Staff Writer
Traditionally the site for Swedish dancing and old-fashioned band concerts, the outside venue of Thomas Park in New Sweden will be the stage for a daylong Americana-type music festival in June. “Arootsakoostik” will bring together more than 15 artists, many of who were born in Aroostook County, to perform in the open-air bowl on Saturday, June 28. A mixture of folk, rock, blues harmonies will begin at 11 a.m. and continue to early evening.
Travis Cyr, who is living in Van Buren, said the festival would offer a venue for Maine musicians to perform, plus raise money for the restoration and maintenance of Thomas Park.
“I had been to beautiful Thomas Park as a child and thought what perfect place,” Cyr said.
Originally dubbed “Gardenstock,” Cyr first staged the festival in September two years ago. Last year, it rained during the festival and only about 150 to 175 people attended. Cyr said that hopefully June would promise better weather.
“First, it was simple a way to just try to do some good and raise money and awareness for people and causes less fortunate,” said Cyr. “Secondly, it was a means to showcase some of the very talented artists and musicians from our great state.”
A musician himself, Cyr has invited fellow musicians, who have found success in the greater Portland area, to play at the festival at no charge.
“I need to stress the gratitude and admiration I hold for these artists whom all very generously donate their time and effort to travel all the way to New Sweden and play the festival for free, especially (with gas) at $4 a gallon,” Cyr said.
Included in the list of performers are Tree by Leaf, the Toughcats, Ficus, Putnam Smith, Tigroid Substance and Dead End Armory. A complete list can be found on the Internet at www.myspace.com/amusicfest.
In addition to the music, there will be on-site food, refreshments and vending. A food drive will also held to benefit local food pantries. Concertgoers bringing at least one non-perishable food item will be given a ticket at the gate that automatically enters them into drawing for CDs recorded by the performing bands.
Cyr also is inviting other artists, farmers or crafters who want to be part of the festival to contact him by phone at 484-6000 or by e-mail at travcyr@yahoo.com
Sponsors for the festival include S.W. Collins Co., Plourde Furniture, Paradis Shop ‘n Save and Vickie Cummings at Gossamer Press.
