©Jay Blakesberg
Written by Michelle Lesch
Twiddle’s fourth annual Tumble Down, presented by Higher Ground, will take place July 26 and 27, 2019 on the Burlington, Vermont waterfront. The two-day event is part of an evening concert series on the main stage of the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival. In celebration of the city where it all started for them in 2004, Twiddle is serving up a schedule of incredible artists on a stage overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Champlain. Located within walking distance to all that Burlington has to offer, Tumble Down is a musical vacation destination.
The City of Burlington, VT as seen from the serene waters of Lake Champlain. Photo by Patrick Spencer.
In addition to 5 sets of Twiddle over the course of the weekend, attendees will also get to experience eight-time Grammy winner and reggae legend Stephen Marley, as well as groove with Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz. Psychedelic group Ghost Light, folk duo Owl & Crow, and bluegrass sensation The Kitchen Dwellers are also on the bill. Other acts to look forward to are The Jauntee, Jaden Carlson Band, and two local favorites, Nina’s Brew and The Big Sip. Our evening night caps will be late sets from Mihali & Friends and Everyone’s Dead at local venue Higher Ground that will for sure have unforgettable collaborations between the festival’s musicians.
Stephen Marley will be bringing his legendary reggae and hip hop style to Tumble Down this year. Photo by David Koppe.
Its location within Waterfront Park during the Maritime Festival will give Tumble Down attendees the chance to take in the gorgeous views of Lake Champlain, and also enjoy the events and exhibitions scheduled during each day. For the families with kiddos, there will be bouncy houses, activities and children’s concerts on the Great Lawn starting at 9am. The ECHO Leahy Center is an aquarium and science center, who will be offering a $2 discount on admission for Tumble Down ticket holders. If you’re looking to get out on the water, you can take a free 30 minute boat tour through the Water Works Fair, or you can rent a paddleboard from Outdoor Gear Exchange. Lake Champlain Maritime Festival will also be hosting a diverse selection of artisans such as Phanart and Mellow Mood Mats, as well as an array of food vendors, including local favorites the Skinny Pancake and Pingala Broccoli.
“Sueño”, The Skinny Pancake’s festival bus will be flipping crepes for Tumble Downers all weekend. Photo by Don Shall.
Known for its farm-to-table fare and one of the most impressive craft beer scenes in the country, Burlington is a city that festival-goers will want to explore before the party gets started at Waterfront Park. Take a stroll on Saturday morning through the bustling Burlington Farmers Market or visit local small batch coffee roaster Speeder and Earl’s. Muddy Waters is a woodsy enclave right in the heart of downtown that serves highly-rated lattes and fresh juices, while Zero Gravity, Foam, and Switchback serve up the adult brews that have given this city its craft beer reputation. Tumble Downers will definitely want to check out the Vermont Fresh Network to get info on restaurants specializing in locally-sourced ingredients, such as Hen of the Wood and American Flatbread. Phans and Frends will also be excited to visit Nectar’s, which is the inspiration for the Phish album A Picture of Nectar, as well as Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, which owned by Twiddle keyboardist, Ryan Dempsey.
Muddy Waters is a cozy city cafe offering coffee, tea & fresh juices. Photo by Michael Calore.
With its impressive curation of music and art in conjunction with the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, Tumble Down will be so much more than a music festival to those who make the journey to Burlington this July. The set-up of this fest implores all of its attendees to seek adventure, explore the city, and reflect on the natural beauty of its surroundings. There is something here that will delight everyone, making it clear why Twiddle returns each year to host this magical weekend.
A magical sunset over Lake Champlain. Photo by Don Shall.
