Progressive stringband Greensky Bluegrass and legendary reunited reggae band The Wailers will top the lineup for the ninth annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, set for May 25-28, 2017 just outside of Martinsville, Va. The two bands were announced Tuesday along with new additions Anders Osborne, Anderson East, The Motet, Susto, Misison in the Rain, Juliana MacDowell and "artist at large" Josh Shilling.
Rooster Walk, which was named one of the top five festivals in Virginia by the Richmond-Times Dispatch last year, will announce additional bands in the coming weeks.
"Rooster Walk has grown each and every year thanks to an amazing family of fans, supporters and volunteers," said festival co-founder Johnny Buck. "We're excited to bring these fantastic bands to Martinsville-Henry County. Greensky Bluegrass will continue our tradition of world-class, cutting edge, progressive bluegrass. The Wailers, meanwhile, have reunited and will bring three original members from Bob Marley's iconic group to Pop's Farm. It's shaping up to be a pretty special weekend, for sure."
Playing as many as 175 shows per year, Greensky Bluegrass have graduated to headlining status at some of the country's most iconic venues, selling out amphitheaters like Red Rocks and world-class auditoriums like the Ryman. They've become a regular name on the festival circuit, too, adding Bonnaroo, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Austin City Limits, Forecastle, and Outside Lands to their touring schedule.
The legendary Wailers band is carrying its revolutionary sound and message to faithful fans around the world. Steered by famed bassist and founder Aston "Familyman" Barrett, and recently rejoined in solidarity with original Wailers Junior Marvin and Donald Kinsey, this modern version of The Wailers is now producing a sound more authentic than anything since the early 1980s. From Familyman's signature booming bass to Junior and Donald's electrifying rock/blues guitar licks and leads, the sound, the power, the heartbeat of Reggae music will have you calling out for more.
Other acts currently announced on the RW9 lineup are The Marcus King Band (southern rock; Asheville, N.C.), Billy Strings (progressive bluegrass; Nashville, Tenn.), Eric Krasno Band (rock/jazz fusion; New York, N.Y.), Yarn (roots/rock; Brooklyn, N.Y.), Susto (indy-rock; Charleston, S.C.), Erin & The Wildfire (R&B/soul; Charlottesville, Va.), The Trongone Band (southern rock; Richmond, Va.); Mission in the Rain (Jerry Garcia Band tribute; Western N.C.), Juliana MacDowell (singer-songwriter; Loudon, Va.) and artist-at-large Josh Shilling (soul/rock; Nashville, Tenn.), a native of nearby Bassett, Va.
In addition to four days of amazing music, the family-friendly Rooster Walk will offer a wide variety of kids' activities, craft beer, food/arts vendors and beautiful on-site camping.
Rooster Walk Inc. is a community-nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts and education in its home of Martinsville/Henry County. A portion of festival proceeds go to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship as well as the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for entry-level band programs in Martinsville/Henry County public schools. The festival is proud to have Bassett Furniture return as its title sponsor once again.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.RoosterWalk.com.
