UPDATE: "For the safety of all involved & with heavy hearts, we announce #SilopannaFest is cancelled due to Hurricane Irene," fest organizers tweeted Thursday morning.
"We have been watching the weather very closely this week," said Kyle Muehlhauser, president of the Rams Head Group. "Safety for the fans, bands, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance. As difficult as this is for me to announce, we feel the responsible move is to cancel the festival."
In the wake of the deadly equipment collapse prior to a concert at the Indiana State Fair earlier this month, organizers likely felt it's better to be safe than sorry.
The festival will not be rescheduled. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase. If you bought your tickets directly from a band, return them to the Rams Head Box Office (410-244-1131) for a refund.
ORIGINAL STORY: It's hard to face the cold hard truth that most of the music fests we get around here offer only tired radio rock.
But wait! Here comes Silopanna Music Festival this Saturday, Aug. 27, which gathers soul/funk/brass-inspired indie acts. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, a nine-piece collective from Brooklyn, headlines the show. The main-stage schedule is as follows:
1:50 p.m. -- Cris Jacobs (of the Bridge)
2:50 p.m. -- Harper Blynn
4:20 p.m. -- Fitz and The Tantrums
5:50 p.m. -- Matt & Kim
7:30 p.m. -- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
9:30 p.m. -- Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Performers on other stages include All Mighty Senators, Pandomonia and Grilled Lincolns. (See the complete schedule here.)
General admission tickets are $39.50, with VIP going for $195. The VIP package offers a shaded tent, unlimited beer and wine, a reserved area next to the stage, a dinner buffet, private bathrooms and a goodie bag.
The fest is at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville, Md.). The Pavilion stage acts begin at noon.
Now let's hope that Hurricane Irene has other plans.
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