Written by Haley Halwany
Photo by Ali Kaukas
“There ain’t no “I” in frends!; Livin’ Frendly day by day is all you got to do.” -Twiddle.
Frendly Gathering is a three-day festival that highlights some of the best music, art, and activities both local to Vermont and from around the country. Frendly Gathering, taking place June 28th– June 30th this year on Mt. Ellen in Sugarbush, Vermont, is going on its eighth year of music, community, camping, and fun! What started on the West Coast in 2010, as a way for creators Jack Mitrani & Danny Davis to have fun with fellow snowboarders, has since manifested into one of the most eco-friendly and inclusive festivals around. Festival creators and planners pride themselves on being able to remain a “small festival” so that every person attending can truly enjoy every activity, amenity, and band without worry. With everything from top notch music, skateboarding ramps, yoga, dance, art, local Vermont food vendors, and more, there is sure to be something from everyone of any age to enjoy. The views from Mt. Ellen are absolutely breathtaking and camping onsite is available with car camping also available for an extra charge. Check out a day by day preview of this year’s line-up & be sure to check out my review after the festival, I know I am looking forward to it!
Thursday:
*Note: Thursday is considered a “pre-party” day and does require a separate ticket to be admitted entrance early. Thursday’s headliner is Mihali of Twiddle and Nahko of Nahko and Medicine for the People playing a special set together. As two “frends” who have rocked shows at Frendly Gathering in past years, this set is sure to be special and leaves room for speculation about guest appearances! Festival founder, Jack Mitrani’s own brother Luke Mitrani is also a must-see performer for Thursday! Luke Mitrani may not be a name you’ve seen on line-ups before but he is a name you won’t soon forget after hearing. Also included with your early arrival Thursday ticket, are performances by Upstate Rubdown, Sabouyouma, and Peace in the Valley.
Photo by Ali Kaukas
Friday:
Friday’s headlining act is Vermont’s own Twiddle. Twiddle has been a huge factor in the success of Frendly Gathering and likewise Frendly Gathering has given Twiddle the platform over the years to grow their fan base. Nahko and his Medicine for the People are also headlining Friday and just like the night prior, I expect to see some “frendly collabs.” Other highlights of Friday include Kamasi Washington, Strange Machines, Satsang and more! During your time between sets you can check out different workshops, classes, and enjoy Vermont local food vendors!
Saturday:
Closing out the festival Saturday is Bluegrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass and The Devil Makes Three! What is sure to be a mix of both the sleepy wind down of a festival and yet the excitement of amazing music to come, Saturday will be full of highlights. Trevor Hall, Emancipator, and Spafford round out the big acts of the last day of Frendly 2018.
Important things to note:
Frendly Gathering strives to be a pack in/pack out festival so please do your part to bring all trash and recyclables to their respective bins and bring anything you brought with you back home! Water filling stations are free, so don’t forget your reusable bottle. Respect the beautiful land and enjoy the beautiful views! Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. Frendly’s motto is “Where strangers become frends and frends become family!” Tickets are still available online & car camping options are selling quickly! www.frendlygathering.com
