Why I Live In the Valley: It’s All at the Green River Festival!

We waited with baited breath on a busy Monday morning when we both had to get out the door–but it was April 1 and it was time for the annual announcement of the line-up for this year’s Green River Festival on July 20-21.  As they began announcing the names, I said huh?  But then again, I had already bought tickets so I knew that no matter who was playing, it was going to be a fantastic time, like every other year I’ve gone.

Brandi Carlile and Gogol Bordello aren’t exactly the star power I was hoping for.  But that’s really what’s great about the festival. Because  as a Valley music lover, I’ve come to appreciate Jim Olsen’s incredible knowledge of music, and I know that he spends all year finding these acts.  So even though I’ve never heard of Gogol, and I have only a few times recalled hearing a Brandi Carlile tune, I’m still happy to be putting on my calendar in stone.

A friend who plays music with me every Wednesday night said it best when we were talking about the Green River Festival. “If you were to sum up what I’m all about, all of the things I care about and what is important to me…I’d point to the Green River Festival as symbolizing all of them…the food, the sensibility, the energy and the Valley vibe.”

I agree, Joe, I agree. Here’s the line up for this year. You can get tickets (a few are left) for just $70 for two days at www.wrsi.com

Gogol Bordello

Brandi Carlile

Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale

The Devil Makes Three

Todd Snider

Bombino

Lake Street Dive

JD McPherson

The Skatalites

Sally Ford & The Sound Outside

The Bernie Worrell Orchestra

Spirit Family Reunion

Ryan Montbleau Band

Slaid Cleaves

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole

Jeffrey Foucault & Cold Satellite

Miss Tess & The Talkbacks   •   Heather Maloney   •   Poor Old Shine