Preview by Dan Rozman; Photos by Mark Raker
The 31st Hot August Music Festival (HAMF) is set to light up Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, MD on August 10, 2024. This annual one-day summer celebration promises a day of diverse music, family activities, and community spirit.
The festival boasts an impressive musical lineup across two stages. Headliners Grace Potter, Eggy, and Snarky Puppy will be joined by up-and-coming artist Neal Francis, and the eclectic Sam Grisman Project. Local talents like Cris Jacobs, Pressing Strings, and Paul Reed Smith with Eightlock will also take the stage.
A unique addition is The Hot August Collective, a local supergroup featuring Jonathan Sloane on vocals and guitar, Ron Holloway on saxophone, Benjie Porecki on keys, Ben Tufts on drums, Bobby Thompson on vocals and guitar, and Christopher Brown on bass.
Festival co-owner Ryan Glaeser highlighted the ample opportunity to enjoy multiple acts: “Most of the sets are 90 minutes or more. You have time to catch at least half a set of somebody and then go see someone else who might be overlapping.”
HAMF prides itself on being family-friendly, with free admission for children under 12. Glaeser emphasized, “We’re very family-friendly. We don’t charge any children 12 and under because we want the parents to come out and have a good time. There’s a great vibe.”
The Kids Corner will feature activities like hat-making and face painting. Glaeser shared, “My kids were at the festival last year, and they both made hats. They loved it. The Kids Corner has all kinds of supplies and people that can help them build their hats. We’ll also have a face painter this year.”
Food enthusiasts can look forward to a variety of local vendors, while beer lovers can sample a special brew called Lightning Bug, created by Union Craft Brewing specifically for HAMF.
An enhanced VIP area will offer exclusive perks for those seeking a premium experience. Glaeser mentioned, “This year we took a lot of time and revamped our VIP section.”
The festivities extend beyond the main event, with a pre-party at Union Craft Brewing on Friday night featuring the Cris Jacobs Bluegrass Round-Up. This supergroup includes Cris Jacobs, Sam Grisman, Pat McAvinue, BJ Lazarus, and special guests Brad Kolodner, Cara Kelly, Ed Hough, Sam Guthridge, Jordan Tice, and Alex Berman, hosted by Sam Gallant and Lauren Tucker. After the festival, an afterparty at Mother’s North Grille will keep the music going with another performance by The Hot August Collective.
With its mix of national and local talent, family-oriented atmosphere, and community focus, the 31st Hot August Music Festival aims to be a highlight of Maryland’s summer calendar, offering something for music lovers of all tastes.
