ALIVE COVERAGE
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival returns, uniting people through music, art, food, and more for the 10th year in a row.
Gallivant through the gorgeous rolling hills and bask in the stirrings of fall weather at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin on September 28 and 29. Like its predecessors, this weekend will be packed with unforgettable memories forged in the all-embracing music scene, culinary delights, hand-crafted goods, and activities for fans of all ages.
This year’s lineup entails a phenomenal and eclectic mix of talent, paying homage to the past decade of greatness. Can’t-miss acts include Dave Matthews Band, Better Than Ezra, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Stephen Sanchez, COIN, Lukas Nelson, Allison Russell, NEEDTOBREATHE, Cassandra Lewis, and so much more. Fans can even look forward to seeing co-founder Kevin Griffin’s band, Better Than Ezra’s set containing music from the band’s newest album, Super Magick.
“This is a retrospective kind of lineup,” says co- founder Brandt Wood. “We really went back into the history of the last nine years and looked at what our favorite sets were and based our lineup around that for this huge milestone with lots of great events, activities, and sets.”
The music captures the spirit of Pilgrimage Fest — an overwhelming sense of unity that holds the power to temporarily wash away outside troubles.
“The thing that I enjoy when I’m walking around the festival, aside from the good weather, is watching people enjoy the show, people being lost in the moment,” Wood says. “To wide-angle it, I love the sense of community, seeing people enjoying each other’s company and celebrating together over the power of music. We need that, especially after COVID times, political challenges, and overall edginess of the world, we need to connect like that.”
Speaking of unity, the three founders work together to utilize their areas of expertise and friendship to ensure that each festival is an even bigger knockout than the last. It leaves no doubt that their 10th anniversary will be one of their best yet.
“We all bring quite a bit to the table in different areas,” says co-founder Michael Whelan. “Kevin is obviously in the music and entertainment space, on the ground all year living in Franklin, and we’ve been friends for over 20 years. Brandt really brings the passion and is always thinking of how to make the next festival better than the last and he brings the energy like nobody I’ve ever met. And I have the business marketing perspective on my side. We put it all together and here we have Pilgrimage.”
Pilgrimage Festival offers something for everyone, intersecting different walks of life and indulging interests for all.
“Family-friendly and for the whole community and something that’s really cool and edgy doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive,” says co-founder Kevin Griffin. “There’s a family vibe and it’s all about togetherness. It just feels good to be there, there’s plenty available around. It’s one of the most beautiful settings and beautiful atmospheres. It just feels good to be there.”
People make Pilgrimage what it is, and the founders are overflowing with gratitude for the festival-goers, continued support over the past decade. (pilgrimagefestival.com)