Written By Maria Ekaterina
Photos by Roger Gupta
Spirithaven Farm in Stuart, Virginia is the perfect place to unplug, relax and take in the simple joys of life while enjoying a weekend of music. The winding back road through the mountains opens up to the humble paradise welcoming you to Front Porch Festival. Rain throughout Friday and Saturday allowed people to bundle up in their cozy sweaters and welcome extra hugs and cuddles to keep warm. Stunning peacocks made themselves heard during morning hours but kept themselves away from the music throughout the weekend. Abundant in butterflies and apple trees the grounds themselves emanate peaceful solitude contributing to the at home feel throughout the weekend.
From Asheville, North Carolina Dr. Bacon took the stage Thursday evening energizing and uplifting the family crowd. Their groovy blend of funk, rock, blues, folk and hip-hop sounds help you forget the cooler weather. The rain continued through Friday and Saturday but didn’t stop people from coming out to see Big Daddy Love from North Carolina Friday afternoon. Their Appalachian Rock style layered in attention grabbing vocals, funky banjo strums and southern funk form new harmonies anyone can enjoy.
There were numerous places for kids to be entertained. From exploring the adventurous playground, catching bubbles, chasing butterflies to playing corn hole with their siblings and parents, there was plenty to keep them busy. Saturday after Righteous Friendz Band, kids and adults came together for the smile filled kids parade led by Dr. Bacon to the Love sign. At night the beautiful colored lights illuminated the signs as well as the trees around the main stage creating a scenic and intimate atmosphere. Erin and The Wildfire brought the sunshine Saturday afternoon as Erin’s jaw dropping vocals and the bands charming attitude brought everyone closer. Feeling right at home, Erin got everyone dancing as she twirled and danced with festival goers inviting them to participate in the fun.
The music continued on and so did the delicious, made from scratch meals in the VIP kitchen. WIth fresh coffee cake, fruit, salad, mouthwatering corn on the cob, tender pulled pork sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, mac and cheese, refreshing blackberry lemonade and fresh brownies hugely contributing to make the experience feel like home, VIP attendees had happy tummies all weekend long. The VIP area had a small stage, a bar, and homemade pancakes available near the twinkling campground. Maggie Blankenship gave an intimate performance Saturday afternoon with her acoustic guitar. Of Tomorrow from Washington D.C. energized the crowd with progressive vocals intertwined with sounds of reggae, rock, trip rock and funky soul to close out Saturday night under the star filled sky.
Sunday welcomed sunshine and another day of phenomenal music, more great food, and Forlorn Strangers from Nashville Tennessee. They filled the day with cajun undertones, country twang and their soulful family harmonies. Hackensaw Boys country roots grow blossoming melodies and forward moving vocal harmonies on banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, upright bass and charismo. Front Porch Fest over Labor Day weekend was incredible as the friendly staff & love filled atmosphere wrapped in phenomenal music made everyone feel right at home.
