The tenth annual Mountain Jam Music Festival, produced by Radio Woodstock WDST and hosted by Hunter Mountain, kicks off on Thursday, June 5 and continues through Sunday, June 8 featuring a line-up of 40 musical acts across three stages.
Jimmy Buff, program director at Radio Woodstock WDST, said booking acts for the Mountain Jam Music Festival is always a bit of a “juggling act.” It takes the perfect storm of luck, album releases and tour schedules to assemble the diverse line-up of new and old favorites.
“Sure, you’ve got your wish list every year,” Buff said. “But schedules have to match up with the dates. Work on this year’s Mountain Jam began when last year’s finished.”
This year, stars aligned to bring a special act to the tenth incarnation of Mountain Jam: The Allman Brothers Band is set to perform one of their last shows on Sunday night, the last night of the four day, multi-stage festival.
It seems fitting for the Allmans to take the stage this year. The band's nearly 34-minute-long improvised jam track, first performed in 1969, is the festival’s namesake.
“[The Allman’s performance] will really be the emotional crux of the weekend,” Buff said. “We’re really grateful we’ll get the chance to present them in one of their last shows ever.”
In addition to the Allman Brothers, the eclectic line-up includes more classic, contemporary and local acts.
Another notable band-of-brothers: The Avett Brothers, who have gained some momentum through playing the festival circuit with their bluegrass, country, pop blend, will play on Friday night.
Michael Franti & Spearhead, blending hip hop, funk, reggae and folk, will hit the East stage right before the Allman Brothers.
“They always put on a beyond feel-good set,” Buff said.
A few of the local acts gracing the stage are Woodstock-based “interactive music school” Paul Green Rock Academy, guitar wunderkind Connor Kennedy and Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, a Brooklyn-based funk/soul group with roots in Halcottsville.
Going into the festival, Buff is optimistic. He said the weather forecast calls for a bit of rain on Thursday night but clearer skies the rest of the weekend, which will hopefully bring in more walk-up attendees throughout.
Concert-goers have the option to purchase single or multi-day passes at the door or on the festival’s website. There are additional options for camping or non-camping passes for those looking to stay up on the mountain.
“Problem is, if you buy [a single day pass], you’re going to want to come back for more,” Buff said. “There’s nothing like it.”
10th Annual Mountain Jam. Hunter Mountain, Route 23A, Hunter. Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8. For tickets, a full schedule and more information, see Mountain Jam's website at mountainjam.com.
