By Kate Bartlett
Borderland Music and Arts Festival is celebrating its 6th year September 13-15th at scenic Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora. This three-day music and cultural festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region in one of the most historic and picturesque parks in the area. This year’s line-up includes The Black Crowes, Caamp, Marcus King, Dark Star Orchestra, The Wailers and Sierra Hull along with many others. (See full lineup at https://borderlandfestival.com/lineup.)
Jennifer Brazill is owner and founder of Borderland Music + Arts Festival. She is also the owner of Rail Rider Jamboree which she started at Holiday Valley in 2021. Jennifer got her start working in the music industry with the Dave Matthews Band over 20 years ago, and has been working in the industry since (visit https://www.jenniferbrazill.com for more information).
Jennifer worked several music festivals out West, and was inspired to start one in her hometown of East Aurora upon moving back. The first Borderland was held in 2018 as a two-day, grassroots boutique music and arts festival cultivating community and sustainability. While the festival has grown over the past 6 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 2 stages, an artisan craft village, kids area, food court, bars and more. “It’s such a beautiful space that is family friendly, yet feels like you have walked into a Woodstock vibe circa 2022.”
Borderland historically features a mix of national, regional and local artists. This year’s festival features more bands than in previous years, and attendance continues to grow as the festival gains popularity. Nationally known bands include The Black Crows, Caamp, Marcus King, The Wailers and Sierra Hull along with many others. The Black Crowes play pure, bare-boned, electrified Rock ‘n Roll. No gloss, no glitter, just rhythm and blues at its very best – gritty, loud, and in your face. Caamp, a ‘Lumineer-esque’ group that met as students at Ohio University in Athens, have been writing and singing in tender love songs tinged with melancholy and determination since they met 10 years ago. Marcus King brings the southern country rock, with accolades of touring with Chris Stapelton. The Wailers iconic reggae band brings their timeless sound to stage on Saturday in celebration of Bob Marley. Sierra Hull is a trailblazer in country bluegrass music, widely regarded to be a master of her instrument as well as a two-time Grammy Nominated artist and songwriter. Sierra is also the 6x recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction.
Local band Folkface will be returning for their 6th year. The band plays folk music in tribute to John Prine, renown folk artist circa the Joni Mitchell era. “Folkface has made it to every Borderland festival, and we’re proud to have them again. They’re probably one of, if not the hardest working bands in Western New York and we’re thrilled to have them here again. Their energy is incredible.” Many other national and regional bands will take the stages over the three-days. While last year’s vibe was niche in Jam music, this year’s festival is more layered and broader genre. “We have a really well-rounded line-up representing a variety of musical genres. There’s really something for everyone.”
Last year was the first three-day Borderland, and it was a huge success. “The three-day festival was very well received,” remarks Jennifer. “We had a great turnout on Friday, and learned that people are more into partying harder Friday and Saturday, and winding down Sunday around sunset.”
This year will feature an expanded sober area and mocktail section, with lawn games and an expanded footprint from last year. Various activities including ax throwing and paintball will be on site. The kids’ area will feature face painting, alpacas and band camp as in previous years. Free Yoga will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday at 10AM. More food vendors will be available this year to accommodate the anticipated larger crowds. “We try to find unique food trucks from all over, offering a wide range of food options,” says Jennifer.
While many things make Borderland unique, the venue is perhaps the most noteworthy, setting Borderland apart from any other festival. “I’ve had so many artists and festival-goers comment on the venue, and how incredible this place is, and I 100% agree. The open grasslands, hayfields and pastures with the backdrop of a 100-year-old horse barn; it’s just incredible, there’s nothing quite like it.” Guests are free to explore the acreage of trails woodlands and ponds at their leisure during the event.
Another thing that sets Borderland apart is the energy of the crowd. “We’re proud to have cultivated a family-friendly vibe at Borderland. People attend with a happy mindset and tend to be welcoming and kind to each other. The atmosphere is generally kind and respectful, and we’re hopeful to keep that going.”
As always, Borderland has a heavy focus on sustainability and will be a plastic free site. Not only are there separate receptacles for compost and recycling, but the Borderland green team sorts the trash to find any food scraps that could be composted, or anything that can be recycled. All food scraps from the festival are sent to Farmer’s Pirate to be composted and offer free water stations for water refills (instead of disposable plastic bottles) and sell stainless steel cups with a $1 off beer incentives to try and limit single use waste. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do, but we also hope to spread the message that we need to tread lightly and leave no trace.”
In addition to the three-day festival, Borderland will be hosting a kick-off party on Thursday evening at Wayland Brewing in Orchard Park. This event will feature prizes and giveaways while playing the Bills game on the big screen. “We’re really excited to be partnering with Wayland. It’s going to be a fun event and they’re such great people to work with.”
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