Heartened by the success of last year’s one-day festival on the spacious plains of the Dutchess County Airport in Wappingers Falls, Radio Woodstock has re-upped for the Speed of Sound (SOS) Festival, this year landing as headliner one of the most popular modern/retro Americana rock bands, the Lumineers. Taking place at the Airport on Sunday, August 7 at 1 p.m., SOS benefits the Radio Woodstock Cares Foundation, the station’s newly formed 501 (c) (3), which provides funding to local hospitals, charities and nonprofit groups.
A bardic folk/rock trio from Denver, the world-famous Lumineers have a local tie as well. Their sparse and luminous new record Cleopatra was produced by songwriter, novelist and former Felice Brother Simone Felice. Rounding out the impressive lineup are Simone Felice himself, New Jersey art/pop songwriter Nicole Atkins, Tennessee songwriter Rayland Baxter, Swear and Shake and Fiction of the Future.
SOS makes full use of it unique setting. Small aircrafts will offer pleasure flights overhead, the runways will teem with arts and craft vendors, local gourmet food trucks and craft beer. Music begins at 1:30 p.m. and closes with the Lumineers at 8 p.m.
SOS extends its aviation metaphor to its ticketing options, dubbed “boarding passes.” The Economy Class passes fetch $45 in advance, $55 on the day of the show. First Class goes for $150, $175 on the day of the show and includes access to lavish hospitality at the Mile-High Club and premier seating for the music.
Advance tickets sans service fees can be purchased at three locations of the Festival’s co-sponsor, the Friendly Auto Group: Friendly Honda at 1143 Dutchess Turnpike (Route 44) in Poughkeepsie, Friendly Ford at 2250 South Road (Route 9) in Poughkeepsie and Friendly Acura at 3475 Route 6 in Middletown. For tickets and complete information, visit www.speedofsoundfest.com. The Dutchess County Airport is located at 263 New Hackensack Road in Wappingers Falls.
Speed of Sound featuring the Lumineers, Sunday, August 7, 1 p.m., $45/$55, $150/$175 VIP, Dutchess County Airport, 263 New Hackensack Road, Wappingers Falls; www.speedofsoundfest.com.
Join the family! 
