Book More Women is advocating for a more vibrant and welcoming music festival scene for all

In 1927, Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company traveled to Bristol, TN from NY and made some of the most important recordings in early country music, including the first ever of Jimmie Rodgers. These “Bristol Sessions,” have been called the “Big Bang” of country music. The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion was established in 2001 in Bristol, TN/VA to celebrate the legacy of these sessions and the region’s musical heritage. Sitting right on the state line and spread across 12 stages, the festival presents established headliners and up-and-coming artists in a variety of country-adjacent genres.

Innumerable historic and memorable moments have taken place at Newport Folk over the years, and protest has been a defining element. In recent years, the festival has continued to widen its umbrella with an ongoing, modern redefining of the term “folk music.” Check out some of the artists I saw in 2024, from a string band formed less than a year ago, to Joan Baez a mainstay who emerged at the very first edition.

Wilco's Solid Sound Festival is in its 8th iteration in 2024 and was held again in North Adams, MA at the MASS MoCA campus. The unique venue features stages between mill buildings and in museum galleries. The lineup is Wilco-centered but also features emerging artists and unique names you won’t find everywhere. There are comedy sets, interviews, and of course, art around every corner.

Rat City Arts Festival is a totally free hyper-local festival in Allston, MA featuring two stages of music, dozens of art vendors, and more. I talked with organizers to discuss the importance of supporting local talent with reasonable pay and opportunity.

In the midst of the pandemic in 2021, a new local festival was born to sustain both the community and the bands in Somerville, MA. Now in its fourth year, NICE, a fest has grown tremendously while maintaining its local focus. Read to see where the festival started and how it has grown to four days and three stages!

Last year, a movement began in the state of Nebraska: GRRRL CAMP, a music festival and celebration of women and non-binary artists in music, art, and business. They are now preparing for a second inspiring year of music and more. Keep reading to find out how GRRRL CAMP came about and how they made such a huge step up this year!