Bellforge Arts Center
June 29, 2025; 1pm-8pm
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
1:40
Zion Rodman
A multi-instrumental singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice, intricate guitar playing, and poignant lyrics. With a melodic style that blends folk and rock influences, Zion’s performances are heartfelt and captivating.
2:05
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
Lester Flatts level flatpicking, three-part harmonies, driving rhythm section, there’s never been an American roots and bluegrass band like this.
2:30
Comanchero
“Country-funk thunder melds a rambling jam sensibility with genuine boot-stomping twang. Shades of Widespread Panic, CAKE, and Wilco in these feverish Cactus Rock rhythms.” -Relix Magazine
3:00
Jimmy Ryan’s Wooden Leg
Jimmy Ryan is one of the best mandolin players in the United States. He’s played mandolin on albums by Morphine, Warren Zevon and Cheri Night (with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris).
3:25
Fauxmenco
Catherine Capozzi & Rafi Sofer translate their loud and adventurous experimental electric guitar worlds to nylon string guitars.
3:50
Molly Pinto Madigan
“Uniquely combines elements of folk, bluegrass and Celtic but obviously has a love for classic rock and contemporary pop” -John Shea, Host, Almost Famous on WATD
4:15
Sunfisher
Stone country rock.
4:40
The Displayers
Combining elements of folk and pop, they performed at both the Whisky A Go Go in L.A. and Fiddler’s Elbow in London this year as well as took home some songwriting awards from the New England Songwriting Competition.
5:05
Elisa Smith
Referred to as “Boston’s Honkey-Tonk Queen” and “one of the best original country acts in New England,” Elisa Smith blends her traditional country and rock n roll roots with honest songwriting. She’s been featured on national country radio and indie stations world-wide. She’s been a finalist in American Songwriter’s Wide Open Country songwriting competition and she’s recently been nominated for County Vocalist of the Year, Country Song of the Year, and EP of the Year at the Josie Music Awards in Nashville, TN.
5:35
Nate Perry & Ragged Company
Fueled by an adrenalized alt-Americana sound and one of the best live shows in town, Nate Perry & Ragged Company have been riding high in the Boston scene. Nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the 2024 Boston Music Awards, the quintet performed at Boston Calling this May.
6:00
Wayward Vine
The indie-folk Americana collective led by fiddler/pianist Valerie Rachel and Greg Lawrence has generated an exciting buzz across the Boston scene on the strength of a string of warm, harmony-driven singles.
6:30
Other Brother Darryl
is a seven-piece supergroup playing a style they call Cosmic Canyon Rock. Their debut album Roll Shine Roll was released to much critical acclaim and the band won “Country Artist of the Year” at the 2024 Boston Music Awards. They will be on the bill at this year’s Outlaw Music Fest in Gilford, NH with Willie Nelson.
6:55
Dirt Road Souls
These grizzled veterans bring the heat to the festival. Roots rock purists, this trio knows how to get down.
7:25
Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners
Known for a high-octane blend of face melting accordion and chicken pickin’ electric guitar. Winners of the 2024 New England Music Award for “Americana Act of the Year,” they celebrate their latest EP “Dances by Firelight” today as this is their final US show before they leave to do a 14-show tour of Europe.
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The New England Americana Fest is sponsored by:
HARPOON BREWERY – an employee owned brewery with locations in Boston, MA & Windsor, VT. Their IPA is a local favorite.
OH, HELLO BOSTON – an independent online radio station streaming 24/7, dedicated to playing music exclusively by artists and bands from Boston and the surrounding New England area
HEMLOCK INK – Boston’s Best Screen-printing Embroidery and Promotional Products
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The New England Americana Association would like to thank everyone for showing up and supporting the local Americana music scene.
Special thanks to all the bands for donating their time and talent. Also, big shout outs to: Sooz, Aaron Bornstein and Jay Hagenbuch for photography, Rock’n in Boston and Justbill for videography, Jeremy Selwyn for snacks and website help, Nate Leavitt for superb social media management, Johnny Dalton and his crew from Kung-Pow! Recording & Mastering for help with backline and sound/stage management, Brian Lilienthal for also assisting with event production (and drum kit), Knyvet, Michael Marotta and Paul Armstrong and the Bellforge Arts Center team for being so great to work with and A BIG thank you to all the sponsors, Hemlock Ink, Harpoon Brewery and Oh, Hello Boston for their generous support! Lastly, thank you to all the people over the years who made the NEAF what it is. We couldn’t be here today without you.
If you like what you hear, please considering supporting the bands by purchasing their merch or supporting the New England Americana Fest by purchasing a NEAF t-shirt (made by Hemlock Ink) at their table.