Free Music Fest In Warsaw This Weekend

By ERIN COX

If you missed the 40th anniversary celebration of Woodstock, satisfy your craving this weekend at the fourth annual Sharps Sessions in Warsaw. Equipped with a music stage in an open field and camping space in the surrounding woods, the festival is entirely free. The only cost to UMW students is $13 worth of gas money— the cost to make the 110 mile round trip.
Founders Stef and Deborah Oelrich describe the Sharps Sessions as “a place for local bands, artists, special interest groups, photographers, web designers, et cetera to come together and network while giving back to their fan base.” In addition, it’s a place where the local community can come together.
With three days of music featuring 28 bands, the Sharps Sessions cover a wide palette of musical genres.  On Friday, Sept. 18, the festival will highlight solo acoustic artists—including Mary Washington’s own Alex Culbreth—as well as 10 different rock and metal groups. Saturday will feature a mix of folk, rock, reggae, blues and an open mic opportunity in the morning. To wrap up the weekend, Sunday will include more acoustic sets, another open mic and a jam session.
Festival goers beware, though.  This will be the first year that Sharps Sessions will have onsite security, and the website explicitly states “violence, over-intoxication, and douchebaggery are absolutely not tolerated.” Also, water and electric hookups will not be available, and the bathroom facilities can be described as limited.
Turnout is expected to be the highest since the festival’s debut, and college students will feel right at home with the 20-something crowd that’s expected to show up. So BYOEverything and get out this weekend to support the locals. Directions and further information are available at www.sharpssessions.com