Floyd Fest, the eclectic music festival set in, perhaps, one of the most idyllic spots in the Blue Ridge, kicks off today.
Making the trek in from Denver for the festival are roots rockers Strange Americans.
Festivarians who are fans of honest to goodness, fuzzed out, guitar and groove heavy rock and roll would do well to seek out the Strange Americans this week. The band will be rolling into Floyd hot on the heels of the release of it’s third record, Borrow You, Brother, which dropped last week. This quintet of Rocky Mountain rockers, who have made precious few visits to the eastern side of the country, are destined to turn some heads on this latest swing through the region. My guess is this won’t be the band’s last trip east, either.
Joining Strange Americans on the Floyd Fest bill are heavy hitters like Thievery Corporation, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Railroad Earth, along with regional favorites like Keller Williams, Larry Keel, The Steel Wheels, and Rising Appalachia.
I recently caught up with Strange Americans and peppered them with questions about life on the road.
BRO – One piece of gear you can’t leave home without?
SA – Swimming shorts.
BRO – City you have played that made you think, “Yeah, I could live here.”
SA – Hood River, Oregon.
BRO – One thing you don’t want to hear the sound guy say?
SA – “Are you gonna tune that?”
BRO – Worst state to drive through?
SA – Wyoming.
BRO – Festival you have played that you also enjoyed as a fan?
SA – SXSW.
BRO – Favorite thing to do in town when you have a few hours to kill?
SA – Water parks, pools, oceans, lakes, rivers. And breweries.
BRO – Any pre-show rituals?
SA – We usually do a quick huddle up, pep talk, and cheer.
BRO – Favorite on stage libation?
SA – Local IPAs.
BRO – Three items you’d like to add to a rider, just to see if you could get them?
SA- Three shake weights, a pyramid of Valencia oranges, and a sack of California double cheeseburgers.
Floyd Fest kicks off today, and Strange Americans have sets scheduled for tomorrow and Friday.
For more information about Strange Americans, be sure to check out the band’s website.
If you want to find out when and where Strange Americans are playing at Floyd Fest as you plan your festival weekend, check out the festival schedule here.
Also, be sure to check out “No Punches,” the lead track from Strange Americans’ brand new record, along with tracks from Sammy Brue, Tom Forrest, The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers, and many more on this month’s Trail Mix.
