Mountain Music Festival – May 31-June 3, 2018 – Ace Adventure Resort, New River Gorge, WV

Buy your tickets now (use code JAMWICH20 to save $20) https://aceraft.com/mountain-music-fest/tickets/

Written by Charles “Bones” Frank

She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes, she’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (choo, choo)!

Photo by Roger Gupta

Yes my friends, the old children’s tune has never rung so true!  She is indeed coming round the mountain, and she’s bringing a whole heap of fun taboot.  Who is she you may ask?  She is but of course the fifth installment of the gem that is Mountain Music Festival, held at the beautiful grounds of the ACE Adventure Resort, nestled in the pastoral mountain range of Oak Hill, West Virginia.  This unique festival not only boasts a fierce lineup of both up-and-comers and heavy hitters on stage, but also has opportunities galore to explore the beautiful surroundings and really relish in the outdoors.  This festival is a beacon, ready to signal the start of summer, and the start of the festival circuit that we have all come to fondly call home.

Photo by Roger Gupta

For those unfamiliar with the grounds at ACE, or the terrain of the region in general, humble me in briefly painting a picture.  This festival offers truly serene campgrounds, top of the line stage production, patron friendly amenities (such as picnic tables, bath houses, and fire pits), friendly staff, all under a pristine mountain backdrop.  While the likes of Umphrey’s McGee, BIG Something, Perpetual Groove and so many more favorites tickle your eardrums, attendees are also encouraged to satisfy their hunger for adventure.  The various activities and workshops the festival boasts, work as a perfect foil to encourage a healthy dosage of musical exploration and outdoor escapades.

Photo from Ace Adventure Resort website

Become a pioneer of whitewater on the New River, with rafting experiences available for all skill and interest levels.  No matter your druthers, ACE has an option to suit you.  They provide guides and relaxed routes for the novice, as well as for the experienced, intrepid river rats.  The New River Gorge region has long been a destination for the thrill seeking whitewater paddle hand, and what better way to get wet knowing that you can dry off by dancing the night away to TWO nights of Umphrey’s McGee, who recently surprised fans with a brand new album drop entitled It’s You.

Photo from Ace Adventure Resort website

More of a sky chaser? Mountain Music Festival sees you.  Careen through the skies on the numerous zip lining experiences available at ACE.  Nothing says “I love life” more than strapping on a helmet and carabineer and flying down a zip line screaming joyously.  Take in the setting from the canopies of the trees, where you may catch a glimpse of me doing my favorite thing to do at MMF, lounging on the beach of the lake at Wonderland Waterpark.  Yes, you read that correctly, there is a lakefront waterpark on the property open to all MMF attendees where patrons can indulge in tons of oversized lake toys, catch a tan, and blob themselves into infinity.

Photo by Roger Gupta

The waterpark features not only a blob, reminiscent of so many of our youthful summer camp hijinks, but also water trampolines, waterslides, a giant chess board, climbing walls, and see-saw like contraptions littered throughout the aqua paradise.  Be sure to bring a parasol, a towel, and water to stay hydrated.  On site food and drink is available at The Lost Paddle, the lakeside bar and restaurant on Wonderland’s premise.

Mountain Music Festival is my favorite way to dip into the season.  Their hard work at juxtaposing adventures, listening, and community building is so evident, and this is perhaps the most accessible and fan friendly gathering of the year.  A brief investigation of the schedule and you will find workshops in yoga, mindfulness, slack lining and much more.  There’s so much to get lost in, that by the time the notes ring triumphant off the main stage, time and space stand still, and the only thing left to do is smile, smile, smile.

I’ll be on the mountaintop all weekend to absorb the festivities and clank cheers with libations.  If you see me going fully, please come say hello, tell me a tale and be sure to check my review right here at The Jamwich following the festival.