D.R.A. Great Salt Bay Concert Series presents

Saturday, July 23, 2011– 10:30AM to 5PM
Rain or Shine

Bigger and better than ever! Check back periodically for updated information!!

The DRA Great Salt Bay Music Fest: Roots, Rock n’ Reggae welcomes Maine favorites Gypsy Tailwind along with three other Maine acts – Bruce Hardina, The New Rangers, and The Beat Horizon – for an afternoon of non-stop outdoor music, food and dancing at the DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta on Saturday, July 23 from 10:30AM to 5:00PM.

Singer songwriter Bruce Hardina leads off at 11:00AM. His music ranges from reflective to rockin’ and is perfectly suited to the venue. Warm vocals – backed by strong guitar – showcase lyrics that grow out of a deep connection to the outdoors.

The New Rangers come on at noon, featuring Jim Nelson on bass, John Reny on lead guitar, John Riley on guitar and percussion, and Peter Jackson - also of “The Horseshoe Crabs” - on pedal steel guitar. The band draws on the acoustic, country-rock roots that had been the original focus of the Round Pond Rangers, whose former members make up the core of the new group.

Gypsy Tailwind will take the stage At 1:30. Touching on an array of genres, Gypsy Tailwind’s style remains firmly rooted within Americana and Roots traditions, flickering between folk, rock, and alt-country, gracefully capturing the unclaimed sound that is now completely their own. A soulful Americana act even more mobile than their name might imply, Gypsy Tailwind, led by Daniel Connor (vocals, guitar) and Anna Lombard (vocals, guitar), has taken the Northeast by storm. Lucky Clark of The Kennebec Journal commented, "My greatest discovery, though, has to be the voice of Anna Lombard: She is amazing; pure and strong with a plaintive nature that just oozes truth and emotion..."

In customary fashion, the festival finishes up with reggae. A festival favorite from 2008, The Beat Horizon returns to the DRA stage this summer. Comprised of members originating from various regions of the U.S., as well as Jamaica, THE BEAT HORIZON was formed with the goal of creating danceable, high-energy music. Drawing on musical influences as varied as reggae, ska, hip-hop, funk, afro-beat, and Latin, the sound is eclectic and upbeat. The five members of THE BEAT HORIZON create a full, diverse sound, perfect for the dance floor, in this case a meadow. Drawing on a legacy of performing, members of THE BEAT HORIZON have played and shared the stage with Burning Spear, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Black Uhuru, Wyclef Jean, De La Soul, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Wailers, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Etheridge, The Skatalites, and Yellowman.

Now in its sixth year, the festival draws an ever growing following from around the state and beyond. Proceeds support the conservation and education work of the Damariscotta River Association. The festival is named for Maine’s first marine protected area, the Great Salt Bay, at the headwaters of the Damariscotta River, on whose shores the event will take place. The saltwater farm headquarters preserve of the DRA serves as the backdrop for the outdoor performance.

As of this week, sponsors for the DRA Music Fest include Renys - A Maine Adventure, Cheney Insurance, Newcastle Square Realty, Newcastle Square Vacation Rentals, Mexicali Blues, Hannaford, Damariscotta River Grill, Acadia Trust, Damariscotta Bank & Trust, Lev Davis/RBC Wealth Management, Stonyfield Farm, Damariscotta Montessori School, Rising Tide Community Market, Seamark Silver, Stars Fine Jewelry and Gifts, The Science Source, Women of Substance, Colby & Gale and Covel & Associates, and with The Coastal Journal as official print sponsor.

Tickets are on sale now at Maine Coast Bookstore in Damariscotta, Mexicali Blues in Newcastle, and also at DRA headquarters at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. Prices are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, children 12 and under free. A single ticket is good for the entire day, granting access to all four performances. This year, hoping to make the concert more accessible to teens and young adults, the DRA will offer a special student price of $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Volunteers are needed and receive free admission and a t-shirt.

A series of tents by Atlantic Tent Company will allow the concert to take place rain or shine. Please note: No coolers, no pets, and no refunds. Gates open at 10:30AM, the first act begins at 11:00 and the bands play until at least 5:00PM.

For more information about the Great Salt Bay Music Fest, to reserve tickets or to volunteer for the festival, contact the Damariscotta River Association at 207-563-1393.

Event Location: Damariscotta River Association’s Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center, 110 Belvedere Road,
Damariscotta, ME 04543