Every July, just outside of Ithaca, something sacred happens. The Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance isn’t just a music festival—it’s a pulse: a heartbeat of community, art, healing, and celebration that echoes through Central New York. This year, Grassroots 2025 once again delivered a soul-shaking, barefoot-stomping, heart-opening experience across four sun-kissed days. With more than 80 artists lighting up four+ stages, the weekend was packed with genre-bending sets, sunrise dances, and shared moments that will live in our hearts.
From the very first notes on Thursday, it was clear we were in for something special. Deep Dive Big Band set the tone with rich arrangements that turned the infield into a welcome party. Cortadito brought a touch of Havana to Trummansburg, igniting the dance tent crowd with their traditional Cuban rhythms that had everyone swaying in every direction. Gunpoets delivered their signature blend of live hip-hop, funk, and rock, while Stone Cold Miracle and Since Trece threw down some fiery, soul-soaked sets. The unstoppable energy of The Byrne Brothers—insanely talented Irish kids—had the crowd wide-eyed and grinning. As night fell, Vieux Farka Touré delivered a hypnotic, roots-heavy performance that hit deep. And of course, Thursday wouldn’t be Thursday without Donna the Buffalo, whose set reminded us all why they’re the heartbeat of this festival. The night closed with the heavy dub of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, and somehow, the dancing just never stopped.
Friday brought the heat in every way. Sihasin tore open the afternoon with their powerful blend of Diné punk and fierce resistance—one of the most important voices on any stage this year. Mother Wort enchanted the crowd with their earthy harmonies and wild feminine energy, while Upstate brought us their signature blend of folk-pop groove and sky-high vocals. Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots were, as always, glam-rock brilliance—Maddy a force of nature in glitter and grit. As golden hour hit, Sierra Hull blew us all away with her mandolin mastery—so delicate, so powerful, it brought tears to more than a few eyes. Then the real party began. Cimafunk set the infield on fire with his Afro-Cuban funk explosion. The crowd surged, danced, screamed. It was club and revolution all at once. And Lucius? Transcendent. Their vocals soared like dreams made audible. The visuals matched the rhythms in sync. Closing with Microbes, Mostly, Friday melted into a dreamy, synthy sonic fog, and no one wanted to leave.
Saturday arrived with sunshine and sweet harmonies. Richie & Rosie brought the porch vibes to the Grandstand—fiddle, banjo, and the kind of chemistry that makes a crowd go quiet. Vicious Fishes was a noteworthy performance. Jimkata, longtime hometown heroes, lit up the infield with synth-heavy rock and heartfelt lyrics that felt like a homecoming hug. Driftwood, as always, delivered a high-energy folk set that blended nostalgia with edge. As the sun dipped low, Lukas Nelson took the stage and reminded everyone that roots rock is alive and well. Lukas was electric—channeling his father {Willie Nelson}, yes, but fully his own. SunDub, from Brooklyn – closed things out with smooth reggae vibes, warm vocals, and a reminder to stay lifted.
By Sunday, the dust had settled and the gratitude set in. Fall Creek Brass Band kicked off the day with a brass-filled wake-up call, and Hank Roberts Trio pulled us into a chamber of jazz and cello. New Planets brought some serious funk and edge, while Sim Redmond Band wrapped us in the familiar warmth only they can deliver—an Ithaca favorite that feels like family. Empire Kings brought energy, movement, and straight bars before we all gathered one last time for the iconic Donna the Buffalo All-Star Jam. That final set—half planned, half spirit-led—is what Grassroots is all about. Old friends, new faces, spontaneous solos, and one last dance beneath the stars.
As the lights dimmed and the last notes lingered in the air, Grassroots left us with the kind of fullness that only comes from four days of music, movement, and meaning. It’s more than a festival—it’s a gathering of hearts. A place where strangers become family, where traditions meet innovation, and where the land itself seems to sing along. Whether you danced every set or found quiet healing in the shade of the healing arts tent, you were part of something real. Something needed. Until next year, may the rhythm stay with you—and may the Grassroots spirit keep growing, one beat at a time.
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