Rooster Walk, scheduled for May 25-28 at the Pop’s Farm festival venue just outside of Martinsville, was named one of the Top 5 festivals in Virginia by the Richmond-Times Dispatch last year.
In early January, progressive string band Greensky Bluegrass and legendary reunited reggae band The Wailers were announced as overall headliners of the festival.
Rooster Walk 9 announced the final line-up last week. Mandolin Orange, Pimps of Joytime, Mountain Heart and more than 20 other bands have been added, completing the Memorial Day weekend festival’s band lineup.
“Booking a festival lineup is a lot like working a jigsaw puzzle,” said Johnny Buck, a co-founder of Rooster Walk. “We’re really proud of the way this one turned out. It’s a really fun combination of bands that features a good mix of genres, as well as a variety of first-time Rooster Walk performers and returning, ‘fan-favorites.’”
Mandolin Orange, a critically acclaimed folk band from Chapel Hill, N.C., first performed at Rooster Walk in 2010. Since then, the band has built a groundswell of national support through countless miles on the road and appearances at numerous festivals, including Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits Fest, and Telluride Bluegrass. In addition to Rooster Walk 9, Mandolin Orange is booked to perform at Bonnaroo and Red Rocks this summer.
Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Pimps of Joytime are known for their infectious, dance-inducing brand of funk/soul music. The band has created a devoted following across the country and Virginia.
Led by vocalist, piano player and Bassett native Josh Shilling, Mountain Heart has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music is presented and played. Mountain Heart and its members have been nominated for Grammys, ACM and CMA awards. The Nashville-based band has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 130 times, and has shared the stage with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, The Avett Brothers, Yonder Mountain Stringband and John Fogerty and many more.
In addition to four days of music, the family-friendly festival offers a variety of kids’ activities, craft beer, food, arts and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with a 5K trail race, yoga, a disc golf course and on-site camping.
Rooster Walk Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts and education in Martinsville/Henry County. A portion of festival proceeds go to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship as well as the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for entry-level band programs in Martinsville/Henry County public schools.
One-day tickets range from $30 to $65; camping packages range from $40 to $495, depending on amenities. For a complete band list, general info, and to purchase tickets, visit RoosterWalk.com.
