Top 5 'All American' music festivals this summer
Thinking of hitting a music festival abroad this summer? Then look no further than New York State’s amazing line up of the biggest and best music festivals. Make like a New Yorker and discover the hidden gems in a music scene beyond Manhattans’ hot and humid city walls. Follow the hipsters in-the-know and head upstate to sample some authentic American festival life…..
The Taste of Country Festival (13 June -15 June) is situated in the green and pristine Hunter Mountain area and only a 2 hour drive from bustling Manhattan. Expect big name country acts such as Willie Nelson to appear against the stunning backdrop of the Catskills Mountains – think high peaks, waterfalls, and cowboy hats aplenty.
Jazz Lovers will adore the Syracuse Jazz Festival (4 July - 6 July). Multi-award winning, it’s the largest free jazz festival in the north-east of America, and only a 5 hour road trip from JFK airport. Offering a huge variety of artists over three days, its big draw headliners are Kenny G & Donovan. Combine it with a stopover at the beautiful Oneida Lake just north of the town for a chilled out post-festie retreat.
Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance (18 July - 21 July) offers something rather different in the scenic Finger Lakes region. Originally starting out in life as a benefit to raise money for a local AIDS charity, it has grown so much it now showcases over 60 bands, playing over 4 stages. Expect diverse world music, arts, dancing, and a genuinely chilled-out quirky vibe. Discover something you have never seen or heard before - fancy dress optional!
Billed as one of the most exciting festivals in the world, the International Celtic Festival (17 August – 18August) features all of the best from the Emerald Isle crammed into one St Paddy’s style weekend. Situated in Hunter Mountain, a long time favourite music venue in Green County; expect world-class Irish and American bands and plenty of that famous Irish craic’.
Moe.Down Festival (9 August - 11 August) is into its 14th year and it’s bigger than ever. Located at the picturesque Snow Ridge Ski Resort in upstate New York only 4 hours from the City, and hosted by the band Moe; it’s a bouncy mix of jam music and good old fashioned family fun typical of an all American ho-down.
Don’t get caught out by an English downpour at a festie this summer! Leave your wellies at home, soak up some sunshine and enjoy a genuine all American festival. America As You Like It offer a seven night holiday to New York State from £1099 per person, based on two people travellin including return flights and seven night’s accommodation with car hire. Go to the ‘America as you like it’ website to book: americaasyoulikeit.com
