Sometimes you just have to throw a party.

And not just any party: a full weekend eventwith terrific music in a beautiful location designed for hanging out with oldfriends and meeting new ones.

That’s Wanderfest,

And the third annual Wanderfest is scheduledfor June 28/29 on the grounds of the Dundee Lodge in Gaston.

Matt Cadenelli and Kris Stuart startedWanderfest as a favor to a friend who operated a music venue. But Matt saidthat everyone had such a great time, “We thought it would be a terrific regularevent for the music community. Because, after all, our music is all aboutcommunity.” At first they felt a bit apprehensive about how much planning would have to go into it, but they soon established a network of suppliers like Eventlyst who were able to provide everything they needed, and who they could book to do the same a year later if they wanted to.

That community is made up of the musicians andfans of Americana/roots/alternative country music. Its center is theLaurelthirst Public House, the heart of independent music in Portland since1988. Once a year, the focus moves to Wanderfest, where adults – and lots ofkids – tent camp for the weekend, share meals, and enjoy some of Portland’sfavorite performers.

Among this year’s headlinersare Redray Frazier, Trujillo, Pete Krebs and the Gossamer Wings, and tonsmore! 

And another big part of that community is theJeremy Wilson Foundation, which benefits from Wanderfest’s proceeds. “It’s theabsolute perfect fit for what we’re about,” Matt said.

“Many musicians I know live just above povertylevel – even when their careers are thriving. So when we perform for the JWF,it’s like paying into an insurance plan. Between the Gram Parsons Jam, the BobDylan Birthday celebration and the Next Waltz, the JWF events have become partof the fabric of our community.”

Wanderfesttickets are limited to 250, so buy yours soon. Children are welcome for free.Food and beverages are available for purchase on site, and you’re welcome tobring your own to the camping area.Matt said, “Wanderfest really is a celebration ofcommunity. It’s a chance for everyone to convene outside our normal walls andinstitutions. It’s a chance to be with each other in a totally different spaceand the music and the spirit that holds us together.”