Next weekend, September 12-14 marks the 7th annual Borderland Music + Arts Festival in East Aurora, NY. This 3-day celebration of music, culture and community is set against the stunning backdrop of Knox Farm State Park bringing together music lovers of all ages and diverse genres.
Jennifer Brazill founded the festival in 2018 after working several festivals out west, she was inspired to start one in her hometown of East Aurora upon moving back. The first Borderland was held 7 years ago as a two-day, grassroots boutique music and arts festival cultivating community and sustainability. While the festival has grown over the past 7 years, it has maintained these core values. The festival has been held at Knox Farm State Park since its inception, taking over 15 acres of beautiful space with 3 stages, an artisan craft village, kids’ area, food court, bars and more.
Borderland historically features a mix of national, regional and local artists. Nationally known bands include indie-rock legends Vampire Weekend, bringing their American rock charm and Billboard number-one hits. The fast-rising, heartland anthem-writing Mt. Joy, funk-soul jammers Kruangbin and Americana heart-pounders Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats round out the headlining acts.
The festival also welcomes The Teskey Brothers, Band of Horses and the energetic bluegrass act Trampled by Turtles to East Aurora, New York’s late-summer festival for the first time. The Wailers and The 502s return to Borderland for their second stint alongside national-touring acts Joy Oladokun, The Heavy Heavy, Robert Randolph, Yoke Lore, Neighbor, Johnny Mullenax, Driftwood and up-and-coming string band Mountain Grass Unit. The Big Easy in Buffalo partners up with Borderland Festival once again to bring the New Orleans soul to East Aurora with The Soul Rebels, an eight-piece brass ensemble.
Many more local acts will take the stage throughout the three-days, with full schedule and sound bites available on the event website.
Tickets and full schedule are available online https://borderlandfestival.com/ with a variety of options available including 3-day tickets, single-day, VIP Passes, and RV/Camping options. Explore and sample music from festival artists on their website and follow on social media for updates @borderlandfestival.com