Umphrey’s McGee headlines the first-ever Woodlands Fall Music & Arts Festival
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
The Charleston Woodlands Nature Reserve is quickly becoming the go-to venue for festivals in Charleston. Not only is it now the home of the Charleston Bluegrass Festival, but just within the last couple months the West Ashley property has also hosted the first Into The Woods music festival and the return of Skinful Halloween party. Now this month, the Charleston Woodlands is hosting the first-ever Woodlands Fall Music & Arts Festival Nov. 7-9.
Spearheaded by jam-rockers Umphrey’s McGee, the festival will feature three nights of music, including two sets on Friday and Saturday nights from the band, which now calls Charleston home. A portion of the festival proceeds go to The American Red Cross for much-needed disaster relief efforts. “As we know well here in the Lowcountry, hurricane season can cause any number of disastrous issues, and we feel it is only fitting that we take this opportunity to help those in need during this active 2019 hurricane season,” said Vince Iwinski, Umphrey’s McGee’s longtime manager, who moved to Charleston eight years ago and says has been looking for a site to do an Umphrey’s-centric festival ever since. “It’s our hope that we can make it an annual event.”
Because its held down scenic Ashley River Road on a picturesque 6,000-acre private nature reserve, Woodlands Fall Music & Arts Festival reaches far beyond your typical weekend music festival. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to rent a kayak to fish on two stocked lakes, go for a hike on miles of wooded trails, or hop on a stand-up paddle-board and enjoy a view of both stages from out on the water. Attendees can also choose from a variety of on-site camping options, to maximize your Woodlands experience.
“When I stepped foot on that property I was blown away,” says Iwinski. “The whole ethos of the property being a nature conservancy and having events out there helps persevere that land from being a development.”
What would a Charleston festival be without creative, delicious, Lowcountry food? The Woodlands Festival has partnered with some of Charleston’s finest culinary curators to offer vast food options, from local food trucks and neighborhood restaurants, offering fans from around the country a taste of Charleston. The Woodlands has also partnered with the Charleston Arts Festival to offer a creative spin on the festival experience, offering guests a visual treat alongside a world-class musical line-up.
Guests who decide to roll in style with a VIP ticket will receive a two-day festival ticket, access to VIP lounge and designated viewing areas, VIP indoor bathrooms, all-day complimentary refreshments, discounted beverages at VIP bars, exclusive merchandise items, and access to a VIP happy hour. Learn more about tickets and VIP offerings at www.thewoodlandsfestival.com/tickets.
