Revel in the Meadow Summer Jam music event returns in Dover
DOVER — On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Continuum Arts Collective will revive its Revel in the Meadow Summer Jam — a one-day festival being held this year on the grounds of the Dover Elks that will start at noon and run through 10 p.m.
The theme for this year’s Revel, which was presented to CAC’s executive director, Marty England, by local musician Chris O’Neill, is a 50th anniversary celebration of Summer Jam 1973 at Watkins Glen.
“CAC hosted Revel in the Meadow in 2018 and 2019 and had a doozy of a festival planned for 2020 ... until COVID hit and shut it down,” said England. “I feel like this festival is four years of pent-up energy just waiting to be uncorked and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Watkins Glen Summer Jam — which drew the largest festival crowd ever and featured The Band, Allman Brothers Band, and Grateful Dead — is the perfect way to jump headfirst back in."
He added, "We've got four of three of the hottest tribute bands representing each of the original Watkins Glen bands — Seacoast Last Waltz Band, Idlewild, and Stone Dead, along with Truffle, who will kick things off with a set of Little Feat music. The Dead, A-Bros, The Band, and Little Feat are the four bands I've listened to the most over the last three years, so for me, I'll be in a personal paradise. We've also got a huge stage for this festival, so as a performer in the Seacoast Last Waltz Band, I'm looking forward to having some space to do some cartwheels and high-leg kicks.”
On top of the main stage headliners, the organization also features artists that they’ve served over the tenure of its existence.
“We've got three incredible current and alumni CAC student bands on the second stage, with Cam Martin, Ashlyn Bard, and Songs for the End Times,” said England. “Jordan Lincoln from the Songs for the End Times was like the fourth or fifth student we ever helped, and now she's leading arguably the most original band in Maine.”
Per usual, the Revel is a family-friendly event that includes a Community Art Bus for kids with four hours of activities that is built into the ticket price (kids 12 and under get in free).
Food will be available on site, provided by NoBo/Fat Dog Kitchen.
“Paul (Cote) and Joe (Rhodes) are two of our favorite local chefs, and we're looking forward to seeing what they've got up their sleeves,” said England.
The musicians taking the stage for this year’s Revel in the Meadow are excited to bring the ’73 Watkins Glen Summer Jam to life and contribute to the day in the spirit of helping out the CAC.
“It’s great to be a part of this again,” said Truffle frontman Dave Gerard. “It’s such a huge event this time with so many other killer musicians involved. Add to that Jay Cohen will be joining us on keys! We were asked to do a full set of Little Feat; our first time ever doing a tribute thing."
“Revel In the Meadow is going to be a great day and I'm thrilled to be a part of it,” said musician Max Chase. “I take great pleasure in collaborating with Continuum Arts Collective and Revel is the cherry on top of their extensive events list. .... I couldn’t be more thrilled to play a small part in this great day of music and community, all in support of this cherished organization.”
Proceeds from the Revel will support the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Continuum Art Collective mission to assist economically diverse artists and musicians living in New Hampshire and Maine by providing students with free instruments, art supplies, creative instruction and experiences.
Revel event information: eventcreate.com/e/revel-in-the-meadow
Continuum Arts Collective information: continuumarts.org
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Revel in the Meadow Summer Jam music event returns in Dover NH
