The music lineup for the June 11 Dolores River Festival has been announced.
Honey Island Swamp Band is the evening headliner. The New Orleans band is well known in the South and has started playing major venues and festivals in the West.
“Their sound is like a gumbo — with a mix of the Allman Brothers, some Little Feat, a dash of The Band with a little bit of swamp boogie and hot sauce,” says Ryan Robison, executive producer for the Dolores River Festival.
Their new album was produced by Luther Dickinson, of the Black Crowes and North Mississippi Allstars.
Throughout the day, an additional 10 bands will perform, including The Workshy, Niceness, Sky Pilot, Farmington Hill, Last Nickel, Wake Up Laughing, Cold Chicken, Snyder Fish, Hui Aloha, and Fellowship of the Strings.
Along with the headliner, The Workshy, of Denver, will continue the festival’s tradition of getting funkadelic.
“They are an extremely fun funk and jam band who have been opening for some heavy hitters lately,” Robison said. “The festival offers local and regional favorites as well. We have bluegrass, reggae, Hawaiian, troubadour, rock – a little something for everyone.”
The 13th annual Dolores River festival has some new events and is expanding this year.
The festival grounds are larger and the kid activities area has been expanded. Also new this year are night performances complete with light shows. Camping is also available within the festival grounds.
Road Runner Stage Lines is joining the fun and will provide a bus stop at the festival grounds. Durangoans and Mancos residents can catch the morning bus for a ride to the festival. Specific times for drop off and pick-up schedules will be on the festival’s website and Facebook pages.
A new event this year is the first annual Game of Thrones competition. Teams are charged with decorating a Port-a-John they have sponsored. A panel of judges will determine which team has the best, most creatively decorated outhouse.
Free raft rides will be offered, and the traditional river parade costume party will take place as well.
The festival is organized by Greater Dolores Action, a local nonprofit whose mission is to implement sustainable community enhancement projects.
“It is an event for everyone even the pup, with a leash,” Robison said. “We’re celebrating our beautiful river and community.”
The festival takes place at Joe Rowell Park and begins at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Ages 12 and under get in for free. For more information, go to www.doloresriverfestival.org