With Resonance Music & Arts Festival just around the corner I decided to take a closer look to this festival and it’s stacked lineup. With a perfect balance between jam, rock, bluegrass, and funk, Resonance’s lineup guarantees for a fantastic weekend full of music. On top of a near perfect lineup, Resonance is located at the historic Legend Valley Campground and Concert Venue which means there is plenty of space to set up camp for the weekend. Legend Valley holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been there for three Werk Out Music Festivals and it’s hosted countless others. This place feels like home to me. I’m excited to return to this venue for a completely new festival!

The Festival

One thing that stands out most to me about this festival is all of the one of a kind artists and amazing art galleries that will be set up throughout the weekend. Various artists work together to create a unique environment for everyone to express themselves and show of their art. The Symbiosis Gallery is just one of the places to see all of the art on display. On top of various art galleries, Resonance brings in a variety of flow artists to put on beautiful shows for all of the festival goers. A selection of workshops including different yoga classes and guest speakers are also available for people to attend. One of my favorite things about Legend Valley is the camping. There are plenty of space available for people to set up tents and canopies as well as plenty of trees for hammocks to hang from.

(Papadosio at Resonance 2016)

The Music

This years Resonance lineup is a thing of beauty and easily one of the best festival lineups of the year. There is so much talent in this lineup with a perfect blend of jam, funk, and bluegrass. The band I’m most excited to see would have to be STS9! I’ve been a massive fan of Sound Tribe ever since I saw them live for the first time at this very venue. At The Werk Out 2016 they put on an electrifying performance that at one point blew the sound system! After a few minutes of fixing the sound system STS9 got back on staged and continued to melt faces for the next two hours! That is still to this day one of my favorite live performances that I’ve ever seen by any band.

Sound Tribe Sector 9 isn’t the only jam band I’m excited to see perform again. Returning again this year and basically taking over this festival is Ohio native band Papadosio! This year Papadosio will be playing four different sets including an acoustic set and a tribute to Nine Inch Nails! Aqueous is also making its debut at Resonance after an incredible summer tour. Aqueous has performed at festivals such as Summer Camp, Canyon Jam, Peach Fest and many more. They have also teamed up with the band Moe for a couple shows to form Moe.queous! If you haven’t yet listened to this young and talented band you should definitely catch their set this year!

On top of a talented lineup of jam bands, Resonance didn’t forget about the funk. This year a few of my favorite funk and jazz bands will be taking the stage at Resonance. Tauk is the first of many funk bands at Resonance that I’ll be enjoying. A predominantly instrumental band, Tauk has shared the stage with countless bands (including Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, and Tim Reynolds) and have stunned crowds at festivals across the country (including Electric Forest and Bonnaroo). Known for their fantastic daytime sets, Tauk is sure to get the day started on the right foot and get the party going. The Motet is another band that will be taking the stage this weekend. Formed in 1998, The Motet have been rocking festivals with their high energy performances for almost 20 years now. The Main Squeeze is also going to be lighting up the stage at Resonance with some funk and soul. Their upbeat sound full of funk, soul, and love will get everyone’s feet moving and put a smile on every funk lovers face. They’ve quickly become one of my favorites.

“We are devoted to making great music for people to get lost in and to feel real emotion and love, and also to dance and enjoy life. And it’s only just the beginning” -Max Newman, The Main Squeeze

Resonance also has a unique selection of Bluegrass musicians that help set it apart from other festivals. Yonder Mountain String Band and The Rumpke Mountain Boys are just a couple of the bluegrass artists that I’ve seen before and am excited to see again. Both groups are progressive bluegrass bands with their own unique sound. Yonder Mountain String Band blends elements of jam bands with a traditional bluegrass sound to put on a performance that will get everyone moving. Rumpke Mountain Boys combine a unique selection of stringed instruments and dynamic special effects to put on a show that will impress people that might not be that into bluegrass. Trevor Hall isn’t considered a bluegrass artists, however, he adds a unique acoustic folk sound with a twist of reggae to the lineup that sets him apart from other artists. Trevor Hall started playing music at a young age and hasn’t slowed down since. He’s collaborated with countless musicians and has played at some of the most iconic venues. Trevor Hall makes a nice addition to a stacked resonance lineup.

These musicians are only a few of the ones I’m excited to see this year at Resonance Music and Arts Festival. I could go on about this lineup forever but I’ll leave it up to you to dig into it a little more. Like I said earlier, this is one of the best festival lineups I’ve seen this year! The music mixed with a welcoming environment where everyone is free to be themselves guarantees for a fantastic weekend. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of this wonderful festival!

See you in Thornville, Ohio September 21st-23rd. Get your TICKETS now!