Rooster Walk Turns 10 with a Fabulous Memorial Day Weekend Lineup
Rooster Walk turns ten, and this year’s lineup reflects that benchmark with outstanding music up and the down the schedule. Pop’s Farm in Martinsville VA will be your home from Thursday, May 24th, through Sunday, May 27th. With more than three dozen bands and performers over the four days, you’ll get your fill and more of some amazing music.
THURSDAY
There is a short schedule the first evening. The Commonheart, a ten-“man” collective from Pittsburgh, is at the top of the night’s bill (note: actually three women and seven men!), working to “invoke emotion through tone and energy.” San Francisco-area band Front Country will present “strings and songs,” and Cris Jacobs rounds out the night’s lineup.
FRIDAY
Now the fun really begins, with a dozen bands on the lineup (and numerous indications of “Plus many more!”). JJ Grey and Mofro will tell you about love for Florida and environment and much more. Billy Strings just owned Suwannee Spring Reunion, and how about this? King and Strings means Strings’ full band plus Marcus King, the young man who created wild buzz on Jam Cruise and the recent Wanee Music Festival. But wait! There’s more. Add Jeff Sipe (Apt. Q-258) to the mix — the perfect drummer to guide this collaboration.
There is great variety to each day of Rooster Walk. Music ranges Friday from the incredible work of the Jerry Douglas Band to the stunning fusion of TAUK. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, and Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band. The Commonheart comes back for more, joined by Porch 40, Kendal Street Company, Sanctum Sully, and Violet Bell.
SATURDAY
If all Saturday had were the amazing Wood Brothers, outstanding funksters Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and the aforementioned Marcus King and band (playing two sets), it would be sufficient. But of course much more is on tap.
If you’re looking for roots, Americana and more, you are definitely in the right place: Colter Wall, Dustbowl Revival, Town Mountain, and Yarn explore a wide swath of variations of these genres. The Mantras are, well, the Mantras, always amazing. Fireside Collective, Porch 40, and Kendall Street Company are also ready for Rooster Walk, and The Jammy Jam will be hosted by Grass is Dead.
SUNDAY
One more day. You can do this!
This is a power-packed day. Consider this: island-flavored looper Zach Deputy, sand-blasted roots rock purveyors Dangermuffin, the superb (and ironically named) Southern Belles, The Last Yaltz, featuring Yarn and many special guests, soulful blues rockers Victor Wainwright and the Train, and the Trongone Band’s tribute to Gregg Allman.
Seriously!
Tack on Kat Wright, Wild Ponies, Erin and the Wildfire, Sanctum Sully, and Violet Bell, and you have one amazing Rooster Walk!
Did we mention “Plus many more?” Add to that list Wild Ponies, Songs from the Road Band, Half Moon, After Jack, Jason Springs, PHCC Jazz Band, Prosperity’s Folly, Gunchux, MHC Praise Band, Juliana MacDowell, The Fernandez Sisters, The Wildmans, and Aaron Crowe, and we’re certain we will know what days they’ll play when the full schedule is released.
Still looking for more? There are five great Artists at Large to add additional sparkle, beginning with Jeff Sipe and the man with the tenor saxophone, Ron Holloway. Josh Shilling, Jay Starling, and Wallace Mullinax will be on stages as well!
Time to plug Pop’s Farm into your favorite GPS app!
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