Julie Rockcastle of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to talk 30 years of Blue Heron and what to expect at this years festival

MORE INFO:
greatblueheron.com

Image Courtesy of The Heron

SHERMAN, NY — The Heron’s 2022 Summer Music Series, Beyond the Blue, continues this weekend and also Labor Day weekend, bringing a line up of talented musical artists to the stage in Sherman, NY.

Over Labor Day weekend, more than 20 artists will perform during The Heron’s Season Finale – Beyond the Blue IV. Musical performances begin on Friday, Sept. 2 and will run through Sunday, Sept. 4. Festival headliners include The Town Pants, who will be making their farewell appearance, as well as Pokey LaFarge and the Ryan Montbleau Band. Weekend tickets and day passes are available online with prices ranging from $37-$97 per person.

On Saturday, Aug. 20, The Heron will host Beyond the Blue III “Funk Fest” with headliner Jimkata. The Comb Down, a Heron fan-favorite, along with new artists to The Heron, Caleb Hawley, Organ Fairchild and Funk You. The music begins at noon and will run through midnight. Saturday admission for this electrifying funk and electro-rock experience are available for $57 per person which includes free parking.

• RELATED: LISTEN TO WRFA’s JULY INTERVIEW WITH BEYOND THE BLUE ORGANIZER JULIE ROCKCASTLE

This concept of smaller-scale festivals was piloted out of necessity during the pandemic. Organizers now embrace the approach as an opportunity that best aligns with the farm’s commitment to stewardship of the land, while still honoring their mission to transform lives through music, agriculture, art and education.

Image courtesy of The Heron

“Our goal of this season, and the future, is to create a vibrant Heron experience that honors both the traditions of the past and the land, by operating at a scale that doesn’t over-stress the natural and human resources we are entrusted to care for,” Julie Rockcastle, festival co-founder states. “The genre- focused Beyond the Blue mini-festivals present diverse and family-friendly experiences all summer long that enable us to welcome more people who share our passions for music, the outdoors, and sustainability.”

While widely known for its connection to music, The Heron is also an award-winning campground with amenities suitable for those who prefer comfort as well as secluded, primitive sites. Families and groups are welcome to enjoy the land with its lush pastures, deep woods and wetlands, along with a sandy swimming beach. Voted the no. 1 campsite in the U.S. by HipCamp, The Heron is open daily for seasonal camping from May through October.

To learn more about The Heron, to book your stay or purchase festival tickets, please visit TheHeron.org

SHERMAN – The Dave McDonald Heron 5K Trail Run will take place at the Great Blue Heron grounds in Sherman on Sunday, Aug. 16 – with some related events also scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15.

The race is in memory of the late Dave McDonald, an avid runner and long-time supporter of local music and the Heron Music Festival. Dave passed away earlier this year following a courageous battle with cancer.

Proceeds and donations from this year’s race will benefit a scholarship fund for Dave’s daughter, Falyn Smith.

The 5K route is both challenging and fun and is sure to satisfy new and experienced runners and walkers of all ages. Social distancing will be practiced by starting participants in several different waves.  Spectators are asked to use proper distancing and wear masks in all common areas.

Registration is $15 for participants ages 18 and over, $10 for youth ages 17 and under, with the option to purchase a t-shirt for an additional cost. All shirts must be ordered by Sunday, Aug. 2.

Camping, meals and other surprises are also available for the Race weekend and may also be added to the race registration. Proper distancing is expected and will be enforced.

To register, donate, or order t-shirts visit RunSignUp.com/HeronTrailRun.

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Jason Sample interviews David Tidquist to learn more about the musical acts for the 2019 Great Blue Heron Music Festival – happening July 5-7, 2019.

More info at:
greatblueheron.com/

Images of Sven Blumquist that were distributed following his disappearance at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival Saturday, July 7.

SHERMAN, NY – The sister of the Warren County, Pennsylvania man who was last seen early Saturday morning, July 7 at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival is reporting on social media that he has passed away.

Heather Burkett, the sister of 23-year-old Sven Blumquist, made a public post on his Facebook page Friday morning that Blumquist’s body was apparently discovered Thursday night.

According to the Jamestown Post-Journal, Local police began searching for Blumquist in the largely wooded area in and around the Blue Heron Music Festival grounds in Sherman earlier this week after he was last seen walking away from his campsite around 1 a.m. Saturday.

His Family said when last seen, he was in search of music when he left most of his belongings and ventured into the nearby woods. He had not been seen or heard from since.

Because Blumquist is a resident of Pennsylvania, the Conewango Township Police Department in Warren County headed up the investigation, though officers and K9 units from several agencies — including the New York State Police, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and state Forest Rangers — assisted with the search.

Authorities have not yet confirmed that Blumquist has been located.

According to a flyer circulating on social media, Sven Blumquist was last seen early Saturday morning, July 7, at the festival. He was supposed to return home on Sunday but when he never returned, his family and friends became worried.

Blumquist was reportedly wearing a red zip-up hoodie, blue jeans and a bandana.

Blumquist was listed as a missing person with the FBI and a search has already taken place at the Blue Heron festival grounds and surrounding area. Other searches are likely to continue in the coming days.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 665-3114 or Conewango police in Warren County at 814-726-0725.