Welcome to the Kingdom!
This is the official 2008 lineup:
Bands
- Mr Lif
- The Devil Makes Three
- Mathematicians
- The Screaming Headless Torsos
- The Superpowers
- The Powder Kegs
- Vorcza
- Accordian Death Squad
- The Amity Front
- Pariah Beat
- The Primate Fiasco
- Danny Schmidt
- Stripmall Ballads
- Rusty Belle
- In This Century
- Evan Crandell& 2hot2 Handle
- DROP
- Jan M. Meese
- Thunderpants Johnsons Hillbilly Orchestra
Other Attractions
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"The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival Film" is finally here. This vibrant concert film/rockumentary produced and directed by Chris Pepino and True Form Pictures includes three years of highlights from the intimate Vermont music and arts festival (2004-2006). Performers include: Gogol Bordello, Cyro Baptista, Hieroglyphics, The Devil Makes Three, Toubab Krewe, and Oteil Burbridge & the Peacemakers. The film carries you on a colorful journey through a seamless weekend at the festival and features fan interviews, coverage of festival activities and events, behind the scenes footage, and 21 eclectic performances that took NEKMF audiences by storm year after year. This movie is now available on DVD home video and can be purchased at the merchandise tent at this year's NEKMF or online by clicking below (official release date August 1, 2007).
Festival News
THANK YOU to everyone who weathered the weather and came out to the 2008 Northeast Kingdom Music Festival. A special thank you goes out to our outstanding crew, who worked through trying conditions to help ensure a well-organized event and mitigated the mud disaster that threatened to turn us into a little Coventry. You are all incredible.We'll see you all at The Chilly Ranch for N.E.K. fest 2009 on August 7 & 8.
Musically Yours:
The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival
Music from 13 Scotland Rd
Music from Gogol Bordello
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A Grassroots, Independent, Non-corporate Sponsored Festival
The N.E.K fest is an intimate festival of epic proportions,capturing the dynamic and diverse sounds of larger festivals without the crowds, lines, far-away campsites, and high prices. Our crowd knows how to party and party smart. Consciousness is expected and our multi-generational audience delivers. If you know how to have a good time, and like good music, this is the fest for you.
Eclectic Line-up Featuring Roots and Rhythm Music
Every year you'll find hip-hop, bluegrass, funk, reggae, folk, rock, traditional, and various other types of music featured on our two stages. We generally eschew booking the "Jam-Bands" that are often popular with multi-headliner festivals, and instead favor a diverse musical lineup that is dynamic and danceable. Our festival includes the "best bands you've never heard of", and each year our attendees discover new amazing acts that they've never seen before. Many artists go on to future success, and you'll be able to say "I saw them when..."
Pure Magic
More than just a music festival, the N.E.K. fest features theater acts, a fire sculpture burning, giant puppets, poetry slams, and various other types of performance. Many a relationship has been formed, and marriages and babies have been conceived during this magical weekend. The unique blend of music, art, politics, and community provides a truly unforgettable experience. . ."you'll never know until you go!"
Family-friendly Festival by Day (Off-the-Hook Party by Night!)
We are proud to have many children running around during the day, and yet still be able to host one of the best parties around at night. Our philosophy is that family and a party need not be separated (as they so often are in our overly P.C. society). There is truly a vibe of love and unity in the air, and the relaxed, safe atmosphere contributes to ensuring all in attendance have a good time.
First Rate Camping Facilities
Located in Vermont's renowned Northeast Kingdom, the Chilly Ranch offers beautiful, pastoral, and private setting for a party. We have camping options closer to the stage than most other festivals, as well as quiet family camping areas. The festival provides free 100% pure deep well water, parking, and camping- all included in the low ticket price ($50 average for the weekend). Excellent food vending options are available on site. But we are also BYOB and food for the weekend, so you aren't obligated to buy expensive beer or food on site, nor water.
Making the Most of Your Visit to the Northeast Kingdom
The festival starts Friday afternoon and goes until the wee hours of Saturday night/Sunday morning. Many attendees go down the road to catch The Bread and Puppet Theater Sunday afternoon upon leaving the festival, or hit one of the many local swimming holes to just relax or bask in the glow of a wonderful weekend experience. For more area info, check out www.centerofthekingdom.com
So, hope that helps and we'll see you all on Aug. 1& 2 at The Chilly Ranch in East Albany, Vermont!
Watch the trailer for the N.E.K. fest movie by TrueForm Pictures!
"The NEKMF Film" was recently featured on a radio show at Cal State University in San Bernardino, CA. The program hosted a discussion about the film and included several recordings of live performances from the last three years at the festival. To stream or download the show, access the links below.
Stream the Show | Download the Show