For the FOURTH year in a row, in what is becoming an annual pilgrimage to Camp Ramblewood over the Indigenous Peoples Day  / Columbus Day Holiday Weekend, we find ourselves again transfixed on The Ramble Festival's lineup in Darlington, Maryland, on October 10-12, 2025.

With three unforgettable years under their belt, the creative forces behind The Ramble Festival are back to capturing lightning in a bottle and have announced the lineup for their fourth festival. Each year, we see considerable efforts put into making the best lineup possible - a cohesive living organism of bands, creativity, and community.  

What was once the ambitious dream of two creative powerhouses launching a small independent festival in 2022 - well, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Everything about The Ramble Festival is authentic, handcrafted, and filled with love, and it shows.  In just 3 short years, it's become a famed family—or should we say JAMILY— reunion, prompting yearly pilgrimages from fans and artists alike.  This year, we see the return of Ramble Alumni, including Cris Jacobs, Caleb Stine, Sneezy, Natalie Brooke, Scrambled Greg, Naptown Brass Band, and The Deer Creek Sharpshooters.

New to this year's edition will be headliners The California Honeydrops, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Baltimore's own Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.  The Ramble Festival has never been just about the headliners - the geniuses behind the scenes ensure that the lineup is stacked with both overwhelming and emerging talent.  The Brothers Comatose, High Fade, Yarn, Dizgo, The Infinity Tribe, The Local Honeys, The Wilson Springs Hotel, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Underground Springhouse, Joe Marcinek, Pappy, TreeSap (Cabinet Trio), The Plate Scrapers,  Nester, and the 2024 Busking Competition Winner, Cisco.

Ramble Festival introduces none other than guitar shredding Baltimore Pigeon, Jeremy Schon, as Artist-at-Large.  Talk about a funktastic addition to The Ramble Festival.

If you have not purchased tickets to Ramble Festival yet, let us tell you some of the many reasons you should come to Camp Ramblewood in just a few days - tickets are still available, and we can hear the second-line brass band already ringing in our ears!

Top Ten Reasons to Ramble

1. The Vibe

This is why Ramblers call it a forever festival. Ramble is where good people and good music converge to create a one-of-a-kind vibe that echoes eternally in your soul. It’s about finding your music-loving tribe, sharing experiences, and being part of a community that feels like home. The end of the weekend feels like the last day of summer camp; leaving Ramble is like saying goodbye to close friends you’ve known forever—even if you just met that night.

2. Stellar Lineups 

Meticulously curated from nationally touring legends to rising stars, Ramble hits the sweet spot: big enough for serious talent, small enough to feel personal. The carefully curated lineup balances national acts with regional gems, so you get both scale and roots. You’ll stumble on a new obsession as easily as you catch a headliner.

3. Once in a Lifetime (NO JOKE) Collabs & Super Jams

Genre-smashing mashups, unscripted sit-ins, Late Night Super Jams, and this year’s epic Ramble Band featuring Baltimore legend, Cris Jacobs, Ramble Fest guarantees you’ll witness performances that can never be recreated. FOMO much??

4. Pop-Ups & Surprise Sets

Sick of being stuck behind the 4th wall? That doesn't exist at Camp Ramblewood! Music appears where you least expect it, like a sudden Sneezy jam in the Beer Garden, Hailey Jane’s secret lakeside set, fireside busking, and the legendary mustard couch pop-up. Ramble Festival lives to showcase fresh talent in intimate settings, constantly blurring the line between audience and performer in the most innovative ways.  Sometimes there are clues, sometimes a hushed whisper, and sometimes a band just appears in front of their cabin with instruments in tow.

5. Later-Than-Late Nights

Late nights & Late-late nights in the barn, and so late it’s sunrise campfire jams keep the music alive long after the main stages close.  The late-night sets are where the magic really shines.  We have seen many Ramble artists behind the barn queuing up with delight to mix it up in a super jam and have witnessed a stage so packed that it goes four rows deep with musicians playing their heart out into the crisp Darlington nights.

6. Art Around Every Corner

Live painting, interactive installations, light jugglers, fire dancers, and other roaming creatives turn the festival grounds into a living gallery. Bring your fire sticks, giant bubbles, ribbon wands, and portable paints to join in the constant creativity and movement!

7. Authentically Kid-Friendly

Daytime programming for kids and families means everyone gets their space to play and explore, while late-night energy keeps the adults dancing.  Did we mention that the one-and-only Scrambled Greg is back for another kids set at The Barn?

8. The Ramble Je Ne Sais Quoi

The extras you’ll never forget, and will only find at Ramble (seriously, we dare you to find these gems elsewhere). From Buskers greeting you at the gate, Stef’s Cereal Bar to Naptown Brass Band parades between stages, the one of a kind Busking Competition, and the infamous theme nights, it’s the little touches that make the weekend unforgettable and unmatchable. Don't forget to bring your costumes! This year's themes: Friday-Disco, Saturday-Onesies! Sunday-Retro Summer Camp

9. Choose Your Own Adventure 

Stay your way: cozy cabins, tent camping, RV camping, or just come for the day. However you Ramble, you’re part of the family.

10. Close to Home, Worlds Away 

Set on over 200 acres of pristine beauty at Camp Ramblewood, MD, it’s just a short drive from Baltimore, DC, and Philly, yet feels like its own universe of music, creativity, and community. Ramble Festival is your home not-that-far-away from home, and we promise you'll be itching to come back even before you leave.

BONUS 2025 EXCLUSIVES

 (because who can really stop at just ten??):

Pigeons, Pigeons, Pigeons, Everywhere

This year, the members of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are performing two-sets on the second night of Ramble.  However, it does not end there, members will be ever-present at the festival.  Greg Ormont can be found playing his very own set for children, Jeremy Schon is the artist-at-large, Alex "Gator" Petropulos will be performing alongside Natalie Brooke on their Infinity Tribe project, and when you have three out of four band members at a festival - we can only bet that we will find Ben Carrey picking up his bass and sitting in somewhere during the weekend.

The PreAmble To The Ramble

If all of that isn't enough, do you want to get the party started a little early, ready to Ramble and feel the vibe?  On Thursday, October 9th, why not get the party started at The PreAmble to the Ramble at Hopkins Farm Brewery featuring Ramble vets The Dirty Grass Players and Uncle Kunkel's One Gram Band!  Nothing like a little pre-party started and for $15 with a festival pass, we cannot find a better reason to come up to the Ramble Festival just a day early. Bonus: you can skip the drive and be one of the first in line when festival gates open on Friday, with your pick of the very best campsites.

These are just a FEW of the many reasons to Ramble!  

See their web page dedicated to Reasons To Ramble

At DC Music Review, we value a festival not just by what happens on stage, but also by what happens off stage and the festival's overall vibe.  The Ramble Festival's mantra is "Feel The Vibe and Find Your Tribe," to which we say "Vibe felt.  Tribe found."  

For those who attended any edition of The Ramble Festival, we are sure you left with a radiating heart, gleeful memories, and a content musical soul.  

If you are looking for an incredible weekend for people to enjoy with unbelievable music and the friendliest atmosphere, you would hope to experience.  In that case, you have found your tribe and your vibe at The Ramble Festival.  

We look forward to seeing you at the fourth edition of The Ramble Festival later this week.

 See you all at The Ramble Festival in

To learn more about Ramble Festival, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Facebook: Ramble Tribe - The Ramble Family Festival
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Spotify

Are you FloydFest Family?  Are you FloydFest Curious? Most importantly, are you looking for an adventure in the magical mountains of Floyd County, Virginia?

You're in luck, because the fabled FloydFest25~Aurora returns July 23-27, 2025, celebrating an incredible 25-year legacy that few festivals can match.

In less than two weeks, hop on I-66 towards the Shenandoah Valley and take the picturesque I-81 beyond Roanoke to the whispering pines of Check for an experience as rare as it gets. The East Coast’s most enchanting mountain music gathering, it transforms the Blue Ridge into a swirling playground of color, sound, and connection. The festival sits in FestivalPark, a new 210-acre venue just off U.S. 221 in Floyd County. Literally in the clouds, this 360-degree immersive landscape becomes a midsummer portal into something wilder, kinder, and deeply alive — a place where your inner wild thing can finally run free.

 By day, it’s a technicolor wonderland where laughter spills down the hills, tie-dye and sunhats bob through grassy fields, and strangers become instant family over shared shade and stories. FloydFest feels like the world’s friendliest backyard BBQ stretched across miles of ridgelines, with all the glitz, glam, and grandeur of a commercial festival but the easy charm of dancing barefoot with neighbors. Seven stages rise from an enormous campground and bustling vendor village, rich with artisan markets and a deep commitment to sustainability.

When the sun dips and dusk gathers under the pines, FloydFest transforms. The earth itself hums, lanterns flicker awake, and the hills begin to pulse with rhythm. Twinkling tree canopies lean in over a wild rumpus as music floats up to meet the stars.  It is literally in the clouds. We come alive under those night skies, hearts racing, feet dusty, bodies moving in collective joy.

This year’s lineup is stacked with artists who will have you sprinting from stage to stage. The best part is you cannot make a wrong choice. Every act on the bill promises to blow your mind. Here are the artists we won’t be missing for anything.

For a complete list of artists and events at this year's edition of FloydFest, you can go ahead and explore the entire daily schedule and lineup.

#1 Daytime: Nat Myers 

Friday, 1:00-1:45 PM — Floyd Country Store

No artist has a story this year that pulls harder on my heart than Nat Myers. In March, cancer halted his tour. But feeling stronger, spirits up, prayers working, he’s back.

Nat’s Delta blues style is gritty and ghostly, rooted in fingerpicking that will rattle your ribcage. His unique sound makes you believe he's pulling songs out of the soil itself, which makes The Floyd Country Store’s humble porch stage the perfect setting to soak in his raw truth. If you only pick one set all weekend, this is it.

#1 Late Night: Maggie Rose

Thursday, 5:30-6:30 PM — Oasis; Sunday, 10:15-11:45 PM — Oasis (FloydFest Finale)

Maggie Rose, the Grammy-nominated powerhouse with soul-drenched vocals, returns to Floyd with her unbeatable stage presence that’s sure to leave you mesmerized (I know I was!)

Catch her first on Thursday for a sunlit performance that will crackle with raw honesty. Then don’t you dare miss her Sunday night FloydFest Finale. This is the crown jewel set, the last chance to dance barefoot with strangers and howl your heart out under the stars. Maggie is known for inviting local players and surprise guests on stage for the big finish, so expect sparkles, energy, and more pizazz than you deemed possible. Maggie’s festival close-out set is undoubtedly worth giving up a few hours of sleep; I can’t think of a better way to wrap up FloydFest than immersing yourself in Oasis Stage’s sweeping visuals with Maggie Rose’s knockout voice reverberating out of the half-dome and into the magical mountains.

Soul, Rock, & Big Voices

• Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast: Friday, 11:00 PM-12 AM — Oasis; Saturday, 5:45-6:45 PM — Canopy Grove; Buffalo Mountain Jam host, Saturday 11:30 PM-1:00 AM — Oasis
   Catch Caitlin Krisko and crew rattle the hills as she belts with enough ferocity to blow you away. Then, gear up for Saturday night's finale as Caitlin hosts Floyd’s wildest jam, pulling up surprise guests for an All-Star line up.

• The California Honeydrops: Wednesday, 10:30-11:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 4:30-5:30 PM — Main Stage
  Be sure to arrive on time, because the opening late night party belongs to these New Orleans-inspired soul kings; expect horns, howls, and a lawn full of dancing bodies. Anyone who's experienced them will tell you that the Honeydrop energy cannot be matched!

Roots & Bluesy Americana

• The Wood Brothers Saturday, 7:00-8:30 PM — Main Stage
  Americana soul with playful harmonies that beg you to sway along. Their songs bloom live, swinging between unstoppable joy and tenderness. Prepare to find yourself grinning, singing, and dancing without even thinking.

• Jeremie Albino: Saturday, 2:00-3:15 PM — Main Stage
  New on the national scene, Jeremie Albino brings dusty folk-rock with a giant heart and an even bigger voice. Catch the next big roots star him while you’re still close enough to see his grin.

• Buffalo Nichols Sunday, 12:45-1:30 PM — Higher Ground; 6:30-7:15 PM — Floyd Country Store
  This already renowned singer-songwriter plays an increasingly rare sound: modern blues with intricate guitar work and a voice that aches with truth. Tackling themes of struggle, identity, and resilience, Buffalo Nichols will break you open with raw authenticity and the most captivating rusty pipes.
• The Last Revel Friday, 2:00-3:00 PM — Main Stage
  A string band steeped in campfire spirit, hollered harmonies and a foot-stomping pulse. They bottle up and overflow with raw roots joy and a rough edge that feels both timeless and fiercely alive.

• DaShawn Hickman: Sunday, 2:45-3:30 PM — Floyd Country Store
  A 2025 Artist on the Rise, DaShawn's sacred steel lifts you right into gospel heaven. His solos are hallelujahs in metal and wire that will have you shaking your head saying "shewww".

Bluegrass & Jam

• The Travelin’ McCourys Present The Grateful Ball Sunday, 3:30-4:30 PM — Main Stage
  Thought the Travelin' McCourys couldn't get any wilder? These bluegrass legends will send you to the next dimension with their spin on Grateful Dead classics. Wild improvisation, tight picking, and a new addition to the band (fiddle player Christian Ward) guarantees it to be an out of this world set.

• Big Richard Sunday, 1:30-2:30 PM — Main Stage
  Fresh off their latest album release, these four fierce women shred bluegrass with harmonies and personalities as sharp as barbed wire.
• Brothers Comatose Saturday, 4:30-5:45 PM — Main Stage
   River raft crowd surfing? Mandolins smashed on knees? Whole band jams in the middle of the crowd? Their sets are legendary for a reason. And with FloydFest vet Addie Levy's recent enlistment to the family, you definitely need to hear the fresh sound of The Brothers (and Sister!) Comatose.

Psychedelic Funk & Mischief

• Isaac Hadden: Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 PM — VIP; Thursday, 6:15-7:15 PM — Floyd Country Store; Friday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Higher Ground
  Bask in the jam of another Floyd vet, Isaac Hadden, a young guitarist who fuses jazz, funk, and jam with mind-bending skill. Come witness the next funk legend in the making!

• LaMP Thursday, 11:00-11:55 PM — Higher Ground; Friday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Oasis
  Fans of Lettuce, Trey Anastasio Band, and Moe. won't want to miss these jams. This is funk’s happy place: unpredictable, smooth, and interdimensional.
• Bella’s Bartok Thursday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Higher Ground; Sunday 9:30-11:00 PM — Higher Ground
  Gothic carnival meets circus-punk. Horns, face paint, waltzes gone mad — it’s Dali on the dance floor.

• Big Something: Friday, 12:45-2:00 AM — Oasis (late night)
  Midnight jams that stretch into the next dimension. The ultimate Floyd late-night soundtrack.

• Tan & Sober Gentlemen Wednesday, 6:45-7:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 10:30-11:55 PM — Canopy Grove
  They call it Celtic punk-grass: rowdy, sweat-drenched, made for dancing with strangers.
• The Free Label Sunday, 12:15-1:45 AM — Canopy Grove (late night)
  Canadian funk-pop party starters.; expect slick bass lines, bright horns, and an irresistibly cocky strut.

• Tan & Sober Gentlemen Wednesday, 6:45-7:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 10:30-11:55 PM — Canopy Grove
  They call it Celtic punk-grass: rowdy, sweat-drenched, made for dancing with strangers.
• The Free Label Sunday, 12:15-1:45 AM — Canopy Grove (late night)
  Canadian funk-pop party starters.; expect slick bass lines, bright horns, and an irresistibly cocky strut.
• Hans Williams Sunday, 2:30-3:30 PM — Canopy Grove
  Confessional indie-folk that blooms into cathartic anthems; take a seat under the trees and soak it in.
• Ranford Almond Wednesday, 7:45-8:45 PM — Higher Ground; Thursday, 4:15-5:15 PM — Canopy Grove; Friday, 11:00-11:45 AM — Floyd Country Porch
  FloydFest '24's Artist on the Rise Runner Up, Ranford Almond returns to FloydFest for 3 boot stompin' sets! You can anticipate blends of raspy, soul-soaked vocals with Appalachian guitar that nods to Prine and Van Zandt. But don't sit back just yet, because this band knows how to rock!

Boot Scootin' Country Folk

• Lua Flora Thursday, 11:15 AM-Noon — Canopy Grove; Friday, 1:15-2:00 PM — Oasis
  Breezy indie-folk with a coastal glow, Lua Flora is DC Music Review's official pick for the FloydFest '25 On-The-Rise Winner. We're predicting it now — while throwing salt over our shoulders, of course.
• Chaparelle Friday, 3:00-4:00 PM — Higher Ground
  This country-western duo mixes dreamy Texas charm with a punchy Austin attitude that will have you two-stepping from the very first note.

• Miss Tess Saturday, 6:00-6:45 PM — Floyd Country Store
  Retro swing with modern sass. It’s like if your favorite old record player sprouted legs and winked.
• Theo Lawrence Sunday, 4:30-5:30 PM — Oasis
  French-Americana with a smoky croon. It’s like if Roy Orbison met swampy blues — lush, vintage, unforgettable.
• Dom Flemons Friday, 3:00-3:45 PM — Floyd Country Store
  This American Songster will teach, entertain, and drop banjo runs that make your heart jump.
• Sam Morrow Thursday, 5:30-6:30 PM —Higher Ground
  Gritty, bar-stained country that nods to Waylon and Sturgill — first-night whiskey music.

Can’t Miss Cheat Sheet

Wednesday

• Ranford Almond 7:45-8:45 (Higher Ground)
• Isaac Hadden 9:30-10:30 (VIP)
• The California Honeydrops 10:30-11:45 (Oasis)

Thursday

• Lua Flora 11:15-Noon (Canopy Grove)
• Ranford Almond 4:15-5:15 (Canopy Grove)
• The California Honeydrops 4:30-5:30 (Main)
• Sam Morrow 5:30-6:30 (Higher Ground)
• Maggie Rose 5:30-6:30 (Oasis)
• Isaac Hadden 6:15-7:15 (Canopy Grove)
• Bella’s Bartok 8:00-9:00 (Higher Ground)
• LaMP 11:00-11:55 (Higher Ground)
• Tan & Sober Gentlemen 10:30-11:55 (Canopy Grove)

Friday

• Ranford Almond 11:00-11:45 (Floyd Country Store)
• Nat Meyers 1:00-1:45 (Floyd Country Store)
• Lua Flora 1:15-2:00 (Oasis)
• The Last Revel 2:00-3:00 (Main Stage)
• Mackenzie Roark 2:00-3:00 (Canopy Grove)
• Chaparelle 3:00-4:00 (Higher Ground)
• Dom Flemons 3:00-3:45 (Floyd Country Store)
• LaMP 8:00-9:00 (Oasis)
• Isaac Hadden 8:00-9:00 (Higher Ground)
• Caitlin Krisko 11:00-Midnight (Oasis)
• Big Something 12:45-2:00 AM (Oasis)

Saturday

• Jeremie Albino 2:00-3:15 (Main)
• Brothers Comatose 4:30-5:45 (Main)
• Caitlin Krisko 5:45-6:45 (Canopy Grove)
• Miss Tess 6:00-6:45 (Floyd Country Store)
• The Wood Brothers 7:00-8:30 (Main)
• The Free Label 12:15-1:45AM  (Canopy Grove)
• Buffalo Mountain Jam hosted by Caitlin Krisko 11:30-1:00 AM (Oasis)

Sunday

• Big Richard 1:30-2:30 (Main)
• Buffalo Nichols 12:45-1:30 (Higher Ground)
• Hans Williams 2:30-3:30 (Oasis)
• DaShawn Hickman 2:45-3:30 (Floyd Country Store)
• The Travelin’ McCourys 3:30-4:30 (Main)
• Theo Lawrence 4:30-5:30 (Oasis)
• Buffalo Nichols 6:30-7:15 (Floyd Country Store)
• Bella’s Bartok 9:30-11:00 (Higher Ground)
• Maggie Rose Finale 10:15-11:45 (Oasis)

If you haven't already done so, go ahead and download the FloydFest app on your phone.  Why not have the daily schedule, map, and just about everything else in the palm of your hand!  That's right, FloydFest has an iPhone and Google Play Festival App available for download now.  Click on the image below that matches your phone flavor.

If you are unfamiliar with some of the bands we listed, why don't you listen to the official FloydFest Spotify Playlist and get your groove on to one (or all) of the bands we listed.

So what are you waiting for?  Tick-tock!  FloydFest 2025 is on the distant but beautiful horizon! It it always darkest before the dawn, and we need to hold our FloydFest Family close and dear.

Read our review of last year's edition of FloydFest - the FloydFest FOMO is REAL!   Is it as good as you remember? Is it as good as everyone has told you?  The answer to both questions is - ABSOLUTELY!

Don't let this magical and unforgettable festival slip away from you!  Music, Magic, and Mountains await us all.

The FloydFest 25 Countdown Is On!

Sign up for the FloydFest Family Newsletter!

To learn more about FloydFest, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Spotify
• TikTok
• Frequently Asked Questions

For the FOURTH year in a row, in what is becoming an annual pilgrimage to Camp Ramblewood over the Indigenous Peoples Day  / Columbus Day Holiday Weekend, we find ourselves again transfixed on The Ramble Festival's lineup in Darlington, Maryland, on October 10-12, 2025.

With three unforgettable years under their belt, the creative geniuses behind The Ramble Festival are back to capturing lighting in a bottle and have announced the lineup for their fourth festival. Each year, we see considerable efforts put into making the best lineup possible - a cohesive living organism of bands, creativity, and community.  

What was once the ambitious dream of two creative powerhouses launging a small independent festival in 2022 - well, you aint seen nothing yet!

The first three years of the Ramble Festival were a tremendous success, with unforgettable experiences that you rarely see from a new festival.  The first year blew us away with an incredibly authentic vibe, attention to detail, and an unsurpassed lineup for a first-year festival.  How does one surpass their inaugural edition - you bring in living legend Del McCoury and his namesake band to help headline the festival. How do you surpass the magic of that? You bring in some heavy hitters including moe., Andy Frasco & The U.N., and Tombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and pepper it with some Haley Jane awesauce.

This festival started gaining traction to the point where local legends like Cris Jacobs decided to grab his guitar, get in the car and join the festival as an unofficial artist.

When we say this festival has started gaining traction.  The festival has gained a life force all of its own and 2025 is set to be another unforgettable year!

This year, the creative forces of The Ramble Festival, Jason and Brick, spent a little bit more time elevating the festival once again. When your festival amplifier tops out at 10, what does one do? Well, we feel that the organizers are working very hard to set their Ramble Amplifier to 11.

Like the best chefs, The Ramble Festival carefully reviews all the best national and regional artists and created a most delicious music recipe with something for everyone.  Year after year they continue to deliver beyond anyones expectations and this year will prove to be no different!

Everything about The Ramble Festival is authentic, hand crafted, and filled with love and it shows.  Not only do fans return but so do the artists.  This year we see the return of Ramble Alumni including Caleb Stine, Sneezy, Natalie Brooke, Scrambled Greg, and The Deer Creek Sharpshooters.

New to this year's edition will be headliners The California Honeydrops, The Infamous Stringsuters, and a crushing headliner to be announced in the coming months.  The Ramble Festival has never been just about the headliners - the geniuses behind the scenes make sure that the lineup is stacked with overwhelming and emerging talent.  Cris Jacobs, The Brothers Comatose, High Fade, Sneezy, Yarn, Dizgo, The Infinity Tribe, The Local Honeys, The WIlson Hotel, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Underground Springhouse, Joe Marcinek, Pappy, Treeset (Cabinet Trio), The Plate Scrapers,  Nester, and the 2024 Busking Competition Winner Cisco.

Ramble Festival introduces none other that funky Baltimore Pigeon, Jeremy Schon, as Artist-at-Large.  Talk about a funktastic addition to The Ramble Festival

Yet to come - the ever creative and curated Ramble Festival super groups.  Last year we had: Shadow Mountain, featuring Town Mountain and Shadowgrass; The Fiery Sneeze, featuring Fireside Collective and Sneezy; and Big Something & Friends.  One can only wonder about the unforgettable mascerations instore for us?  Will there be Comatose Californians, The Infamous Honeydrops - time will tell but we assue you these super groups are going to be one of a kind and memorable beyond belief.

The DMV is a strange place right now and we pin our hopes on better days ahead.  Whatever may come for our region in the coming months we look forward to the future with hope and the best of days to come.  We feel as joyful about The Ramble Festival in the way that our inner child looks forward to unwrapping a present during the holiday season or birthday.  With the utmost glee, we look forward to unwrapping each curated and spontaneous moment at Camp Ramblewood in Darlington, MD, with our Ramble Family.

 See you all at The Ramble Festival in

So why do we think Ramble Festival is one of the most amazing and refreshing of festivals on the calendar?  Let us tell you a little more about the festival.

These are just a FEW of the many reasons to Ramble!  

See their web page dedicated to Reasons To Ramble

At DC Music Review, we value a festival not just by what happens on stage but what happens off stage and the festival's overall vibe.  The Ramble Festival's mantra is "Feel The Vibe and Find Your Tribe," to which we say "Vibe felt.  Tribe found."  

For those who attended any edition of The Ramble Festival, we are sure you left with a radiating heart, gleeful memories, and a content musical soul.  

If you are looking for an incredible weekend for people to enjoy with unbelievable music and the friendliest atmosphere you would hope to experience.  In that case, you have found your tribe and your vibe at The Ramble Festival.  

Lock in your early bird tickets today for $235.

We look forward to seeing you at the third edition of The Ramble Festival in October 2025.

To learn more about Ramble Festival, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Facebook: Ramble Tribe - The Ramble Family Festival
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Spotify

For its third year, the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival returns to its beachfront location at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 2025. People from all over the region and across North America celebrate in this picturesque destination while listening to the finest music rooted in progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and American roots music. Annapolis Baygrass will welcome fourteen bands and three artists-at-large over two days on two alternating beachside stages.

Festival goers will enjoy two days of exciting activities, which include yoga, beach and yard games, a fun kid zone, and interactive workshops with bay conservation non-profits and musicians.

Last year, we bore witness to the magical festival grounds for two incredible days.  We walked the site, played on the beach, ran into legendary musicians who perused through the vendor booths and watched in awe as living legends such as Sam Bush held a workshop event.

Annapolis Baygrass is thrilled to announce the 2025 lineup! Widely known for their dazzling live performances and incredible light shows, festival headliners Greensky Bluegrass will perform two sets. The festival is thrilled to have these seasoned road warriors from Michigan make their Baygrass debut! 

Over a beautiful fall weekend, fans will get to enjoy music from headliner Greensky Bluegrass, who will perform two sets.  The second headliner has yet to be announced, but rest assured, it will be worth the wait.

Over the weekend, Railroad Earth, Kitchen Dwellers, The Travelin' McCourys, LaMP, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Larry Keel's Electric Larry Land, Sam Grisman Project, The Last Revel, Midnight North, Pressings Strings, and Geraldine will perform on one of the two majestic stages.  Like last year, we are sure there will be many unique collaborations between main-stage artists.  

Speaking of unique collaborations, there will be three artists-at-large, including Holly Bowling, Kyle Tuttle, and returning local legend Ron Holloway.

This year, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead and their incredible influence on the jamgrass and bluegrass culture and music scene!  With this in mind, The Travelin’ McCourys will be presenting The Grateful Ball, while known Deadhead, Larry Keel, brings his simultaneously gritty and suave original music in electric format with his new project, Electric Larry Land.  Carrying the torch for the Grateful Dead's original bassist, Phil Lesh, Baygrass is excited to welcome San Francisco Bay-area band Midnight North— featuring Phil's son, Grahame Lesh.

Rounding out the family affair and Grateful Dead Family, Sam Grisman Project showcases a genuine passion and appreciation for the legacy of Sam’s father, David Grisman, and his close friend, Jerry Garcia, by playing some of the beloved “Dawg music” repertoire as well as sharing their own original music.

While listening to some of the best local and national bluegrass music, fans can dance in the sand, enjoy fresh oysters and Maryland seafood, chase it down with local craft brews and wines, and enjoy fun activities for all ages.

See you all in:

To learn more about the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, please see the following web resources:

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It is devilishly cold outside and the land in the DMV has frozen over - but when the winter has us in it's mighty grips, along comes the news we have been waiting to hear.   Today, DelFest announced their initial lineup - something to warm us up on a cold winters day!  Not that we are counting the days - but in less than 170 sleeps, or slightly over 5 months from now, thousands will make the pilgrimage back to the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. 

This year’s DelFest will, as usual, take place over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2025 and is the festival brainchild of Del McCoury and his extended McCoury family.  This year DelFest will be celebrating its 17th year!  Can you believe we have already had 16 magical DelFest editions - each one getting better and better and filled with enough musical history and memories and making us look forward to what magical memories are in store for us in the next edition.

This festival is truly one of the most magical festivals in the region and is somewhat without words to describe it.  DelFest has special moments and keepsakes for everyone who attends - such is the diversity of entertainment and special moments throughout Allegany County Fairgrounds.  Some attendees trade stories of one of the performances they witnessed like school kids trading baseball cards, while others talk about the Late Night Sets and Riverside Sessions, and others while others talk about floating down the Potomac River on an inner tube.  At night we are all kept warm by withe sounds of fireside jams throughout the fairgrounds.

DelFest 24 Recap Video Courtesy of DelFest

Our heart truly soars when we think of DelFest.  But let us not bury the lead here - on December 4th, DelFest announced their initial lineup that brings back some fan favorites while introducing us to emerging and new artists.  The initial lineup includes: Sierra Ferrell, Larkin Poe, The California Honeydrops, Railroad Earth, Asleep at the Wheel, Dan Tyminski Band, Kitchen Dwellers, Darrell Scott String Band, Larry Sparks, The Steel Wheels, Mountain Grass Unit, Clay Street Unit, The Last Revel, Steve Poltz, JigJam, Dré Anders, The Wilson Springs Hotel, with many more artists yet to be announced.

DelFest originated from the desire to create a family-friendly music festival celebrating the rich legacy of McCoury music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and showcasing fresh, new talent.   This tradition is kept alive with their latest lineup.

For those that have never attended DelFest, once you make the pilgrimage to Cumberland, Maryland, you will understand why this weekend is more than just a festival.  It is a beloved home that is firmly affixed to the concert calendar for so many across the country.   For those that have been to DelFest, this is a journey back to their home away from home - same campsite, same neighbors, same fun from sunrise to sunset, and memories that will last a lifetime.  

In addition to traditional stage sets by these world-class artists, attendees can again expect to see one-of-a-kind collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy, and intimate appearances from the aforementioned artists. Delfest will, as usual, be immediately preceded by the 3-day DelFest Academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and other all-star players.  

This is what you can expect if you attend the DelFest Academy this year.

MC'd by the incomparable Joe Craven, DelFest 2025 will feature unforgettable performances and experience, including unique artist collaborations, late-night jams and family-friendly activities, making it a true gathering of music loving families and musicians alike.

We are looking forward to celebrating four-days of musical bliss and experiences that will will once again be the highlight of your festival calendar.

Full on-sale for DelFest 2025 is Wednesday, December 11 at noon EST, including multi-day passes, DELuxe VIP packages, RV Passes, DelFest Academy and more.

Onsite camping is included with all multi-day passes allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the DelFest experience. Additional onsite and off-site parking options are also available.

Ticketing information can be found below.

DelFest 2025 Countdown Timer

To learn more about DelFest, please see the following web resources:

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Let the wild rumpus never end at FloydFest's new forever home, FestivalPark, located in Check, Virginia.  After roaring back to life last year for FloydFest 24~Horizon, we set our sights for July 23-27, 2025 when FloydFest25~Aurora illuminates the hills of FloydCounty with music, magic, and mountains.

Are you FloydFest Family?  Are you FloydFest Curious? Are you looking forward to heading out on I-66 towards the Shenandoah Valley and taking beautiful and picturesque I-81 beyond Roanoke, Virginia, to the magical mountains of Floyd County and FloydFest?

If you look beyond the horizon towards next year - behold FloydFest25~Aurora.  Read our review of last year's edition of FloydFest - the FloydFest FOMO is REAL!   Is it as good as you remember? Is it as good as everyone has told you?  The answer to both questions is - ABSOLUTELY!

Just a few short days ago, Blue Cow Arts Foundation and Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. announced FloydFest 25~Aurora, July 23-27, 2025.  Let us dive into the music and magic that awaits you this year.  

The festival continues to celebrate more than two decades of bringing the artistry of live music into view.  Now, beyond the Horizon, we look toward the brilliant Aurora that awaits us in 2025.

Three of the four headliners have been revealed for FloydFest25, including world-famous legendary rock visionaries The Black Crowes, indie-folk phenoms Mt. Joy, and the funkified, front-porch Southern soul-rockers JJ Grey & Mofro.  We sit here with giddy delight as we await the reveal of the fourth headlining act.

The vivid star-burst of other extraordinary performers throughout the festival includes fan favorites including The California Honeydrops, Larkin Poe, Futurebirds, Cimafunk, Geese, Chaparelle, Sam Morrow, Big Richard, LaMP (feat. Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski), Hippies & Cowboys, plus FloydFest 24~Horizon On-the-Rise winner, Mackenzie Roark & the Hotpants, and runner-up, Ranford Almond. 

Remember, this is only the very tip of the musical iceberg.  FloydFest has SEVEN stages hosting concurrent acts.  So, although you are blown away by the initial lineup, there are probably another NINETY or so additional acts hiding in the shadows.  If you have ever witnessed an aurora, you know that the lights fluctuate and reveal themselves slowly and brilliantly.    We certainly look forward to the forthcoming FloydFest lineup announcements.

The second round of lineup additions for FloydFest 25~Aurora is set for later this month, with more to follow over the next few months. All artists on the initial announcement (and subsequent announcements) can be discovered and explored here.

The initial lineup is not all that FloydFest announced on November 1st.  In a move that is sure to appeal to Baltimore and DC Metro area fans, Hotel Travel Packages are now available this year.  Accommodation options at the iconic & historic Hotel Roanoke (VIP) and the modern & plush SpringHill Suites Roanoke (GA). FloydFest Hotel Travel Packages are available paired with either (2) 5-Day GA tickets or (2) 5-Day VIP tickets for FloydFest 25 and include a five-night hotel stay (and all associated hotel amenities), roundtrip shuttle transportation to and from the festival Wednesday through Sunday, plus (2) FloydFest Merchandise Bundles. A limited number of GA & VIP Hotel Travel Packages are available, so act fast to claim this new boutique offering on FloydFest.com.

Also new for 2025, FloydFest now features an exclusive VIP parking & camping area for ‘Overland’ trucks/rigs/vehicles, located on the picturesque fence line at the top of VIP Parking. Each space is 20’x25’ and is designed for a vehicle + camping setup. This new ticket type is extremely limited; scroll to ‘VIP Overland Park & Camp Pass (20’x25’)’ under ‘VIP Tickets’ on the ticket page to purchase before they’re gone.

So what are you waiting for?  Tick-tock!  FloydFest 2025 is on the distant but beautiful horizon! It it always darkest before the dawn, and we need to hold our FloydFest Family close and dear.

Don't let this magical and unforgettable festival slip away from you!  Music, Magic, and Mountains await us all.

The FloydFest 25 Countdown Is On!

Sign up for the FloydFest Family Newsletter!

To learn more about FloydFest, please see the following web resources:

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How does a week in the Caribbean during early February 2025 sound? When the DMV is chilly, you can spend a week at Sea with Scythian, Carbon Leaf, and some of the very best acts in the Celtic, bluegrass, and Americana circuit, taking in fiery music and majestic sights.

Have you seen Scythian in concert, gone on one of their Irish sojourns, or been to any recent Appaloosa Festivals?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you know exactly what sort of extraordinary music, energy, and joyous celebration you are seeking!

Join hundreds of like-minded music fans Sunday, February 2 through February 9, 2025, aboard the Sky Princess - but for this week we think it should be aptly renamed SS String Break Cruise Princess.

For seven days and six nights, and four stops in the Caribbean, you will party it up with Scythian, Carbon Leaf, TopHouse, Socks in the Frying Pan, Twisted Pine, The Gothard Sisters, Foreign Landers, Stillhouse Junkies, Arbo, the Ben-David Warner Band.

Break free from the winter doldrums and come sail around the beautiful Caribbean with these bands.  Scythian, the same creatives who take great care in creating the Appaloosa Festival, are also knee-deep planning special moments at sea with you.  One can really only imagine what sort of amazing music and special moments await you onboard this maiden voyage of Scythian's String Break Cruise.

The ship is filling up fast and is expected to be full by Thanksgiving.  

Stops include Princess Cays Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands!

Cruise tickets include access to all shows and the Princess Plus package, which covers all drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic up to $15/each), gratuity & wifi.

You're almost there!  To reserve your spot on the cruise of a lifetime, you will need to call Travel Professionals at the number below.  They will answer any and all of your questions and make sure you've got your spot on the big boat with Scythian.  

See you on the water with your umbrella drink on String Break!!!

YOUR DEPOSIT IS FULLY REFUNDABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 16, 2024

See You Aboard String Break Cruise 2025 in

To learn more about String Break Cruise, please see the following web resources:

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We were already in love with The Ramble Festival's 2024 lineup, but we noticed one last little secret and one last little TBA in their initial lineup.

The first two years of the Ramble Festival were a tremendous success, with unforgettable experiences that you rarely see from a new festival.  The first year blew us away with an incredibly authentic vibe, attention to detail, and an unsurpassed lineup for a first-year festival.  How does one surpass their inaugural edition - you bring in living legend Del McCoury and his namesake band to help headline the festival. 

We were already absolutely blown away with their 2024 lineup, which included Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Devil Makes Three, moe., Big Something, Town Mountain, lespecial, Shadowgrass, Sneezy, Sicard Hollow, Scramble Greg (of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong), Haley Jane, Natalie Brooke, Isaac Hadden, and many, many others.

Now Ramble Festival just dropped the big one - and the reason you should get yourself to Darlington, Maryland - Andy Frasco & the U.N.

Have you ever seen a festival where Andy Frasco and his rapscallion motley crew of fiery energy perform before?  Have you ever seen what shenanigans occur during an Andy Frasco & The U.N. performance?  Will there be sit-ins, will there be crowd surfing, will we all dance the hora together, will we all lament under an Iowa Moon together?

This year, the creative forces of The Ramble Festival, Jason and Brick, spent a little bit more time elevating the festival once again. When your festival amplifier tops out at 10, what does one do?  Just a short time ago, when the initial lineup dropped we felt that the organizers set their Ramble Amplifier to 11.  Where do you go from 11? After this final announcement, we think that the Ramble Amplifier has been set to 12!

This year, the creative forces of The Ramble Festival, Jason and Brick, spent a little bit more time elevating the festival once again. When your festival amplifier tops out at 10, what does one do?  Just a short time ago, when the initial lineup dropped we felt that the organizers set their Ramble Amplifier to 11.  Where do you go from 11? After this final announcement, we think that the Ramble Amplifier has been set to 12!

A highlight of the festival are the sit-in heavy collaborative late-night sets that keep attendees Ramblin' well into the night - this year the super jams include  "Shadow Mountain" featuring Town Mountain & Shadowgrass as well as "The Fiery Sneeze" featuring Fireside Collective & Sneezy. Some of the many reasons to Ramble this October include roaming buskers through the festival, live painted murals and installations, an Oktoberfest beer hall featuring a variety of local microbreweries, a curated art gallery, nightly artist-lead community campfire jams, health & wellness workshops, and daily New Orleans style second line parades.

Trust us when we tell you that The Ramble Festival is a must-attend festival, and now you have one more reason to attend.  With that, we want to show you what you may expect to see with Andy Frasco & the U.N.

We are truly overjoyed with the initial lineup but are delighted to share this extra layer of Ramble Vibes and Energy with you all.

At DC Music Review, we value a festival not just by what happens on stage but what happens off stage and the festival's overall vibe.  The Ramble Festival's mantra is "Feel The Vibe and Find Your Tribe," to which we say "Vibe felt.  Tribe found."  

So why do we think Ramble Festival is one of the most amazing and refreshing of festivals on the calendar?  Let us tell you a little more about the festival.

These are just a FEW of the many reasons to Ramble!  

See their web page dedicated to Reasons To Ramble

For those who attended either edition of The Ramble Festival, we are sure you left with a radiating heart, gleeful memories, and a content, musical soul.  

Lock in your tickets today for $235 because these prices may not last for long.

We look forward to seeing you at the third edition of The Ramble Festival in October 2024.

 See you all at The Ramble Festival in

To learn more about Ramble Festival, please see the following web resources:

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• Facebook: Ramble Tribe - The Ramble Family Festival
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Words Beats & Life, DC's longest-standing hip-hop-based arts educational nonprofit, will take over the National Mall on July 27th with its inaugural DMV Made festival.

This one-day extravaganza promises an exciting mix of music performances, dance, poetry, storytelling, interactive workshops, art, and health and wellness activities. Part of the national Arts for EveryBody campaign, DMV Made will showcase diverse musical acts like The Blackbyrds, The Chuck Brown Band, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dupont Brass, Be'la Donna, Substantial, and Cryptid Summer, spanning genres from punk and go-go to rap, R&B, and choral.

DMV Made celebrates the creative contributions of natives from the Washington region and explores the area’s history and future. Through stages including a Performance Stage, Producer Stage, Family stage, Dance stage, and Storytelling & Poetry Pavillion, the audience can learn break dancing, experience African drumming, catch a puppet show, or watch six world-renowned muralists create live art.

“This festival is a testament to the art, music, and talent born out of this region, from the pioneering go-go rhythms of Chuck Brown to the profound poetry and storytelling that have shaped our culture, the DMV area has always been a wellspring of creativity and innovation," says Mazi Mutafa, Founder and Executive Director of Words Beats & Life. "We're excited to spend the day celebrating and educating festival-goers, igniting the spirit of creativity and wellness for everyone who joins us. This event is not just about showcasing our local talent; it’s about honoring the history and cultural significance of the DMV, and inspiring a renewed sense of local pride and community.”

The Dance stage includes acts like The Lion’s Den, Step Afrika!, Miss Chief Rocka, and the National Hand Dancers Association. The Family stage includes puppet shows, face painting, African drums, and juggling. World-renowned muralists Greg Deal, Cita Sadeli, Coby Kennedy, REI21, and Jamila Okubo will work on six live mural paintings on temporary walls to be donated to DC schools.

A diverse mix of paid and free programming will ensure something for everyone throughout the day, with events scattered across the lawn. The day will be filled with music thanks to house and hip-hop acts DJ Vico Vibes and DJ Rita Burns.

What an exceptional line-up that goes from 1 PM to 7:30 PM at the National Mall at 14th St SW & Jefferson Drive SW.

Lineup

DMV Made is part of a larger national campaign called Arts for EveryBody. Across the country, on this day in 17 other big cities and rural counties, thousands will gather for large-scale participatory art projects to spotlight that arts participation in all its brilliant forms, is good for the health of individuals and communities.