If you’d prefer to be on a boat yourself, this summer’s line-up of BOSTON HARBOR MUSIC CRUISES looks especially lively. (Most cruises leave from Long Wharf at 7:30 pm; tickets range from $12 to $33). On Saturday, June 9, the tribute band Beatle Juice plays one of its first shows since the loss of frontman Brad Delp. New Orleans aficionados can sail with two of that city’s finest, the Radiators on June 21 and Papa Grows Funk on July 13 (the latter leaves from Rowes Wharf). And imagine how it would feel if the Middle East or the Abbey Lounge were set out to sea, and you’ll have the atmosphere on July 6 when club favorites the Gentlemen, Eli Paperboy Reed, and the Rudds hit the deck.
Those with rootsier tastes will want to plan a few road trips. This year’s NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL (August 3 through 5 at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI; tickets $30–$85) may be the most mainstream in its history. Bet you didn’t know the Allman Brothers Band was a folk group — but the good weather and laid-back atmosphere make this a worthy summer tradition. A pair of folksier folk fests are also upcoming with the PRESCOTT PARK FOLK FEST (July 21 in Prescott, NH; suggested donation $8) offering a single afternoon of acoustic players, headlined by local favorite Peter Mulvey. Another handful of folk icons, including Woodstock figure Richie Havens and local boy Jonathan Edwards, are lined up for the STRAWBERRY PARK FOLK FESTIVAL (September 13 through 16, 42 Pierce Road, Preston, CT; tickets $20–110). This time the extra-musical options include horseback riding.
And though all of this year’s performers haven’t been announced yet, the LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL (July 27 through 29 on six stages throughout downtown Lowell) tends to offer a sterling line-up of performers from all over the country. It’s billed as the largest free folk fest in the US. Also free is Bangor, Maine’s AMERICAN FOLK FESTIVAL (August 24 through 26, at the downtown Bangor waterfront). Here the line-up has a distinctly Southern slant, including the Dixie Hummingbirds and Cajun bandleader Bruce Daigrepont.
A more traditional experience can be found at the BASIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (July 13 through 15, off Route 73 in Brandon, VT; tickets $20–$40), which offers a scenic weekend of camping, crafts, food, and old-timey music from the Lonesome Whistle Band and others. Bluegrass fans can continue the party a few weekends later at the Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival (August 3 through 5 at Branch Brook Campground, West Campton, NH; tickets $20–$52) which offers another rustic weekend of fishing, country dancing, camping, and, of course, music from the Pine Hill Ramblers, Southern Rail, and others.
East Hartford is holding its PODUNK BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (August 2 through 5, Martin Park), which has a few big names (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys), plus a band competition, a “Kids Kamp” and other family fun. Still more bluegrass can be found at Brunswick, Maine’s BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Bluegrass Festival (August 30 through September 2, at Thomas Point Beach); tickets $30/single day–$110/four days) with camping and continuous music. Finally, the WHITE’S BEACH AND CAMPGROUND FAMILY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (July 20 through 22, at White’s Beach in Brunswick, ME; weekend tickets $30) promises nonstop picking 24 hours a day. And there’s beach access when your ears need a rest.
