The Kempton Music Center held its 2nd Annual Spring Blossom Family Music Festival at the Kempton Community Center on June 7 and 8.
‘Last year we did straight blue grass,’ said Kempton Community Center Board of Directors member Rob Hunt. ‘This year we have a mix.’
Gates opened at 4 p.m. on June 7 and The Still Hand String Band began playing at dusk. The band played a set of more than four and a half hours.
Though the rain may have scared some festival-goers away, Hunt was hopeful that more of a crowd would start to come on Saturday as the day grew on. Later in the day, more cars began to enter the area to join the numerous campers and tents set up from people who camped the night before and planned on camping Saturday night as well.
The grounds were filled with people of all ages enjoying the day and music as well as looking at the various vendors set up around the pavilion. Children ran back and forth around the grounds playing on the playground and finding other activities in the open fields.
Saturday featured Kris & Julie Kehr & Friends, Greg Sover, Pan, Turnips, MiZ & Family, Moonshine Love, Garcia Grass and a late night campfire sing-along with special guests.
Festival-goers danced along to the music, caught up with old friends, made new friends with similar taste in music, enjoyed the scenery and quite a few brought their dogs along to also enjoy the open space.
Children activities and some adult activities were also part of the festival. The view of the Appalachian Trail Mountains was one that the audience and musicians often commented on.
‘This is a great venue here,’ said one of the members of the Turnips. ‘Thank you for having us.’
The band interacted with the audience throughout their set encouraging people to just have a good time. They even dedicated a song to ‘the little girl playing with stones right there.’
It was a nice day for people to sit back and enjoy both the view and the music in Kempton.
Upcoming events at the Kempton Music Center include:
The 1st Annual Jambalaya Music Fest from July 5-7. Three days of music, dancing and camping featuring funk, rock, zydeco, blues, Americana and Cajun. For more information visit www.jambalayamucisfest.com.
Summer Jam on July 13 featuring Splintered Sunlight (as the Grateful Dead), The Weight (as The Band) and Live at the Fillmore (as the Allman Brothers) plus friends and surprises.
Jammin’ for the Animals, benefit for the Human Society of Berks County in memory of Bobby Jones, from July 26-28. Pets are welcome. For more information visit www.jamminfortheanimals.com.
The Marshall Tucker Band will be playing at the Kempton Music Center on August 3.
For more information and full list of upcoming events as well as tickets, visit www.kemptonmusiccenter.com.
