The Ninth Annual Flagstaff Music Festival will showcase the talent of several local bands, including area favorites Whiskey Rodeo and LowCash, the weekend of June 18-19 on Heritage Square in historic downtown Flagstaff. This free, family-friendly festival will run Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Local dancers, artists, crafters and other vendors will also be on the Square, along with food vendors and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
This year’s Festival has something for all ages and musical tastes. The Saturday lineup begins with the rhythm, dance and drums of Sambátuque, the Arizona Dunun Ensemble and the FALA African Drum and Dance Group, followed by Isrobel, the Buzzard Brothers and Sister, Joseph Langham and the Suns of Glory, and Whiskey Rodeo. In an ironic twist, the Sunday lineup begins with the Second Saturday Song Walkers, followed by I.N.I., Deepa and LowCash. Whiskey Rodeo’s Chase Carpini will serve as master of ceremonies.
Director Mike Taylor said the Festival reflects the vibrancy of Flagstaff’s local music scene. “Though the Flagstaff Music Festival is just one weekend a year, it shows the quality and diversity of music that locals and visitors to Flagstaff can expect any time,” Taylor said. “It’s a great opportunity to experience the variety in a fun festival environment.”
Last year’s event attracted over 2,000 attendees who relaxed, danced, hula hooped, dog watched and more on Heritage Square. A set by LowCash had the entire crowd on their feet, and spirited performances by the Brothers Gow, the Foot Solejahs and others also rocked the square.
As part of its mission to promote Flagstaff music – and the town itself as a music destination – last year the Festival produced and distributed “Sounds from 7,000 Feet – Volume 1”, a CD compilation of 15 songs donated to the project by Flagstaff bands. Though the first compilation sold out quickly, “Sounds from 7,000 Feet – Volume 2” will be on sale at this year’s Festival, along with other CDs and merchandise from local bands. “Sounds From 7000 Feet, Volume 2” can also be purchased at Arizona Music Pro, Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution and Rock-It-Man for $5.
This year’s event will benefit Radio Free Flagstaff. Previous festivals have benefited the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County, the Mary Crawley Scholarship Fund at NAU’s Cline Library, and the Heritage Square Trust.
For more information on the bands and the event, visit flagstaffmusicfestival.com.