This weekend, the Deep In The Valley festival is set to bring a blend of psychedelic country, folk, and rock music to Red Hook, New York. The event, now in its third year, promises a nostalgic return to the outdoor farm festivals of the 1970s.
Founded by Andy French, owner of the music review site Raven Sings The Blues, the festival showcases a diverse lineup of artists from across the United States. French, who has a deep appreciation for eclectic sounds, described the festival as a celebration of genres that don’t typically dominate mainstream festivals. “It’s more of a bringing together of eclectic sounds,” he told WAMC.
The festival will take place at Migliorelli Orchard, a pastoral setting that enhances the bucolic, family-friendly atmosphere. French emphasized the festival’s intent to create a musical journey, starting with softer, ambient country tunes and culminating in more intense performances.
The lineup features a mix of established and emerging artists, including Seawind of Battery, Magic Tuber Stringband, Bong Wish, and headliners Sunburned Hand of the Man. Other notable acts include Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears and Jeffrey Alexander and the Heavy Lidders. The day will conclude with a quieter set by Trummors, followed by Steve Gunn.
Sean Thompson of Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears expressed his excitement about the festival, noting its significance in supporting innovative music. “I think it’s such a good lineup, and I’m really looking forward to a big, inspiring day of awesome music,” he said.
David Lerner of Trummors described his band’s unique take on country rock, emphasizing their blend of 90s indie and alternative influences. “We’re kind of like, as our predecessors have, bringing different influences into a basic template of close harmony and songwriting,” he explained.
Evan Morgan of Magic Tuber Stringband highlighted the festival’s celebration of American musical diversity. “At the very root of it, there’s this sense that the more folk traditions that emerged out of the prewar recording industry are quite eclectic and very, very weird,” he said.
As a pre-festival event, experimental rock band Oneida will perform alongside Jeffrey Alexander and the Heavy Lidders and Vague Plot at Tubby’s in Kingston. Drummer Kid Millions praised the festival’s unique approach, noting its focus on carefully curated bands and a condensed schedule.
Deep In The Valley aims to deliver a distinctive and memorable experience, standing out among the many music festivals with its focus on diverse and innovative sounds.
