Susquejamma doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but then it doesn’t really need to either. More than just a tongue-twister, Susquejamma is a two-day festival in the Oneonta area run by and featuring Hudson Valley locals. LiveLIVE! Productions, the organizers behind Backstage Studio Productions (BSP) Lounge in Kingston, are hosting the inaugural festival at the Susquehanna Trail Campground on Friday and Saturday, August 31 and September 1, with local heroes Voodelic headlining the closing night.
“It means a great deal, because it’s a homegrown, grassroots festival, and the festival circuit is where Voodelic belongs,” said Voodelic frontman Little Earl Lundy. “Plus, the guys at liveLIVE! are absolutely fantastic. They’re really making an impact in Kingston, revitalizing BSP and showcasing a lot of music that wouldn’t be seen around here without them. Bottom line, they’re just really nice guys to work with.”
While it may seem a bit of a haul for Hudson Valley residents, the bucolic setting and promise of full-on good festival vibes may make it well worth the trip. There’s also the likelihood of the chance of mingling with like-minded, college-bound music enthusiasts. “Well, because the location is so close to Oneonta, I think the majority of the Susquejamma audience will be from the college, and ‘tha Voos’ only had one opportunity to play for that crowd,” said Little Earl of the liveLIVE! venue the Black Oak Tavern. “They were amazing. They got crazy with us. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Voodelic, who plays at 9 p.m. on Saturday night on a bill with the Dylan Emmet Band, MAE and the Machine Gun Funk and Skeletons in the Piano, will be breaking out its popular black light show, featuring four mid-set costume changes by Little Earl. “It happens fast,” he said. “Should be pretty trippy.”
In addition to Friday’s musical extravaganza headlined by Consider the Source – “a wicked trio from New York City; they’re incredible,” according to Little Earl – there is also a sideshow, burlesque and other fun festival stuff.
Susquejamma is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, August 31 and September 1, at the Susquehanna Trail Campground in Oneonta. Advance tickets cost $20 for the weekend. Day-of full-weekend tickets cost $30, and day-of Saturday-only tickets go for $20. Children age 12 and under get in free. For more information, visit https://susquejamma.livelive.us.
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