Life Is Good Festival To Bring Cheerful Vibe to Canton

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Ken Abrams, GoLocalWorcester Music Critic

There’s only one condition this weekend for those planning to attend the Life is Good Festival at Prowse Farm in Canton–“Spread the optimism!” The annual festival is designed to be full of good music and good vibes. It’s a deliberate 21st century Woodstock, done family style. And it arrives with major talent, guaranteed to please music fans of all ages.

The festival benefits the Life is Good Kids Foundation, with all net proceeds from the event supporting the “Playmaker” program. And we’re not just talking a token donation here; last year, the festival raised over $1 million for the Foundation.   

Good vibes

Musically, no gloomy introspective artists need apply. The festival features the joyful rock and soul of Hall and Oates, the high energy horns of The Roots, and the warm, mellow sound of Jack Johnson. They headline the “Life is Good” main stage along with other well known stars Amos Lee, Trampled By Turtles and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Like other great festivals, expect to hear some surprises away from the main stage. You'll discover a new artist or two…like Dawes, the talented young LA based band who’ve become a favorite of Jackson Browne. Or check out 14 year old Fall River guitar sensation Quinn Sullivan, who recently appeared on the Tonight Show. The young bluesman was “discovered” and is mentored by Buddy Guy, who he joins on tour this Fall.

For the whole family

For the kids, the mysteriously subversive DJ Lance Rock and the gang from Yo Gabba Gabba will entertain the crowd both days. Be sure to get there early–they go on at the main stage at 11:55. Other family acts include Reccess Monkey and Josh and the Jamtones, two of the hippest kid’s bands around. Check the “Good Kids” stage schedule for performance times.

One performer returning to the festival is Peabody native Ryan Montbleau, who plays a major role as curator of the Festival Coffee House. He’s filled it with local and national artists like Vance Gilbert, Caravan of Thieves and Mike Doughty.  It’s a great chance for some local acts to get wider exposure. While there, you can even have a cup of the new “Life is Good” coffee. 

All around fun

In addition to great music, you’ll be busy with tons of activities intended for kids big and small. There will be arts and crafts, yoga, seed spitting, BMX biking, and an instrument petting zoo. Indeed, festival organizers (Superfly productions, of Bonnaroo fame) have thought of everything–there’s even a festival app you can download.

Complete details are available on the festival web page. Weekend passes are sold out but single day tickets are still available here. Check GoLocal next week for a full review of the Life is Good Festival.

 

Ken Abrams reviews Roots, Rock and Blues for GoLocalProv and GoLocalWorcester. E-mail him at [email protected].

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