The first of three lineup announcements for Front Porch Fest, the annual 4-day music festival to be held Aug 29 to Sept 1 in Patrick County, were announced last week. Meeting the high standard of music offerings Front Porch Fest is known for, this lineup features an array of local, regional, and nationally known musicians. In addition to high quality music, festival 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 15. General admission and VIP weekend tickets are on sale now at frontporchfest.com. Day tickets will be released this summer.
As always, the lineup spans musical genres providing something for all music lovers. Topping this initial line up is Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land – a collaboration of Electric Larry Landis, award-winning guitarist, and songwriter Larry Keel that creates what they call a sonic “groove-and-vibe machine.”
All the way from Miami, Front Porch Fest invites Afrobeta to share their love of catchy songwriting, dancing until 5 AM, and Cuban pastries. Big Daddy Love returns to FPF once again with its blend of rock, bluegrass, southern soul, and psychedelic jams, and Erin & the Wildfire is back on stage with the band’s pop, funk, and indie sensibility backing the expressive powerhouse vocals of frontwoman Erin Lunsford. The Jared Stout Band has a musical style that’s as diverse as the Appalachian landscape they call home, seamlessly weaving Appalachian rhythms with bluesy undertones.
Seven-piece Americana brass band The Judy Chops has become a staple on the FPF stages with its chameleon-like arrangements and modern take on vintage sounds. Jon Tyler Wiley & his Virginia Choir will light up the stages with their diverse and energetic sound, masterful musicianship, and captivating crowd interaction. Late night FPF favorite GOTE is back with a fresh, eclectic blend of originals and cover material. The soundtrack of your favorite daydream, Lua Flora delivers sun-kissed melodies rooted in the harmonies of Appalachia, rhythms of the West Indies, and lyricism of American folk.
Local groovy blues band, Slick Jr & the Reactors brings its unique perspective to the blues with a blend of original materials and classic covers. FPF is once again on the tour schedule of The Freeway Jubilee, a band built on unique collaboration, powerful harmonies, and lyrics that provide a window into the human experience, They’re becoming known for their beautiful gospel set each Sunday morning of FPF. Energetic and quirky, Couldn’t Be Happiers is a folk-rock/Americana duo returning to Front Porch Fest, while seasoned FPF artist Oh, Christopher once again presents his soulful singer-songwriter style.
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). Borrowed Earth collaborators Scott Eutsler and Chris Owens will bring their mix of originals and traditional and contemporary covers to Front Porch Fest for the fifteenth time, and Fluidity Performance Troupe will be back once again to lend their movement and artistry to the live music experience. Two-piece woman-fronted White Rose Motor Oil brings cowpunk and garage country to the stage.
Rounding out the lineup and the weekend is FPF Family All Star Band – a Sunday evening festival staple that evolves annually and is always a treat to experience. More bands will be announced in two more updates, but this first lineup has something for everyone in the family. Whether you have a favorite on the line up or you’re down for some fresh tunes from singer-songwriters or big-name acts on tour, Front Porch Fest guarantees a rich blend of caliber and diversity in its musical offerings.
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. Tent camping is included with weekend admission tickets, and car camping passes can be purchased separately. 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. Vendor applications are now open, and the festival is seeking volunteers for a variety of departments. 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. Proceeds from this event are donated to local charities such as the Patrick County Community Food Bank and Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County. For more information, visit onefamilyproductions.org.
