Connecticut may be one of the smaller states in the Union, but it boasts many great music festivals, drawing thousands of visitors every year. From jam bands to traditional Irish folk music, Connecticut's music festivals provide an entertaining experience for every kind of music lover.The following are just a few examples of the many great music festivals Connecticut has to offer.
Gathering of the Vibes
Gathering of the Vibes is an annual four-day folk and jam music, arts and camping festival held at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The festival originated at SUNY Purchase in 1996 with "Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe," an event which sought to memorialize the then recently deceased Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia. Since 1996, the festival has changed locations several times and a host of hugely successful musical artists have graced its stage, including living members of the Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and James Brown, George Clinton and P-Funk, The Black Crowes, and Les Claypool. Approximately 15,000 to 25,000 people attend each year, a community that refers to itself as the Vibe Tribe. According to a 2009 Rolling Stone article, Gathering of the Vibes "is always well-organized and, perhaps more important, exceptionally good-natured."
Gathering of the Vibes
PO Box 3377
Bridgeport, CT 06605
(203) 908-3030
gatheringofthevibes.com
Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
Held the first full weekend of August at Martin Park in East Hartford, the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival has been entertaining bluegrass fans for 14 years. It's featured bluegrass bands from all over the country, from Colorado's Hit and Run Bluegrass Band to Arkansas's Bearfoot. The event also offers workshops, jam sessions, children's entertainment and plenty of food. There is a band competition on Sunday in which attendees get to vote for their favorite band. According to Wayne Bledsoe, editor of Bluegrass Now magazine, the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival is "one of the most diverse events in the country." East Hartford residents get in for free. For visitors, on-site camping is available.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation
50 Chapman Place
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 528-1458
podunkbluegrass.net
Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival
The Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival has been held for more than 25 years in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The largest Irish music festival in New England according to the its website, the Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival is held over three days in July on the grounds of the Irish American Home Society, for which it was started as a fund-raising opportunity. The festival has featured artists like Seven Nations, the Prodigals, Pat Roper, Paddy Noonan and Frank Patterson. The festival features a Cultural Tent devoted to Irish history and culture, including traditional Irish dancing, pipe bands, food and goods. A Catholic Mass is offered on Sunday. There is also a designated children's area.
Irish American Home Society
132 Commerce Street
Glastonbury, CT
(860) 633-9691
irishmusicfest.com
