Pumpstock Returns June 3; Donations Being Accepted
The 13th annual Pumpstock Music Festival of American Roots Music will bring a unique blend of folk and roots music to the newly-renovated Bailey Park from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.
“Almost all these musicians are full-time professional musicians,” said Smitty Smith, an organizer of the festival. “They tour regionally, if not nationally.”
This year, the festival will feature five bands on its main stage and four more acts on a local stage, according to a Facebook page promoting the event. Smith explained that the performers on the local stage will play during the 25- or 30-minute stints it takes to switch out bands on the main stage – so there will be entertainment ongoing throughout the event.
The main stage will feature Elden Kelly and The Wilson Brothers; Black Rock 101: The Black Sextet featuring Benjamin Hall; Emily White; Nikki Morgan; and Creature of One. Local DJ and musician Jim Hall will serve as host for the main stage.
The local stage will include performances from Bart Moore, Trailer Cats, Sammie Hershock and Clemmie Kelly. A full schedule and bios for performers is available on the event’s Facebook page.
“You may never have heard of [some performers] but take my word for it, they’re really good,” Smith said. “You’ll be impressed with every performer that you see if you come for the whole day.”
In addition to the musical performances, the festival at 300 Bailey St. will include food vendors, children’s art activities and a clown giving glitter tattoos. Music is the Foundation will also be bringing an Instrument Petting Zoo, which gives children an opportunity to try out an assortment of different instruments.
“It’s not music geared towards children but it’s all family-friendly,” Smith said. “We want to have kids’ activities so that the whole family can come.”
Organizers are taking a new approach to funding the festival this year. Instead of collecting donations at the gate, a Kickstarter has been launched that is accepting donations now. Currently, the campaign is just over halfway to accomplishing its goal of raising $5,000.
“Just passing the bucket would not generate enough money to pay the musicians,” Smith said.
He added it can be difficult to find volunteers to collect donations and Kickstarter provides an easy way for people to support the festival. Raising money early is also a better way to ensure the festival is able to pay musicians without Smith needing to use his own money.
“At the end, we pay a few expenses and give all the money to the musicians,” he said. “Nothing gets carried over and I don’t take any of it myself.”