Normally, I do not try to influence the social activities of the imaginary readership. Sometimes I like to try and give your raft a little pull closer to my raft as we gently glide down the “Lazy River” together.  However something important is happening and I want to raise the awareness of the imaginary readership of this important happening.  

The Hill City Roots Festival is being held in Concord, Va on September 17-18. Some of my friends are putting it together and asked me to share my thoughts on the festival, and also some of my friends are performing at the festival and would love to reach new audiences.  

As far as I am concerned, I think the festival will be a rousing triumph of positive experiences and two days of incredible music.  Oh and beer.  

Tickets to The Hill (World’s) City (Greatest) Roots (Music) Festival (Festival) can be purchased for $20 at www.hillcityroots.com this is an incredibly inexpensive price to pay for the multitude of original bands.  Also did I mention that you can bring your camping gear and camp out Saturday night between the musical awesomeness? Well, you can.  Also did I mention that there will be delicious food for sale from Mangia? Well, there is.  Also did I mention that I will be there staring awkwardly at your girlfriend (if she is hot)? Well, I will be.  

This is something that I am very excited about, not only because I get to see a bunch of my friends who will be in town playing the festival, but also because nothing like this ever happens in the area in which I reside.  I want to do whatever I can to support it, and to encourage all of you to do the same.  This is not a bunch of 58 year old dudes playing Allman Brothers covers for three hours.  These are legitimately talented people who take the time to write their own music and are trying to make a living playing music, and will share it with you, and probably hang out with you afterwards if you will choose to pay $20 and support them.  

“Well I haven’t heard of any of these bands!” you say.  Well, lets familiarize ourselves with them, shall we?

Adam Faucett  (http://www.adamfaucett.com/) is a cool effing dude from Arkansas who happens to stop by the pizza shop a few times a year.  His music will jolt your concept of life.  If you don’t believe me watch this:

or this:

or this one I shot myself last month:

Speaking of Arkansas, my dear friend (and boy) Blake Reams will also be travelling up from down that way to play for those lucky enough to be in attendance.  He is the official spokesperson for Camel Filters and promises to eventually have an album ready for purchase.  In the mean time, we have this:

Blake Reams Live at Mangia 11.24.10 by The Cave of Wonders

“Somesong” and “Mr. California” are personal favorites.  Hopefully, if we’re lucky, he will play “There Are Times, Parts II & III”.  

Crow & The Murder Machine are also some dudes that i am friends with.  Led by enigmatic front man Seth Meeks, Crow & The Murder Machine are kind of like going to the circus, if they gave everyone acid, and instead of animals they just had crazy.  You can learn more about them here. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crow-and-The-Murder-Machine/119823151384168

Speaking of crazy, The Hawk & The Rumor, led by John Hawkins will also be something everyone should experience.  Just imagine if Bruce Springsteen ate mushrooms and went to black church.  Also there should be lots of people playing random junk (literally), lots of foot-stomping, and metal chain tossing. You could, in fact, see God.  Or you might freak out and run away into the dark forest of Concord, Va never to be heard or seen from again.  You will stumble upon a creek and fortify your new existence in the wilderness, living off the land and befriending the local white-tailed deer population until one day you remember where you parked your car, shave off your beard and return to society a new man (or chick (who can apparently grow a beard))).  You can learn more about them here: http://www.facebook.com/thehawkandtherumor

Steal the Prize, one of the most important bands in the Central Virginia music scene will be performing. :http://www.myspace.com/stealtheprize

The very talented David Sickmen (of Bellweather States http://www.myspace.com/bellwetherstate) will be performing.

Also there are Invisible Hand : http://www.myspace.com/adamsmith

Goodwill Falcon : http://goodwillfalcon.bandcamp.com/

Rugby : http://rugby.bandcamp.com/

Plus many more!

Buy your tickets today as space is running out.  Please help to make sure that this is a successful experience.  Purchase tickets now www.hillcityroots.com.  All the info you need is on their site, like how to get there and whatnot.  Don’t be left out. If anyone has any questions you can ask me and I will make something up.  If you aren’t sure what to wear wear something flannel if you are a dude and low-cut if you are a girl.  I hope to see you all there.