snared Grammy nominated New Orleans funkmasters Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Phillly’s Dr. Dog, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and seven other sought after acts this summer.
Started just two years ago by local Levitate Surf Shop owners Daniel and Jessica Hassett, the 2013 and 2014 installments drew a combined 10,000 fans to Marshfield’s historic fairgrounds on the South Shore.
In other news, the Valley’s own Robin Lane has enlisted the services of a few high-profile songstresses for the May 3 benefit for her Songbird Sings program, namely: Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses/Belly/The Breeders fame and Signature Sounds’ Kris Delmhorst. Songbird Sings helps women who have survived violence heal through songwriting. The concert will take place at Noho’s Parlor Room. Admission is $15.
Last up, Agawam’s Crestview Country Club will give voice to … well, three contestants from season six of the NBC hit The Voice this Saturday, May 2. The special dinner show package includes a buffet, 5:30-7 p.m., followed by performances from Ddendyl Hoyt, Noah Lis, and Biff Gore.•
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email garycarra@aol.com.
