We are lucky to have one of the best music festivals in New England happening right here in Greenfield. The weekend of the Green River Festival is always an exciting time for music fans, and this year the Arts Block in Greenfield will be part of the celebration by hosting a series of shows that will run July 7 to 10 to coincide with the three-day festival. The fun will start with a festival kick-off party on Thursday, July 7, followed by After-Hours shows throughout the weekend. These shows will not only provide festival goers with even more great music, but they also offer a nice alternative for those music fans who maybe can’t attend the festival or who prefer to experience music inside.
In the past, Signature Sounds always hosted a festival kick-off show at locations like Shea Theater in Turners Falls, but in 2014, when Signature took over running all aspects of the festival, it simply didn’t have time to plan this additional event. Now, thanks to the Arts Block, the kick-off show has returned.
On Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m., The Northampton-based band The Primate Fiasco will get the party started with their upbeat modern brass band sound. The band’s music, which merges banjo with tuba, is high-energy and fun, which makes it the perfect party band. These Green River Festival alums are festival favorites. The band Dreamt will open the show.
Then, on Friday, July 8, at 8 p.m., singer-songwriter Mikey Sweet, whose sound has been described as, “song-centric folk-Americana,” will take the stage. He recently released an excellent new album called, “Road Dog Gospel,” which is winning rave reviews. Sweet will also perform at the Green River Festival on Sunday.
Also performing this night is soul singer Moonlight Davis, who will join with jazz/pop piano virtuoso Miro Sprague and friends for a funky dance celebration.
On Saturday, July 9, look for Home Body, the duo of Hayley Morgan and Eric Hnatow, to take over the Arts Block with an 8 p.m show. The duo’s electronic-based music has been described as, “shimmer core,” “electronic soul,” “post apocalyptic pop” and “performance art.” Home Body also incorporates modern dance, creative costumes and lighting into its high- energy performances. Death Savings Flag will open their set.
The After-Hours series concludes on Sunday, July 10, at 8 p.m. with a return engagement by horn-powered, high-energy, rockin’ funky soul Roxy Roca. This powerful seven-peice band from Austin, Texas is the perfect choice to wind down a fantastic weekend of music.
For more information, visit www.theartsblock.com