23rd Annual Green River Festival02:04PM / Monday, May 11, 2009
23rd Annual Green River Festival Announces Diverse Lineup, Featuring Michael Franti, Sharon Jones & The Dap-kings, And Many More
Special Friday Evening Performances Celebrate 15th Anniversary Of Signature Sounds Recordings
GREENFIELD, Mass. - The Green River Festival, Western New England's favorite summer festival will be held July 17 & 18, 2009 on the grounds of Greenfield Community College (I-91, Exit 26, Greenfield, MA). Presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, this celebration combines music on two stages, food, crafts, a dance tent, a wide array of kid's activities and entertainment, and hot air balloons for the Pioneer Valley's biggest outdoor event of the summer. This is the only music festival in Massachusetts that features hot air balloons and rides. Complete event information is available by calling (413) 773-5463, via e-mail: fccc@crocker.com, and on the web: www.greenriverfestival.com.
FRIDAY, July 17: Fifteen Signature Sounds artists will perform and celebrate the 15th year anniversary of the Western Massachusetts- based label:
Chris Smither
Crooked Still
Richard Shindell
Winterpills
Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem
Kris Delmhorst
Eilen Jewell
Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry
Peter Mulvey
Sometymes Why
Jeffrey Foucault
Mark Erelli
The Sacred Shakers
Caroline Herring
The Sweetback Sisters
Gates open at 5:00 PM and the music starts at 6:00. Hot Air Balloon launch also begins at 6:00 PM. The evening closes with a spectacular balloon illumination at 9:30 PM.
SATURDAY, July 18: 6:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon launch (free admission to launch).
MAIN STAGE PERFORMERS: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Kathleen Edwards, Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women (featuring Laurie Lewis, Cindy Cashdollar and others), and Justin Townes Earle.
DANCE TENT PERFORMERS: CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, The Sweetback Sisters, Mike & Ruthy, Gypsy Caravan, and Naia Kete.
Saturday starts with free admission to the grounds for a traditional 6:00 AM balloon launch. Gates open to paying festival goers at 1 PM and the music starts at 2 PM. Games, songs, and activities for children will be featured all day. Adults may picnic and visit a variety of booths where craftspeople will be showing their original work, all while enjoying world-class music. Plenty of food and beverages including ethnic specialties, vegetarian, and great classic American fare will be available throughout the event. An evening hot air balloon launch is scheduled at 6:00 PM.
SUNDAY, July 19: 6:00 AM - Hot Air Balloon launch. Free admission.
ADMISSION: Save almost 50% off the at the gate price! Early Bird tickets for the weekend will be available for only $35 through May 31. From June 1 -July 12, weekend ticket price is $45. Day of festival prices: Friday- $25. Saturday- $45, $60 for weekend. Children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased on line by credit card at www.greenriverfestival.com. Tickets are also available at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce office (395 Main Street in Greenfield), World Eye Books in Greenfield, and Elmer's Store in Ashfield.
BALLOON RIDES: Pre-festival price is $225 per person, $250 at the event. Call (413) 773-5463 for reservations and more details. Balloon Rides may also be purchased on-line at: www.greenriverfestival.com. Festival admission in included in the cost.
Passengers must be over the age of 10 and in good health. If you are pregnant, recently released from the hospital, have current broken bones or casts you will not be able to qualify to purchase a ride. Passengers under the age of 18 must have parental permission or the parent must fly with them. Riders are accepted at the discretion of the ride operator. All passengers will be required to sign a release form provided at the Festival balloon tent. The balloons, due to winds, can only inflate and fly during early morning or evening hours. They do not fly during the day.
Rain or shine, the festival takes place on the grounds of Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA- one mile from the Route 2 / Interstate 91 rotary at I-91 exit 26.
Plenty of free parking is available on site. Balloon rides are weather permitting. Sorry, no dogs or alcohol are permitted at the festival. |
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