5 Reasons to Check Out The 6th Annual Blackstone River Theater Summer Solstice Festival

The Blackstone River Theater presents the 6th annual Summer Solstice Festival.  A lively day of music, dancing, food and fun on June 18th from 11am- 7pm.  Here are 5 reasons you should add this event to your weekend docket:

1.  The Music! There are three music stages that will feature a total of TWELVE bands! Have a look at this years lineup:

TRADITIONS STAGE – Sponsored by Navigant Credit Union

12:10-12:55 PM – Girsa
1:15-2:00 PM – Barrule
2:15-3:00 PM – John Doyle Band
3:20-4:15 PM – Girsa
4:40-5:30 PM – Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble
6:00-7:00 PM – Pendragon

HERITAGE STAGE – Sponsored by Abbott Valley Veterinary Center

12:15-1:00 PM – The Vox Hunters with Torrin Ryan
1:15-2:00 PM – Low Lily
2:15-3:00 PM – Will Woodson & Eric McDonald
3:15-4:00 PM – The Vox Hunters with Torrin Ryan
4:15-5:00 PM – Atwater-Donnelly Trio
5:15-6:00 PM – Will Woodson & Eric McDonald

RIVERFOLK STAGE – Sponsored by The Valley Breeze Newspapers

12:00-1:15 PM – The Gnomes
1:30-2:15 PM – Atwater-Donnelly Trio
2:30-3:15 PM – Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble
3:30-4:15 PM – Barrule
5:00-6:00 PM – John Doyle Band

2.  The Session Tent! This newer addition is an “open session” tent run by Bob Drouin of Pendragon.  Here, festival performers will drop in and play a few tunes in an open format.  Even more, festival go-ers are invited to sit in and play along…or just sit back and enjoy.  This is a huge bonus for the musicians among the crowd!  Be prepared to store your own instrument, there is no storage on site.

IRISH SESSION TENT – Sponsored by Ocean State Urgent Care

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  The Dancing!  Yes, The Blackstone River Theater is well known for Irish Dancing and there will be an entire stage dedicated to the art of Irish Dancing!  Have a look at the schedule which includes fiddlers, singers and dancing:

RIVERDANCE STAGE – Sponsored by Tir Na Nog Irish Dance / Town of Cumberland

10:50-11:35 AM – Eastern Medicine Singers
11:40-12:00 – Opening Ceremonies – Speakers/Welcome/National Anthem
12:00-12:50 PM – Tir Na Nog Irish Dance
1:05-2:00 PM – Tir Na Nog Irish Dance
2:15-3:00 PM – Tir Na Nog Irish Dance
3:15-3:50 PM – Broad Street Fiddlers
4:10-5:00 PM – Tir Na Nog Irish Dance

4.  Family Friendly!  Come one, come all!  This event offers something for all ages.  And to ensure a good time for the little ones, there is a Children’s stage chock full of kid-friendly fun.  Here is the scoop on the “Young Folk Stage”:

YOUNGFOLK STAGE – Sponsored by Open MRI of New England

1:15-2:00 PM – Mary King and Phil Edmonds
2:25-3:00 PM – Dance Showcase with Kevin Doyle, Aubrey Atwater, Armand Aromin and more!
3:10-3:45 PM – Atwater-Donnelly – Traditional music for children
4:00-4:30 PM – Low Lily – Traditional music for children

There will also be an area to create Sand Art nearby all day!

5.  Vendors!  There will be over 40 craft vendors in attendance, the perfect way to purchase local arts and crafts.Of course, with all the fun,  you are sure to excite your hunger.  Food vendors will be on site ready to satiate your appetite.  So come hungry, leave happy!

Rain Date June 19th!  Adults $15, Seniors $10, Children $5, Under-5 FREE!  More details here!