The Warwick Winery's Apple Blossom Music Festival set to ring in spring

Warwick — What better way to welcome spring than by celebrating it at the Apple Blossom Music Festival presented at the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery on May 19 and 20. This year’s festival honors Americana, roots, bluegrass, folk-rock and American jam music. Hosting this event are musicians Suzy Arnowitz and Mike Baglione, longtime supporters of bringing music to our area. The line-up of performers will include Stacey Earle and Marc Stuart; Kevin and Kate McKrell; Pete Seeger’s grandson, Tao Rodrigues-Seeger and his band The Anarchist Orchestra; Red Molly; Marty Koppel; Mc Mule; Straight Drive; Master and Margarita; The Holmgren Brothers; and Awry. The two afternoons of music right here in Orange County will be offered at the admission price of $10 per day. Stacey Earle and Marc Stuart have performed with Steve Earle and the Dukes and have opened for Willie Nelson, Richard Thompson and Ralph Stanley. Kevin and Kate McKrell will entertain with tight vocal harmonies, a high-energy performance and their particular view of the world. The Anarchist Orchestra set out to transform old-time dance music into a psychedelic experience, drawing on Appalachian and Cajun music for inspiration. Red Molly were brought together by a love of traditional American music, old gospel, bluegrass and the old-timey songs of Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. The result of Seth Fleishman’s guitar playing and Melissa Murray’s vocals is Awry, a classic blend of American sounds, blues, country and rock & roll, with a touch of bluegrass. Master and Margarita was born out of songs written by Ryan Holzer in both Nebraska and New York City. Straight Drive’s name comes from the type of music they play: straight bluegrass with plenty of drive and no apologies. Marty Koppel is well known on the local scene as a singer songwriter with a voice reminiscent of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, performing rockabilly and rhythm and blues compositions. McMule is an acoustic string band based in the Hudson Valley. Vocal harmonies create a sound that combines folk, bluegrass, country blues and swing. Hailing from Warwick are the trio the Holmgren Brothers, covering everything from swing to country to pop. The Apple Blossom Music Festival will be held outdoors in a hillside orchard, rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, relax in the sun or under large tents provided for shade. No coolers permitted. For advance tickets, call 845-258-4858. For the daily band line-up, visit www.wvwinery.com.