The seventh annual Catskill Chill will take place in Lakewood, Pennsylvania on September 23-25, featuring Mike Gordon, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Greensky Bluegrass, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, Dopapod, Turkuaz, Cabinet, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and more.
[Update from the editor 9/10]: Daily scheduled have been released! Check out the graphics below.
The more we look at the stacked lineup, the beautiful New Minglewood private venue, and the debut collaborations and themed sets, the more this festival is looking like an entry out of a music lover’s dream journal.
Where to start…
Firstly, the Pennsylvania Catskill mountains in late September – you couldn’t ask for more perfect temperatures to thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. Commencing on the first day of fall, just a little bit of chill once the sun goes down will get everyone cozied up around the communal bonfire and boogying together by the stage, sending the contagious Chillfam vibes throughout the grounds.
Aside from the new venue (which you can tour virtually here), this year Catskill Chill is throwing an inaugural Thursday pre-party featuring two sets of Twiddle, and performances from Jimkata, Aqueous and TRAKSTAR to get the weekend started with a bang. Another new feature will be the festival’s first ever open-air main stage, which will surely compliment light shows and provide a nice connection with the elements.
We’ve put together a rundown of the top acts and collaborations not to miss:
Mike Gordon – The Headlining Act
A little Mike Gordon at the top of any festival bill is a real treat. The Phish bassist always brings his funky grooves wherever he goes, and with backing musicians Robert Walter, Scott Murawski, John Kimock and Craig Myers, it’s sure to stay that way at Catskill.
Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass – Because Chill is Grass is Dead
For this grassy Grateful Dead project, Keller has invited J.P. and Patrick Biondo of Pennsylvania’s own Cabinet, who played with him earlier this spring. Coincidentally, Cabinet played a Dead tribute set at Catskill Chill a few years back, so one could predict that this set will be full of cohesive, yet extensively creative and uplifting Dead jams gone bluegrass.
Reed Mathis & Electric Beethoven – Something We’ve Never Heard Before
Guitarist Reed Mathis recently introduced this Electric Beethoven project, designed to reflect on a classical style of music that is far more historical than many nowaday rock artists dare to reach, and yes, it has a name: Classical Dance Music. Calling the new album ‘Beathoven’ in an open letter “an exploration of what we’ve forgotten about Beethoven’s music,” Mathis’ Electric Beethoven features Jay Lane, Todd Stoops, Cochrane McMillan, and Clay Welch.
Bitches Bloom: A Tribute to Miles Davis – Because Jazz can Break Science w/ some Lettuce
Break Science’s keyboardist Borahm Lee will get together with the majority of Lettuce to bring out some of the most influential music in history from infamous 20th century jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. This will be cool.
Pink Talking Fu: Prince Bowie – The Ultimate Tribute of 2016
Pink Talking Fish, who’s already perfected the art of covers with their music, which reflects Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish, will match up with funky jazz-fusion group Kung Fu to recreate some Prince and David Bowie favorites, in tribute to both of the pop masters’ preceding deaths this year. Kung Fu and Pink Talking Fish are no stranger to each others’ company, promising the ability for both to get into their zones during this set.
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic – The [old school] Funk
Putting a psychedelic twist to the classic sounds of Motown earned George Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic over 40 R&B hit singles in the 70s. This will be another headlining act that is going to make this festival extra special.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – The [electro] Funk That Rocks
Fly with “the flock” of Pigeons fans at Catskill, and you won’t regret it. With emphasis on the ‘fun’ in funk, Pigeons will have you smiling and grooving no matter what they’re playing.
Cabinet – The Pennsylvania-Grown
These Chillfam vets are the roots, rock & reggae of the newgrass/Americana scene, roots being Appalachia-bluegrass. Often known for their late night, organic high energy festival sets, Cabinet knows how to have fun while also being a band that pridefully upholds song originality, instrumental craftsmanship and composition. This year they happen to be celebrating the accomplishment of a decade together, so no matter where you see them this fall, it’ll be a memorable show.
Greensky Bluegrass – The First-Timers
GSBG has been killing it lately, and because this is their first time at Catskill Chill, they’ll be dressed to impress, and they’ll make sure you know your grass is blue!
Tickets to Catskill Chill and Thursday Pre-Party can be purchased here.
Written by Meredith Warfield
1 comment
[…] Catskill Chill's collaborations galore, themed sets, pristine campground to make for a music-l… […]