Granite State Music Festival: Introducing The KidZone

A family-friendly atmosphere has been a priority for the organizers of Granite State Music Festival since the very beginning, but the 2014 festival offers something special for the youngest festival goers: The Granite State Music Festival KidZone.

The Kidzone is a designated area within the festival, dedicated to a wide variety of performances and activities that will delight kids of all ages, but especially the many small music fans who join their parents for the festival. Award-winning performer Steve Blunt will perform with his trio, Steve, Marty & Joey (and their wild and crazy librarian friend Noelle) at 11am on Sunday, June 22. Their catchy collection of songs includes a surplus of humor – and plenty of audience participation.

KidZone visitors will also discover bubble-play activities, the Super Spiderweb, yo-yo demonstrations, dress-up and storytelling, and parachute play. Visitors can get hands-on with art projects from upcycled materials, tie-dyeing, and tree-climbing. The mobile chicken coop and barnyard animal friends are sure to delight – and water sprinklers will keep kids cool. For a break from all the fun – a Quieter Zone will also be available. KidZone hours are 12:30 to 6pm – and admission is included in the price of the admission to Granite State Music Festival (kids 9 and under are free, and those 10 and up get half-price admission with the purchase of an adult ticket). Parental supervision of children age 9 and under is required. Tickets are available at gsmfest.org or at the gates, while supplies last.

The festival itself features a family-friendly rotation of music by NH’s best performers, playing all original music. This year’s lineup includes national headliners Lucius, regional headliners the Adam Ezra Group, Roots of Creation, and Kingsley Flood, and local headliners Pat & the Hats. The eclectic bill is rounded out by an array of New Hampshire and regional acts that you will not see on the same stage anywhere else: Karen Grenier, the Ross Livermore Band, Ian Ethan Case, the Jandee Lee Porter Band, the Folksoul Band, Erik “Fingers” Ray, Mines of Paris, Donkilo! Afro Funk Orkestra, Four Legged Faithful, Tristan Omand, People Skills, Dreadnaught, the Brooks Young Band, Ghost Dinner Band, the Chris Peters Band, and Senayit. Genres and miles are bridged by this talented roster, creating a truly diverse New Hampshire music experience.

The Granite State Music Festival is a 501(c)3 organization that began in 2012 as the vision of Festival Director, Scott Solsky. Solsky, a professional musician himself, saw the capital city as the perfect location for a festival and an organization that celebrate New Hampshire music. Granite State Music Festival has now grown beyond simply presenting an excellent, professionally-produced festival and now offers scholarships for high-school seniors who wish to make their career in music. Additional information about the Granite State Music Festival is available at the festival website, gsmfest.org.  

General inquiries regarding the festival may be emailed to info@gsmfest.org, or made by phone to 603-534-3592.

Submitted by The Granite State Music Festival.