RISE & FALL FESTIVAL
September 12-14
A Celebration of the Virginia Tidewater
This September, find your way to historic Essex County and the town of Tappahannock on the beautiful Rappahannock River, the longest free flowing river in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Rise and Fall Festival will highlight the rich natural, cultural, and creative history of the Virginia Tidewater with a three-day celebration featuring live music, local authors, and a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences.
Life here has always been tied to the water. The name ‘Tappahannock’ is one of deep meaning that originates with the Rappahannock Tribe, part of the Powhatan confederacy and the original inhabitants of this land. The name means “town on the rise and fall of the water,” reflecting the town’s ancient origins and its idyllic location on the Rappahannock River, a place where fresh and salt water meet, and where the tides create a natural ebb and flow.
The Rise & Fall Festival celebrates both the rich history of the town, the beauty of its surroundings, and the deep connection to the land and water that have shaped the region for centuries.
We are pleased to announce that the headliner for the inaugural Rise and Fall Festival will be Grammy-award winning musician Dom Flemons! Dom is known as “The American Songster®” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music. He is a folk musician, country artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, slam poet, record collector, curator, podcaster, cultural commentator, influencer, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. He is the Co-Founder and original member of the groundbreaking Carolina Chocolate Drops, the first ever black string band to win a Grammy Award. Over the past 25 years, he has received major awards, gained world-wide media recognition and has become one of the most influential and highly decorated voices in American roots music. Dom will be performing Saturday night under the big tent in the Max Silver Memorial Courtyard.
The festival is divided into three main themes, focusing on the Past, Present, and Future.
The festivities will begin on Friday afternoon with a reception at the Essex County Museum. Friday evening there will be live music featuring members of the Ship’s Company Chanteymen, a professional sea shanty group that have been performing for nearly thirty years!
On Saturday, there will be a Book Fair under the big tent along with walking tours of the historic district, poetry readings, live music, presentations by local authors, and topping off the evening will be the headlining concert featuring Dom Flemons under the big tent!
On Sunday, enjoy live music from Good Hope Nu Generation Youth Choir, publishing workshops featuring editors and literary agents, and we will announce the winners of our writing contest.
As more groups and activities are confirmed, we will be adding them to our roster, so keep an eye out for updates!
The Rise and Fall Festival is looking for Sponsors! Help us make this an event to remember, and one to look forward to next year!
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE NEXT MONTH!
Check back for updates, or become a Museum Member! Members get updates, as well as Early Bird ticket options not open to the general public.
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
