Winding Trails Music Festival – October 19 in Farmington

The 9th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, October 19th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Winding Trails in Farmington. Set amongst the beautiful 380 acres of forest and fall foliage on Dunning Lake, there will be music on two stages, with a beer garden at the beach featuring free samples from local breweries. The festival headliner is Driftwood, who has just released their sixth album. Sonically, the album looks confidently to the future, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to the bluegrass roots that built them. Across the album’s nine tracks, the band often leans into hard-rocking electric guitars and driving percussion: On “Every Which Way But Loose,” we get a foot-tapping beat and a sweeping chorus, and on “Up All Night Blues,” the band shines with an ambling, sing-along-able reflection on the challenges of new motherhood. But other tracks, like standout closer “Stardust,” take a simpler route, allowing bare-bones vocals and acoustic instrumentals to underpin a deeper emotional message.

The Festival also features Grain Thief. The band has toured the north, south, east, and west of the U.S., playing stages large and small. They have graced the stages at the Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, Hempfest, Podunk Bluegrass Festival, Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival, Ossipee Valley Music Festival, UMS Music Festival, and Rockygrass, among others. Stardust Lodge reached #17 on the Folk DJ Radio Album Chart, #4 on the Roots Music Report Folk Album Chart, and #1 on the Roots Music Report Traditional Folk Album Chart.

Mari Black and Cory Pesaturo will also be on the main stage. Multistyle violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black delights audiences around the world with her energetic playing, sparkling stage presence, and dazzlingly virtuosic fiddling. Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) is revolutionizing the Accordion. The only person to ever win the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital and Jazz Accordion, his extensive resumé includes appearances at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton on 4 different occasions. Some TV appearances include the Late Show with David Letterman, performing with Johnny Depp, Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam on NBC, Wayne Brady’s Let’s Make A Deal on CBS, and Nationally televised programs in New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Tunisia, France, and Finland. He also currently gives masterclasses at various universities throughout the US and Europe on Accordion and Improvisation.

Also appearing on the main stage will be Maine’s premier Bluegrass Band, Breakin’ Strings. Breakin’ Strings was an IBMA Showcase band in 2022. They have been featured in The Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, The Bluegrass Standard, and Nashville Voyager Magazine. A Breakin’ Strings show is not a show to miss. Guaranteed at some point you will see them break a string. Breakin’ Strings brings a fun jam-packed flavor to bluegrass music with great instrumentals, Great vocals, great harmonies, and a hard drive Bluegrass sound.

In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for $40 adults, and $10 children at windingtrails.org or by calling Winding Trails at (860) 677-8458.

This one-day music festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset and is rain or shine. Performances take place on the Boathouse stage and the Dunning Lake stage. Bring a tent in the event of rain. Free samples from over 20 local breweries will be available, while supplies last. Food and additional refreshments are available for sale or attendees may BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails, sports fields, and disc golf.

Festival proceeds benefit the Winding Trails Trails Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing year-round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages. The festival is presented by Lodestar Energy. Thomaston bank and McLean sponsor two stages for music. ClarkHirth CPAs is sponsoring the Festival Beer Garden. The festival is also made possible with support from the Wood-n-Tap, the Sounding Board, West Hartford Windows, North American Underwriters, and The Law Offices of Michael Freeman.

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