“Floyd Fest 8 – Revival” Returns to Refresh, Renew and Recreate

Annual reunions at Floyd Fest have become a regular event.
Annual reunions at Floyd Fest have become a regular event.

Floyd Fest 8 – Revival, returns next weekend with four days of music, music, music, just off milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Headline performers include Blues Traveler, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Railroad Earth, Toubab Krewe, etc. but as always the half dozen stages at Floyd Fest are bound to feature little known groups or solo artists that may steal the show.

Co-organizer Kris Hodges has traveled the world, and lately the internet, searching for new wrinkles and new sounds.

“It seems like every year people come and feel refreshed, renewed and revived in their lives. It’s just a wonderful thing to see and be a part of,” Hodges said.

His co-organizer Erika Johnson said the themes chosen every year for Floyd Fest includes plenty of “unplanned … serendipity. This year, the times we’re in, the general state of mind, it just feels like we’re at that point. Revival at Floyd Fest speaks to refresh, renew and recreate.” Annual reunions at Floyd Fest have become a regular event.

Despite the economic conditions, ticket sales were up and camping reservations sold out early this year. “That’s largely due to the fact that we’re a community event. Spending dollars [locally] is probably the best thing to do in today’s world,” said Hodges.

Tight economic times “might bode well for regional events. Right now people are very value conscious,” adds Johnson.

In fact, the entertainment budget for Floyd Fest was increased, even if cuts were made elsewhere. Hodges promises a good show for those that make their way up to the sprawling site on the Floyd County-Patrick County line.

The Felice Brothers are “very Dylanesque…you’ve got the ragtime, hobo rock and roll feel,” while Groupo Fantasma is a “phenomenal Latin outfit out of Boston.” The new “Under the Radar” series will feature mostly emerging artists, giving them access to 10,000 or more Floyd Fest patrons.

“You’re not just getting a concert, you’re getting an experience at Floyd Fest,” said Hodges of the July 23-26 happening. VisitFloydfest.com for more information.

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