This year’s Great Southern: Season Two Festival has had to deal with a few last minute setbacks.
First, the band Silencio from Pittsburg had to cancel. Now word has come down that “Twin Peaks” star Kimmy Robertson will be unable to attend.
But this isn’t going to put a damper on the festivities, according to organizer Andrew Blossom. There’s even a special video message from David Lynch himself that will be aired at some point over the weekend. Also, it should be noted that most events are free or by suggested donation. You can get the full schedule at webpage for the event.
On Saturday, there will be Big Ed’s Craft Farm and a “Twin Peaks” panel at Hardywood. Featured vendors include:
Keeper Leather, Sprout Head, Newtowne Goons, 3D Central, Blue Bones Vintage, Guard n flags, Lady No Brow, Luke Stone Art, Grabinska Studio, RVA Naturals, StudioBliz and many more.
The big music day is Sunday, which will be one of the best days to come out to Hardywood and check out the festivities. Starting at around 12:30 to 1 p.m., “Twin Peaks” cast member Charlotte Stewart and others will be on hand to sign books and take photos. There will also be a trivia contest at 1:30 p.m.
Then the music starts up at 2 p.m. with Ghastly City Sleep from Brooklyn.
Earlier today, I talked with local musician Nathan Grice, who is also performing, about the various bands on the line-up. He says that Ghastly City features Brandon Evans, a former Richmonder known for his screamo band City of Caterpillar. His new group is super moody and atmospheric, says Grice. In other words, perfect Lynch music.
At 3 p.m. will be another New York band, Lodro, a three-piece that Grice says plays “demented, weird, dark blues-influenced, dirge-like rock” and features an incredible guitar player plus guy-and-girl vocals.
At 4 p.m., Little Black Rain Clouds (which was supposed to feature Kimmy Robertson) will perform. This is the solo electronic project of Byrd Theatre projectionist Damion Champ, who knows Lynch and other cast members and has been posting photos of dinners in Los Angeles with the famed director.
From around 4:30 to 5:30 will be Grice’s own band, Big No, which will not be playing “Twin Peaks” tunes this year, but will be unveiling some new originals of their own. Grice says he’s excited about this line-up which features Heather Jerabeck on keys, Josh Small on guitar, Lance Koehler on drums, and Adam Juresko on bass.
Grice says the band will have a new album coming out this fall on Portland’s Robotic Empire label.
Closing out the day will be the big “Twin Peaks” costume contest that was so fun last year.
