Legendary blues guitarist Taj Mahal will headline the 2019 Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, along with stalwarts Donna the Buffalo, and Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band.

Other headliners announced Monday afternoon were Willie Watson, Railroad Earth, Rising Appalachia, Todd Snider, Ryan Montbleau Band, Hayley Jane & The Primates, Driftwood, Tony Perez Band, BKO, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Garifuna Collective and Nativos Jammin' Orchestra.

Mahal will perform as part of the Taj Mahal Quartet.

Dozens of performers spanning various genres will hit the multiple stages at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds from July 18 to 21. In the past, some of the genres represented have included Cajun, Appalachian bluegrass and old-time Southern Appalachian string bands, rock and jazz.

Performing for the first time at GrassRoots will be Jose Albizu Jazz Trio, Swamp Kids, Root Shock, Feufollet, Mosaic Foundation, The Turbans, The Crucials, Sammus, Ephniko, DJ Evo Evolution, Oliver Bates Craven, Aaron Lipp & The Slack Tones, Dirty Blanket, ¡Viva Mayhem!, Ruth Rosenblatt & George Cooke, PA Line, Drank The Gold, Tattat, Folkfaces and Vicious Fishes.

Familiar names that will be returning this year are Jim Lauderdale, Preston Frank & His Zydeco Family Band, Richie & Rosie, Cortadito, Sim Redmond Band, Gunpoets, The Campbell Brothers, The Blind Spots, Keith Secola & His Wild Band, Ithaca Bottom Boys, Sihasin, Fall Creek Brass Band, Jones Benally Family Dance Troupe, The Flying Clouds Of South Carolina, Moontee Sinquah, Walter Mouton & The Scott Playboys, Kevin Kinsella, Hank Roberts, Tenzin Chopak, Empire Kings, Double Tiger, Traonach, Mac Benford & Up South, Mary Lorson, KidBess & The Magic Ring, Bubba George String Band, The Talktomes, December Wind, Calico Moon, Uniit Carruyo, Dead Sea Squirrels, Nery Arevalo, Plastic Nebraska, The Fly Rods, Laila Belle, The Sutras, Ithaca Underground, Move Along Songs w/John & Diane, and the GrassRoots Chamber Orchestra.

Spawned from an AIDS benefit at the State Theatre in the early 1990s that raised $10,000 for AIDS Work of Tompkins County, the four-day GrassRoots Festival has grown significantly over the years.

For over 25 years, it's been a community-building opportunity that has introduced different music and culture to many audiences. Not only are there performances, but also efforts by the GrassRoots organization to teach people how to play instruments.

Before the festival, there will be Culture Camp from July 14 to 17, which will allow people to immerse themselves in four days of instrument, dance and movement workshops, with themed nightly dinners and dances.

How to camp at GrassRoots

This year, GrassRoots is expanding its off-site campground at Across the Way, said Elaine Springer, a GrassRoots co-organizer.

There will be 677 large camping sites at Across the Way, Springer said, an increase of about 100 sites. Across the Way camping sites are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As usual, there will be on-site tent camping available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis. The front gate opens at noon on July 18.

On-site vehicle camping is already sold out.

How to purchase GrassRoots tickets

Adult four-day admission is $125 if tickets are purchased by May 1. Tickets increase to $140 starting May 2 and then to $155 starting July 16.

Four-day admission for ages 13 to 15 is $67 before July 16 and increases to $75. Admission for kids 12 and younger is free.

Advance single-day admission for adults is $49 for Thursday, $53 for Friday, $58 for Saturday, $38 for Sunday. The prices in increase if purchased at the gate.

Tickets for the festival and camping are on sale and can be purchased at grassrootsfest.org. More information about the artists and the festival can also be found on that website.

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