Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival coming October 20th

This year’s Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT. Now in its third year, this one-day only festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Set in the beautiful 380 acres of pristine woods and clear waterways at Winding Trails, there will be music on two stages as well as a song contest and workshops. The festival will feature local and nationally touring acts from acoustic-based genres including bluegrass, indie folk, a cappella, singer-songwriter, blues, and more. Advance discount tickets ($5-$10) are available for this special event at https://acousticfest.brownpapertickets.com/ or by calling Winding Trails at (860) 677-8458.

This year’s lineup includes The Hot Flashes, Belle of the Fall, The Wool Hats String Band, Brian Dolzani, Pat Stone and The Dirty Boots, Peter Lehndorff, Coffee Grinders, Sweetest Key, Eric Paradine, The Bombay Oysters, Horizon Blue, Krista Johnson, Bonnie Lee Panda, and Blackberry Jam. The performances will be held in the rustic lakeside log cabin, “Nature’s Porch”, and in the outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by picturesque fall foliage. The outdoor stage moves to an indoor lodge in the event of rain.

Free samples from local breweries Back East Brewing Company, Firefly Hollow Brewing, and Alvarium Beer Company will be available, while supplies last. Greenhouse Tavern’s food truck will be offering food and refreshments for sale. Attendees are also welcome to BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails and disc golf.

Activities for both novice and experienced musicians include a song contest and two workshops. The judged song contest is for original, lyrical songs. The winner will receive a membership to the Connecticut Songwriters Association, a consultation with Connecticut Songwriting Academy, and a featured performer spot at the Groton Songwriters Showcase. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Email kim@windingtrails.org for full contest details and to register. Also offered are two drop-in workshops: The Craft and Business of Songwriting with Grammy award-winning songwriter Bill Pere, and Vocal Coaching with Nashville recording artist Kaye Pere. Participation is free with festival admission.

Gates open at 10 a.m. on October 20th and this is a rain or shine event. Advance discount tickets are $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-15. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $15 adults and $8 children. Tickets are available now at https://acousticfest.brownpapertickets.com/ or by calling (860) 677-8458. More information can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/event... or at www.windingtrails.org .