A Memorable Celebration at the 31st Hot August Music Festival

The 31st Hot August Music Festival, held on August 10th at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, was a vibrant celebration of music, family-friendly activities, and local culture. The festival featured an impressive lineup across two stages, with Grace Potter as the sole headliner after Snarky Puppy had to pull out at the last minute due to the death of their pianist, Shaun Martin. Potter’s set, in particular, closed the festival with a high-energy mix of rock, soul, and pop. She even told the audience that it was so important for her to be there that she skipped a close relative’s wedding.

The festival also highlighted rising stars like Neal Francis, whose retro-psychedelic rock vibes were a hit, and the jam band Eggy, who have been gaining popularity recently, brought dynamic improvisation to the stage. Local talents, including Cris Jacobs from Baltimore, MD, and the Sam Grisman Project, added a regional flair, further enriching the musical diversity.

In addition to the music, the festival maintained its family-friendly tradition, with activities such as hat-making and face painting available in the Kids Corner. Local vendors provided various food options and craft beer enthusiasts enjoyed a special brew crafted by Union Craft Brewing specifically for the event. Overall, the festival was a well-organized, fun-filled day catering to music lovers and families, maintaining its reputation as one of the summer’s hottest events.

Photo’s (c) Ryan McCormick