Wormtown Music Festival returns after 3-year hiatus

Caylin Costello performs on the Riverworm Stage at this year’s Wormtown Music Festival at Camp Kee-wanee in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/JULIAN MENDOZA

The Rev Tor Band plays on the Main Stage at this year’s Wormtown Music Festival at Camp Kee-wanee in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/JULIAN MENDOZA

Mike Turk leads children in song on the Main Stage at this year’s Wormtown Music Festival at Camp Kee-wanee in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/JULIAN MENDOZA

This year’s Wormtown Music Festival at Camp Kee-wanee in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/JULIAN MENDOZA

By JULIAN MENDOZA

Staff Writer

Published: 09-18-2023 7:43 PM

GREENFIELD — With 58 musical acts and camping tents as far as the eye could see, Wormtown Music Festival made a successful return over the weekend after a three-year hiatus.

“It’s awesome,” said Mark Blanchette, who co-organizes the festival with his wife, Debbie Lee Blanchette. “It’s really been good. People are having a really good time.”

The annual music festival, held at Camp Kee-wanee from Sept. 15 through Sept. 17 this year, had been a 21-year summer tradition before being put on pause from 2020 through 2022. Turnout was “a little light this year,” Mark Blanchette said, crediting it to the inherent difficulties of making a comeback, but those who did come were strong in spirit as they enjoyed 13 food vendors, 28 craft vendors, seven visual artists and three stages of musical performances.

“We have music lovers,” Debbie Lee Blanchette said. “People here love music, so it’s been this awesome opportunity for them to see new things and get turned onto more music.”

Performances spanned from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Vibes lasted all night long, however, as the woods abutting Camp Kee-wanee’s open field bustled with festivalgoers who were staying the night.

Debbie Lee Blanchette also emphasized that Wormtown is not only a family-friendly event, but one with aspects specifically catering toward children. This includes their inclusion of “Kid’s Space” and “Teen Scene” activity lineups, as well as the “Wormtown Kids Set,” where children attending the festival are invited to sing on stage with 27-year music teacher Mike Turk. Turk, who was assisted by his adult daughters Michelle Turk and Aili Sage during his 11 a.m. performance on Sunday, said he led this set for seven years starting in 2005 before taking a break.

“What comes with the stigma of the party lifestyle, you don’t find that here,” Michelle Turk said. “This is a place for everyone. We just want to listen to music, enjoy ourselves and enjoy life.”

“It’s a great festival,” Mike Turk said. “I always love it.”

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