В Кинстоне на исторической ферме пройдет музыкальный фестиваль в стиле кантри и блюграсс

Stonington Farms is a 160-acre working farm and event venue in Kinston with scenic ponds, mature trees and a Colonial-style farmhouse. But on Sept. 5, it will transform into something altogether different: a musical mecca where country is king and the grass grows blue. Featured performers for Stonington Farms Music Fest include the popular Malpass Brothers, Lorraine Jordan’s Country Grass show, Deeper Shade of Blue, The Lovesick Drifters and Shannon Baker & sometime soon. The Green Grass Cloggers will be performing throughout the day. The farm has a 50-plus-year history, starting from the time James Percy Cauley Jr. and Mary Cauley made it their own. Mary Cauley is fondly known by her family as “Grandmary,” her granddaughter Alex Cauley said. The farm is now owned by Grandmary and her son Jim Cauley. “In the early years, my grandparents grew corn and tobacco on the farm, and while the crop farming stopped in the ‘80s, the horses have always been and still are a staple at Stonington Farms,” Alex Cauley said. “We also had black Angus cows for many years, as well. “As far as events go, the farm actually hosted a few music festivals back in the ‘70s when my dad was a teenager that I have heard some pretty amazing stories about. After that there were private events over the years, and in 2021 we hosted my sister’s wedding at the farm. In 2022, we decided to bring in more events in the future.” This is the first year for the Stonington Farms Music Fest, at least in its current form. Cauley said her family is excited to bring back a multi-band event to the farm for the first time since the ‘70s. “Eastern North Carolina, and especially my dad, Jim, loves bluegrass music,” Cauley said. “I have vivid memories of listening to bluegrass in the car with my dad driving to or from the farm, and even going to a few festivals with him growing up. Needless to say, creating this event is right up his alley. “It was important to us to create an event that could bring bluegrass and country music fans together in eastern N.C. in the way the previous bluegrass festival in the area was able to. Someone suggested to my dad along the way that this could become the ‘Merlefest of the East,’ and that is exactly what we are hoping for! We want this to become a pillar for the local community, but also bring people in to show them how great Kinston is, and for everyone attending to be able to kick back and enjoy some great music with great company.” When making the decision about which performers to invite, the most important thing was that they truly represented authentic, classic country and bluegrass music, Cauley explained. “Each group is incredibly talented and represents their own niche within this community, and we want everyone who attends to feel a personal connection through the performers to their favorite parts of classic country and bluegrass,” she said. “The groups we have chosen will make you feel like you’re out on the back porch listening to music with friends and family as the sun goes down. Their music tells stories, sparks memories and brings all generations together in one place — just like the farm has done for our family for decades.” The headlining band, The Malpass Brothers, is from nearby Goldsboro but has garnered a wide following, especially since the launch of their television show on The Cowboy Channel, taped in Fort Worth, Texas. While this year the festival is a one-day event, Cauley said the family is definitely considering making it a multi-day event in 2027, and camping will be available then, too. “We are in the process of building out the campsites now, and they will be finished and ready for 2027,” she said. “We’ve also just finished our bathhouse and shower facilities, which will make camping at the farm even easier next year. We’ve even had some fans who already offered deposits for a camping spot in 2027. “While we wish we were able to provide this option this year, we are dedicating all of our energy to bringing everyone an amazing first year for the festival.” Cauley said one of the most beautiful things about the farm is the land and space. She said the farm has room for thousands of people.