Inn Dahlonega

For the seventh annual HemlockFest, the Lumpkin Coalition has again assembled an array of the area’s most awesome talents. Headliners for this year’s event—which returns to Starbridge Sanctuary near Dahlonega this November 4th, 5th and 6th—include Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Pharaoh Gummitt, Saint Francis, and the Lefty Williams Band.

Sunday’s line-up will be highlighted by Steel String Session and their brand of cosmic blues rockabilly bluegrass.

Dahlonega’s own prized talents will abound this year, with Home Grown Revival, Emerald Rose, and the Pick & Bow Band returning as crowd favorites. Carly Gibson, a singer/songwriter prodigy from Lumpkin County who completed programs at the prestigious GRAMMY Camp in Los Angeles, will be a new local addition.

This year’s bill includes other first-time HemlockFest performers, including Caroline Aiken, often cited as one of the cornerstones of the Decatur folk movement; and The Reese Boyd Project, which is fronted by a 10-year-old prodigy guitarist. Insonnia, Mean Mary, BlueBilly Grit, and 710 South will also make their HemlockFest debuts. More returning HemlockFest performers include Veronika Jackson, Women of Heart, and Barry Bailey. Unifire Theatre will appear once again with their stunning fire arts show.

HemlockFest is an unparalleled musical experience in a peaceful and beautiful setting just outside of Dahlonega. This all-ages, eco-friendly event features three days of live music, primitive camping, educational exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, a kid’s nature village, rustic living demonstrations, great food, and free canoeing. Both day and weekend passes will be available, and admission is free for kids (ages 15 and under with a supervising adult ticket holder).

HemlockFest proceeds aid efforts to minimize the impact of the non-native hemlock woolly adelgid parasite, which is devastating the hemlock trees of North Georgia at an alarming rate. HemlockFest has affected the raising of more than $100,000 to support predator beetle rearing labs at area colleges and universities. This effort to introduce predator beetles, which feed on hemlock woolly adelgids and are a safe and effective biological control, may help to save our native forests and preserve our quality-of-life.

Visit the website at www.hemlockfest.org or call the Hemlock Hotline at (706) 867-5157 for more information about HemlockFest, the hemlock crisis, or to volunteer. The Lumpkin Coalition, sponsor of the festival, is a 100% volunteer non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization formed to facilitate projects that benefit North Georgia, Lumpkin County, its residents and visitors. The Lumpkin Coalition is dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end, it supports the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.