Hot August Music Festival
August 16, 2014
Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, MD
written by Cliff Tyler
Looking for a little inexpensive summer entertainment? How about great music, an intimate and historic environment, and a little fun in the sun? Hot August Music Festival at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md. provides all of that and more.
Formerly knows as Hot August Blues and Roots Festival, the past few lineups have welcomed a nice spectrum of musicians leading to the generalizing of the festivals name. This years schedule promises to please as it brings a heavy dose of Americana with a nice taste of pretty much everything else you could expect at a music festival. Featuring excellent local acts, great mid level bands, and nationally touring artists, the best thing is that it all takes place in one day on Saturday August 16th!
This years headliners will be doing some serious pickin. Old Crow Medicine Show has developed into what some would call the best new age bluegrass band around. They always bring a high-energy show that gets everybody dancing and will surely send you home singing the night away. Alt Bluegrass giants Nickel Creek have re-united for an album and a tour that swings by Oregon Ridge. Expect an accomplished trio of musicians and well-written songs featuring mandolin wizard Chris Thile, also of the Punch Brothers. Other main stage acts also include Dr. Dog, Houndmouth, and Bosley.
Two additional stages will also host a bunch of great acts. Tab Benoit and Turkuaz round out the national artist bringing their respective blues rock and funky jams to the party. The state just a few miles north of the festival grounds has produced some great bands in recent years and Cabinet is right at the forefront of that list. Their tight melodies and pure harmonies will certainly leave you high on Pennsylvania bluegrass! Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds might just be the band that unexpectedly blows your socks off. If you like good music, don’t miss them. Soulful vocals and pure Rock ‘n Roll makes everybody happy right?
Hot August Music Festival has always been located just a little north of Baltimore. A great cross section of local talent showcases the strong Charm City music scene. Dance party favorites ELM have all but perfected live band electronica and will perform along side Jordan August Band, Ursula Ricks, and the Solicitors, adding element of jam, soul, and the ever so popular Americana.
If this stellar lineup hasn’t already sold you, the concert venue at Oregon Ridge Park most certainly will. Minutes from the city limits you find yourself amongst rolling hills and wooded areas. The park was originally used for skiing and you can still see evidence of the clear paths heading up a relatively steep mini mountain and a few remaining lift poles. As you can imagine, wintertime transforms the grounds into a sledding paradise for both young and old. The main stage is permanent, quaint and has a great low sloped viewing area. Make sure to wear your sunscreen, as there is not much shade to be found. There is, however, plenty of room to bring the family and expect to see flying objects being tossed around since something about this place makes you just want to rejoice.
Great Music, Great Location, Great Price, and a Great Time are what the Hot August Festivals have become known for. Make sure you and your friends are a part of it this year. With ticket prices ranging from $50-170, there is sure to be a package that’s affordable. Head on over to their site at www.hotaugustmusicfestival.com for more information including band bio’s and set times. Have a great summer and see ya there!
