By SARAH PLUMMER
The Register-Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginia’s ACE Adventure Resort will play host to more than 25 bands June 1-3 at the fourth annual Mountain Music Festival in the New River Gorge.
As this event continues to grow into one of the area’s biggest music festivals, the numbers of bands slated to perform also grows.
Attendees can expect 10 more acts than last year.
“Our annual celebration marries adventure and music that spans three nights and is spread over four stages. Music includes Americana, folk, funk, a festival jam band, rock and roll and bluesy soul stuff,” says ACE Special Events Coordinator Chris Colin. “We give all of our guests the experience that only VIPS get at other festivals. Our camping facilities for music lovers far exceed those at any other venue. All camping spaces allow room for the guest’s vehicle at no extra charge. And guests can shower for free.”
The festival kicks off Thursday, June 1, with a pre-party at The Lost Paddle Lounge, the resort’s bar and restaurant that sports a 1500-square-foot deck. This year Pittsburgh rock and soul band The Commonheart introduce their rock riffs, gritty vocals and a screaming organ. Then Spiritual Rez will be pumping their reggae mix into the mountain air late into the night.
Friday night’s headliner is New Orleans-based The Revivalists, a roots-driven rock band that’s strong in vocals and with a pedal steel guitar. Their album Men Amongst Mountains has gained high acclaim. Also on stage Friday night is “the finest songwriter to emerge from the Bluegrass State in recent memory, Tyler Childers,” adds Colin. Adding to the mix Friday night will be jazz funk powerhouse Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.
Saturday night’s headliner, Umphrey’s McGee, has toured for 18 years, doing over 100 concerts annually. With nine studio albums under their belt, this jam band woos crowds with its mash-ups. Getting things going for the evening will be the five-piece jam machine out of Greensboro, N.C., The Mantras. “And of course it just wouldn’t feel like Mountain Music Fest if we didn’t include Big Something,” said Colin. Big Something will perform after dark on Saturday.
In addition to the great lineup, ACE’s Wonderland Water Park will be open with slides, zip lines and inflatable toys.
More than 25 vendors will offer food, clothing and art, and 15 visual artists will trade secrets and techniques at painting and art workshops during the weekend.
“You choose the adventure; we provide the soundtrack. We’re the only music festival in the world where attendees can pair music with outdoor adventure by whitewater rafting with veteran guides who recommend different sections of the river for every level of expertise and interest,” said Colin.
Tickets are available online at www.mountainmusicfestwv.com/tickets.html or call ACE Adventure Resort, 800-787-3982.
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