PLEASANTVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Despite the sticky July humidity and scattered rain showers, thousands of music lovers flocked to the aptly named town of Pleasantville, New York for the 17th annual Pleasantville Music Festival this past weekend. Showcasing a lineup of both local and visiting acts across many genres, there was truly something for everyone.
The festival opened up each of the three stages with local New York artists; Hunter Road manning the PamNation Party Stage, Ursula Hansberry kicking off the Chill Tent, and Summer Fling inaugurating the Main Stage.
Standout crowd favorite, The Allman Betts Band, garnered a groovy and loyal crowd of all ages while sporting a setlist filled with originals and some familiar ancestral oldies. After a short hiatus to focus on solo projects, The Allman Betts Band is back in full swing for a few shows this summer and the town of Pleasantville was lucky enough to host this group of rock and roll successors.
Nashville based rock band, The Criticals, brought a blend of swagger and charm right out of the gate in a way that is best described as a vintage sound in electric blue cowboy boots. Headlining the PamNation Party Stage, they boasted true showmanship and had an intense affinity for connecting with the crowd. From crowd surfing to a gaggle of screaming girls, the rock band nostalgia was red-hot on Saturday night.
Also hailing from PamNation Stage, New York City’s Strange Neighbors brought a spunky and bubbly atmosphere matching their bouncy dance moves and power pop sound.
The festival’s main event kicked off an hour later than anticipated due to a brief rain delay, but it was worth the wait as They Might Be Giants wrapped up a perfect day with a perfect set. Brooklyn natives, the alternative rock band has been making music for over four decades and still performs with the same amount of spirit and animation as ever. Festival-goers, young and old alike, floated around the field in bliss as the lively chords of Birdhouse In Your Soul rang through the amplifiers.
While the music is at the forefront of the festival, there was no shortage of other sources of fun. On one side of the grounds crafty locals set up shop with art, apparel, and other gifts. Just across the way, queues of music lovers enjoyed food trucks supplied with heaps of goodies, refreshing drinks, and endless sweet treats to finish off each meal.
View the full gallery HERE.
All photos by Carrie Franc.