What an incredible second year, Iron Blossom. Period. RVA deserves a solid fest like this. Bless it.
Day one found RVA’s own Kenneka Cook kicking out sweet grooves per the norm and Sarah Shook and the Disarmers causing a ruckus and a tiny hoedown. Thereafter, a juggernaut of force and flavor followed; Trampled by Turtles brought it down with strings turned to 11, and California Honeydrops snagged many a new fan with their funky, brass-heavy set. Of course, Mt. Joy and Turnpike Troubadours did their thing and sent home happy faces.
But could you make it another day? Yep.
Food vendors served up mouth-watering dishes and the music created an unforgettable atmosphere; legit good vibes. Your wallet might have burned in the vendor area, because there was a lot of goodness. Then there was the food, which was not fair fare. Instead we got straight-up, wood-fired meats, loaded tots and plenty of vegan/veggie options. Y’all, we were treated to an array of culinary delights. One note: It would be nice to see more NA beverage options that aren’t water or Pepsi.
Vendor Jenna Guthrie of J Guthrie Works is worth checking out (again, watch the wallet – it’s dangerous). Born and raised in RVA, she says that she would “like to create surrealist pieces that are Richmond-themed, or surrealist, in general. That’s my business. I do all the design and screenprinting.”
On day two, we were fortunate to catch Kentucky native and Garden & Gun darling, S.G Goodman early in the afternoon on the side stage, followed by a flood of sound courtesy of CAAMP and the ever ebullient Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats. Sadly, Hippo Campus had to bow out due to illness, but nevertheless Iron Blossom rolled on.
It’s got feet, legs, and dancing shoes on. Iron Blossom is here to stay.
