With so many activities and live performances, three days doesn’t sound like enough time to enjoy everything. The 4th Annual Appaloosa Roots Music Festival, hosted by native Virginian band Scythian, is coming soon to the town of Front Royal, Virginia. Located at the scenic Skyline Ranch Resort, only about an hours ride from Washington, D.C., the event will take place on Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 2, 2018.
In the past, Appaloosa has featured Grammy Award winners and critically acclaimed rising stars in Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Celtic, and more. Last year they drew a crowd of about 6,000 for the 3 days of music and family friendly activities.
This year the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has recognized the value of Appaloosa and has awarded them a substantial grant as part of its 2018 Music Festival Sponsorship Program, Virginia Is for Music Lovers. In 2017, Virginia festivals pulled in over 200,000 attendees and an estimated $34 million in economic impact to communities across the Commonwealth.
This year’s headliner is renowned Americana/folk duo, Mandolin Orange, whose album This Side of Jordan was rated by NPR as a Top Folk and Americana Album. The internationally esteemed Celtic band Gaelic Storm, who appeared as the steerage band in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie Titanic, will also share the headline.
According to their press release, also appearing on the festival’s many stages will be: Town Mountain, Humming House, Six-String Soldiers, Karikatura, Aoife Scott, Fireside Collective, Upstate, The New Familiars, Gina Clowes Project, Jack Dunlap Band, Williams Brothers Band, Kentucky Avenue, Tajci, Mountain Duo, Ben-David Warner, The Hillbilly Thomists, and Sibling Rivalry Fiddle Band.
This year’s incarnation of the Appaloosa Roots Music Festival will feature free music workshops throughout the weekend, as well as an exclusive late-night jam session with some of the headliners. Other activities include: on-site camping, cabins, and chalets, local food and craft vendors, a kids zone, a beer garden featuring Virginia craft beer and local choice wines, horseback riding, a petting zoo, fishing pond, playground, mini-golf, and much more.
The event will offer “family packages” to make it more affordable for large families, and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. The festival also offers discounts for active duty and veteran attendees.
The Appaloosa community also gives back: 10% of profits go to charity, with beneficiaries including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Lineup, ticketing, and accommodations may be found at www.AppaloosaFestival.com. Get your tickets today!
