As published on FestivalSnobs.com
High upon an Appalachian mountaintop where it has attracted fans for nearly two decades, is a festival in its final stages of preparation for this year’s July 26th-30th reunion. This festival, Floydfest’17, is expected to do what it does best: Bring together eclectic bands from across the world, create spaces where the magic of music takes over, and watch as these talented musicians showcase their skills and connect with their fans unlike anywhere else.
Each year, Floydfest chooses a new theme to encapsulate the overall intention of the extended weekend. This year’s theme; drumroll please…Freedom! And the Freedom lineup does not expect to disappoint…Thievery Corporation will headline; followed by a myriad of bands, many with new album releases this year, including St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Xavier Rudd, Steel Pulse, Railroad Earth, Nicola Cruz, Vurro, Baskery, Fruition, Tauk, Femina, Rebekah Todd & the Odyssey, The Hip Abduction, T Sisters, McLovins, Lobo Marino and many others.
You can listen to the entire lineup playlist created by Floydfest’s securer of talent, Chris Hodges, here.
With so many bands to choose from, you are sure to find a new favorite, or two. “And with glasses high we raised a cry for freedom had arrived”. Not just A Great Day for Freedom, but an entire weekend, and what should you, the festival goer, expect?
9 CURATED STAGES
Of these nine stages, the intimate Workshop Porch Stage is one you don’t want to miss. If you desire to learn the personal songs, stories and techniques of your favorite band; this setting offers that warm listening environment as well as a perfect opportunity for an up close and personal Q & A session with musical idols and up-and-comers alike.
THE ON THE RISE COMPETITION
Every spring in Roanoke, VA at Floydfest’s ancillary venue, the Phoenix, local bands face off in a weekly Battle of the Bands. The culmination of the competition takes place at Floydfest where the finalists showcase their talents throughout the weekend, and you the attendee vote for your favorite. The winning band gets a top-of-the-line set of microphones, a merchandise package, and an automatic lock in for a set next year on the main stage.
THE BUFFALO MOUNTAIN JAM
“An indelible super-jam experienced at FloydFest 16~Dreamweavin’ after the surprise heath deterioration of Mr. Gregg Allman”. This tribute will now become an annual tradition at FloydFest. The 2017 BMJ will be hosted on Saturday by Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, Larry Keel and an all-star lineup of other FloydFest musicians and artists.
To read more about what we experienced last year check out our 2016 review: Music. Magic. Mission: Floydfest’16- Dreamweavin
A variety of ticket options are available ranging from one day passes to the High Roller 5-day VIP Pass
Choose your DAY(s), STAY, and PLAY (private mountain bike, river floating, and adventure packages in addition to the festival) here
Make sure to follow Floydfest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for future announcements.
