Anyone that’s ever driven to the southern parts of the country on I-81 can tell you that Virginia is among the most oppressive aspects of the drive. With nothing but rainy flatland for miles on end, it is a stretch of road that separates the men from the not-quite-men, and the able-bladdered from the temporarily incontinent. Imagine it: thinking you are home free after the similarly long yet decidedly Amish stretch through Pennsylvania, the realization that you have more than twice the amount of what you just experienced ahead of you sends a cold sweat down your back in a situation that would fit right into a shitty Cormac McCarthy knock-off story.
Luckily, there are things in Virginia that are not as inherently painful. Namely, the Virginia Ska Fest in Fredericksburg, which will be taking place the weekend of July 24th and 25th this year. The festival, headlined by The Slackers and The Pietasters, will also feature The Toasters, Chris Murray, Spring Heeled Jack USA, Dan Potthast, Murphy’s Kids, Eastern Standard Time, and Bostonska.net favorites Sammy Kay and The Snails. Formerly known as “Brew Fest”, the acts will play in Fredericksburg’s Blue and Grey Brewery and Brew Pub, which as we all know is almost suspiciously fitting for a multi-day ska festival.
At $40 for both days or $25 for one, ticket prices are impressively low (in comparison to Boston Calling’s range of $50-$175 for general admission), and special edition two day passes are still available that list every band playing on the ticket stub. Tickets can be found here, and check out the Facebook event page for more information.