In this digital age, we believe that opportunities to interact with our neighbors in analog and on neutral ground help to foster a sense of community, cohesion, and inclusiveness. Our festival was born out of a desire to bring people together, from all walks of life, to share a journey of wonder, discovery, and delight.

On stage, a mix of local, regional, national, and international musicians perform in unique collaborations knit around a different musical theme each week. We intentionally curate our programming to reflect the interests and identities of the area’s diverse cultural communities and seek to knit these groups together through companion exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, pop-up performances, and collaborations.

The series is not only a love letter to the City but an enticing calling card for new visitors. Since the festival’s inception, we have worked in tandem with elected officials, business owners, and civic partners to shine a light on Easthampton’s thriving arts community, establishing the town as a destination for regional tourism. We recognize the power of our events to shape public perception and drive economic development and we work directly with the Mayor, City Counselors, and City staff to structure our events to support municipal initiatives.

The need for more informal gathering spots outside the realms of home and work has become increasingly clear. Joyful memories shared by our audience draw the community together. Attendees come with a willingness to engage with different perspectives and explore new cultural forms. We aim to spur social interaction among people of varied backgrounds, empower attendees to experience green spaces, and ensure that the performing arts are accessible to all. This improves the quality of life not only for locals but for the region as a whole.

Sincerely,

Kyle Homstead & Cassandra Holden
Festival Founders