While other progressive rock festivals have been experiencing problems, or even folded altogether, ProgDay – the world’s longest-running event of this kind – still soldiers on, and is about to celebrate its 18th anniversary. As usual, the 2012 edition of the “proggers’ picnic” is scheduled to take place on Labor Day Weekend (September 1-2) on the tree-ringed grounds of Storybook Farm, Chapel Hill (North Carolina).
This year’s lineup places a heavy emphasis on homegrown bands, with the whole of the Sunday lineup hailing from the East Coast of the US – a bold move indeed, and one that will afford a unique opportunity for those outfits to showcase their talent before an appreciative audience in an idyllic setting. The Washington/Baltimore region will be represented by local favourites Ephemeral Sun and Ilúvatar, the lively New York scene by avant-proggers Doctor Nerve and über-eclectic trio Consider The Source, and New England by another couple of label-defying acts, Birdsongs of the Mesozoic (from Boston) and Dreadnaught (from New Hampshire). Only two non-US acts are scheduled to perform: Italian outfit Accordo dei Contrari, whose 2011 album Kublai garnered the approval of the prog community on both sides of the Atlantic, and Montreal-based quartet Karcius. On the whole, ProgDay’s 2012 sums up all the distinctive features of modern progressive rock, ranging from time-honoured tradition to cutting-edge trends.
Those who are interested in attending will be able to purchase patron passes ($ 140) or ordinary weekend passes ($ 90) in advance from the festival’s website (until August 15). Both kinds of tickets, as well as single-day passes, will also be available at the gate. Detailed information on the event, including music samples, a link to the official hotel and other practical tips, can be found at http://www.progday.net.
18 YEARS of Prog, Fun, and Sun. I’ll be there for sure. 🙂
Sorry to say it looks like I’ve already spent my vacation budget this year. Perhaps 2013.
Sorry to hear you won’t be able to make it! Let’s hope something new comes up next year on the festival front, or we will have to consider travelling up to Michigan!
Thanks, Raffaella! I’m really looking forward to seeing folks at this year’s festivities!
🙂
It’s only one of the best things I do all year! I’ve missed it for 2 years now but I’m coming back!
Hope to see you there then! You’ll recognize me from the notepad I’ll be writing in :P…
hope to see you there Rafaella. NOT 100% certain I am coming, but unless the weather is predicted to be just hideously bad (i.e. hot), I’m planning on it.
Likewise, Steve! I am not a hot-weather person myself, but I make an exception for ProgDay. See you at the Orion next Saturday!