PLYMOUTH – In support of Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach assisting those in the Bristol area struggling with sheltering, Farm Festival II is headed to the Terryville Fairgrounds with music, food and drinks in a second-year benefit concert.
As part of collaboration between Eric Smith’s Rock Steady Productions and Michael Cansdale’s Big Mac Productions, proceeds from the event will be sent to Brian’s Angels.
“It came about in the pandemic where the only thing you could really do was stuff outside,” Smith said. “I basically proposed that we wanted to do something at a farm with live music and it could be a fundraiser.”
Smith noted the previous festival had been made of all volunteers, bands included, and around $8,000 was generated. The previous festival was held at Wood Acres Farm.
“This year, we’re expanding and we’ll have five bands,” said Smith. “They all have local ties. These are all top shelf performers.”
LB4 is volunteering its musical talents at the event and focuses on rock, blues, funk, reggae and more. Country Steel pulls together modern country influences. The Remnants Family Band is a modern Americana rock group. Psychedelic rockers Jeff Summa and the Roasters are slated to bring their talents to the Farm Festival stage. Blondie and Beyond showcases lead female artists from the 1970s and 1980s. Katrina & Mark Duet will also lend their musical gifts to the show.
Smith said the event is a good way to give back to the community.
“The homeless cause, every town, especially every city, it’s a big problem. It’s a bigger problem now with the economy,” said Smith. “(Brian’s Angels) is a great place for people in need. Even those who may need food or clothes, they provide a service.”
Executive Director of Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach Pat Stebbins said she’s appreciative of the support from the festival for the nonprofit organization. She said the proceeds of the event will likely be put to the group’s search for a larger space as its needs from area clients have grown. Stebbins said the Connecticut moratorium on evictions ending has caused an uptick in the numbers of clients Brian’s Angels is serving.
Farm Festival II will be held July 16, starting at 2 p.m. Advanced tickets are $20 and can be ordered at the Eventbrite website. Individuals interested in attending can also visit the Farm Festival II Facebook page for more information. Food and beer trucks will be on site. Small weather tents, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, however, animals and coolers are not allowed.
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