New Roots Festival Debuts in West Springfield

When it came to music festivals, Dan Biscoff saw an unoccupied market that needed to be filled, one that didn't focus on just one genre, but a variety of styles that could be represented in one space for people to come and discover something new or enjoy something familiar. He saw an opportunity to create Gallabaloo, an event that could bring together psychobilly, country, and any other roots-driven sounds.

"I figured that there was a void for these types of music," Biscoff said of the one-day festival to be held on Saturday, Aug. 16 in West Springfield, Pa. "Most music festivals seem to pigeonhole genres. You've got metal fests for metal and jam fests for jam bands, but a true music festival with roots music mixed in with some psychobilly, a little bit of punk-rock, and some bluegrass hasn't been really done in this area. It gives everyone an opportunity to see a vast array of very high-caliber bands and be exposed to different styles of music that they might not know that they like."

Gallabaloo – with a bit "gala" and some "hullabaloo" – will feature 10 talented acts, including the Blue Pike Award-winning Potwhole, bluegrass troupe Sean Patrick and the Newgrass Revolution, and rip-roaring The Misery Jackals in its first year. In fact, Biscoff said that he wanted to cut it off at one day in the first year and grow Gallabaloo over time, despite heavy interest from performers.

"To be honest, I actually turned bands away [for this first year]," he said. "When word got out, we got these 10 acts rather quickly."

In addition to the music, there will be a performance from professional belly dancers and barbecue will be available for those feeling a bit peckish. For the most part, Gallabaloo will be an opportunity for people to enjoy, and learn, about music, featuring 10 rockin' bands on one special Saturday. – Alex Bieler

Saturday, Aug. 16 // 14301 West Ridge Road, West Springfield, Pa. // www.eventbrite.com