Funds from Aug. 23 Concert to Support Camden Business Development
(Camden, NY – Aug. 2014) With the recent addition of New Riders of the Purple Sage to the band lineup at this year’s Camden Music Festival, the event is officially one of New York state’s most talked-about concerts of the summer for folks who love a blend of rock-related genres including blues, American country and folk music.
Sponsored by local businesses and 92.7FM The Drive, the daylong concert will also feature music by The Weight (former members of Levon Helm’s “The Band”) and from Grammy-award-winning guitarist, Albert Lee and acclaimed steel guitarist, Cindy Cashdollar.
Additional bands will include nationally known blues artist, The Alexis P. Suter Band and Camden’s own Moss Back Mule Band and Sons of the Queen.
Hosted by Imagine Greater Camden (IGC), a group of independent, local businesspeople, the Camden Music Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
“This is just a fantastic Americana rock line-up,” said 92.7FM The Drive’s “Genesee Joe” Trisolino and emcee of this year’s festival. “I don’t think people realize the quality of bands that will literally play in the middle of a Camden farm field. Albert Lee and Cindy Cashdollar will blow people’s socks off and The New Riders are a just a huge rock party band – they always deliver. Jim Weider and The Weight are amazing and I look forward to seeing the folks from Alexis P. Suter Band again as well as my old friends from Moss Back Mule Band.”
According to Daniel Christmas, Event Coordinator, 100 percent of festival proceeds will fund a variety of Camden’s community projects including assistance in building a new river walk and village facade improvements with the additional important goal of increasing Camden’s exposure to new business. “Our festival brings out the very best of Camden – terrific community spirit and an appreciation for the finest musical talent. I hope that others will see what a great place Camden is to live, work and enjoy great music!”
The Festival Committee is staffed exclusively by volunteers. “We could not pull off this event without our volunteers,” said Jim Plumley, Event Coordinator. According to Plumley, “The Town of Camden, the Village of Camden, the Camden Area Chamber of Commerce and the Camden Volunteer Fire Department have all been instrumental in helping this event come to life again this year.” Volunteers from the Oneida County Fire Police will help with traffic control and the Camden Alumni Association and local teachers will help with ticketing, seating and VIP services. And student athletes from Camden school will participate in event set-up and clean-up.
“We were excited this year to gain 501(c)(3) non-profit status, which means that all contributions to IGC and the Camden Music Festival are now considered tax deductible. This has been a great benefit to our loyal sponsors,” said Plumley. According to Plumley, generous contributions from event sponsors helped keep ticket prices unusually low. “Where else can you listen to nine hours of amazing musical talent for only $35?” commented Plumley.
Sponsorship levels range from $50 donated by individuals to $7,500 corporate sponsorships.
According to Daniel Christmas, Event Coordinator, “The caliber of talent we will have on-stage this year is amazing. These artists have played with some of the world’s greatest musicians.”
The New Riders of the Purple Sage began as a spin-off of the Grateful Dead, featuring such well-known artists as Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh. The Weight from Woodstock, NY includes members from the late Levon Helm’s band.
Albert Lee made his name touring with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers and Emmylou Harris.
Also, Cindy Cashdollar, who often plays with Lee, has worked with Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan.
The The Alexis P. Suter Band, who played at last year’s festival, has received accolades from BB King, Dan Aykroyd and Levon Helm.
Camden’s own Moss Back Mule Band has played with The Charlie Daniels Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pure Prairie League and many others. Sons of the Queen will also perform.
Advance sale tickets are available for $35 and event day tickets are $40 at the gate. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Tickets include an entire afternoon and evening of music. Tickets can be purchased online at www.camdenmusicfestival.com or by calling ShowClix at 1-888-718-4253.. You can also purchase tickets from The Camp Store on Main St. in Camden, at Carpenter’s Hardware on Main St. in Camden or at Big Apple Music in New Hartford. Gates open at 11am.
Beer, soda, water and a variety of food will be available for sale.
Because this is a community fundraiser, no coolers, backpacks or totes will be allowed.
Tents will be on site in case of inclement weather.
The festival site is four miles from Camden heading north on Route 13, just past Curtis Road.
For additional information about the festival, visit www.camdenmusicfestival.com or Facebook.com/CamdenMusicFestival.