Blue Heron Music Festival Takes Flight for 26th Year

Friday, June 30 - July 2

Since 1992, thousands of music enthusiasts from all across the country have flocked to the hills of western New York each July for the Great Blue Heron Music Festival. For 26 years now, Sherman, N.Y. has treated festival- and original-music-lovers alike to a great time the whole family can enjoy. With activities like instrument workshops, dance lessons, drum sessions and songwriting circles, you're never going to have to look for something to do at the festival.

Though the music associated with "The Heron" is generally bluegrass and folk, threre are genres abound to enjoy. They have something for everyone. Reggae, Irish music, and jam bands have been represented in past lineups and in recent years, the festival has featured contemporary national acts like the Avett Brothers and Rusted Root. This year's lineup is characteristically stellar, with Donna the Buffalo, Rusted Root (returning), Jim Lauderdale, and Suitcase Junket headlining. The festival grounds cover over 300 acres and contain three stages: The Main Stage, the intimate Tiger Maple Stage, and a big-top Dance tent that "swings through the night", with music playing on one of the stages almost at all times throughout the three days.

If you're looking for something fun to do this Independence Day weekend, you don't have to go very far to experience something truly special in the beautiful landscape of Western New York listening to authentic American music. — Austin Mitchell

9 a.m. Friday - 10 p.m. Sunday // 2361 Waits Corners Rd., Sherman, N.Y. // http://greatblueheron.com/wp/tickets // Pre-sale weekend pass: $95. At gate: weekend $110, Friday $45, Saturday $50, Sunday $40. Youth ticket (ages 12-15)- $50. Children under 12 – free