“Rhythm on the Ridge June 13, 2009”
Submitted by J. Peter Yakel

“Rhythm on the Ridge” is a new, all day music festival, making its debut at Maple Ski Ridge, 2725 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam, NY on June 13th. The event is co-hosted by the Flood Road band, and features Acoustic, Americana, Bluegrass, Celt, Country, and Folk music by 16 local and regional artists. Visitors can enjoy food, crafters, music workshops, field pickin’, and plenty of music.

“Maple Ski Ridge is scenic beauty, and a sweet spot for music. Ridge management were interested in hosting an all day music event, something they’ve never done before. Co-owners Karen Doyle and Kate Michener asked if my band could help organize such a fest, and we said ‘sure!’. Rhythm on the Ridge music fest is the result.”

The performers are a combination of well known locals, some new or lesser known acts, and out-of-area performers. There are acoustic bands and artists from nine counties. The variety of music and activities really adds up to a full day of enjoyment. By example, the “Ramblin Jug Stompers”, “Sweet Cider” and “Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh” are Capital District locals with long music histories. Then there’s “Fairview Avenue”, a newly formed bluegrass band, “Three Quarter North”, “Hill Hollow Band”, and “Happy Balky”, which all play good, crowd pleasing music. Same goes for local solo artists like “Tom Keller”, “Kevin Wayne” and “Roland Vinyard”, and duo acts “Larry Meyerhoff & Bailey Quinn” and “Emerald Dawn”. These are family-friendly artists worth hearing. Then there’s “The Stoddard Hollow String Band” from Delaware County, which play great Appalachin Mountain style music, the duo of “The Bentwood Rockers” from Fulton County, who play old-time country, and the duet of “Technicolor Trailer Park” from Tompkins County, who jam out cool country folk tunes. “Flood Road”, rounds out the schedule. There’s also a mandolin and a songwriter’s workshop scheduled, so bring along your instruments. Between all of the music and other activities, there’s something enjoyable going on all day long, and the low entry price is probably the best live music deal you’ll find all season long.

Tickets are only $10 for adults (children under 12 are free with adult supervision). The fest is sponsoring the Regional Food Bank with a “Food Raiser”. Fest organizers encourage visitors to bring along canned goods to donate at the entry gate. Visitors making a donation will receive a $2 ticket discount, making the entry price only $8 - a super value for all of the music and full day of activities.