Opple Topple III Festival Threw Down All Weekend
WHAT: Opple Topple III Festival
WHERE: Winding Brook Farm – Warminster, PA
WHEN: 6/29 – 7/1 2012
Story by Sarah Waltman, photos by Autumn Walden
For three years now Opple Topple has been throwing it down for people who share the love for diverse local music. This year the shindig was held at Winding Brook Farm in Warminster, Pa on the weekend of June 28th to July 1st. There were day passes available to fans who couldn’t stay and also an affordable three day pass that allowed the “go-hards” to camp out all weekend.
The lineup was a diverse one with music from bluegrass to reggae and even dubstep and disc jockey. Music started at noon on friday with Loretta Allen, Muscle Shoals, Brooke Shive and the 45’s, Baxter, The Karmic Repair Company, and Uzo. At dusk, Dirk Quinn Band jammed out for everyone, with Illinois wrapping it up on the Main Stage.
As if this wasn’t enough music to tantalize your earbuds, there was a side stage setup, with Pete Kranz, Pureland, and D.J Forty Dollar Decks. The Zombie Brigade filled the last slot for the side stage, putting on a crazy show to say the least. The late night tent was just as delightful with Punkabilly’s, Cosmal and Alixir & Spence Jawn.
Whiskey Hickon Boys
The Saturday wake up lineup was Local Dub, Citrus Distress and then New Kings Of Rhythm. Next up was a nice little set from The Whiskey Hickon Boys who played some awesome originals but threw in a couple songs by Bob Dylan which I have to say sent my heart a flutter.
Philadelphia Funk Hustle took the stage afterward, flipping the mood upside down with their funky fast paced jams, including their version of Sublime’s “April 26, 1992”, a Soundtribe cover and Tissy Strut, by The Meters. Sage/Blend Mode, and Neptune Bloom got everyones blood pumping while adding yet another unique flavor to the Opple Topple music feast.
Neptune Bloom
Last but not least, Fikus came on and blew us away with their upbeat set that had everyone shaking a leg. Both nights I danced until I dropped, the music was astounding but I’d have to say the light show was the icing on the cake. Looking around at what once seemed to be just a farmer’s field, the light show started and I literally felt like I was on another planet. Stage Trip productions set a crazy psychadelic feel with a rainbow of lights and lazers, it is something that you just have to experience.
Pete Kozak of FiKus
The Late night tent was buzzing with energy as Sunflower and The Seeds played some beautiful songs throwing in some Dead, The Band, and The Beatles. House Jawn was the last band to play with a pajama party theme that was creative and enlivening
People emerged from their tents on Sunday to Scott Marshall and The Hillbilly Souls, April Mae and the June Bugs followed by a breathtaking set from Amber Blues. Then Gracy’s Trip, Sonni Shine and The Underwater Sounds, Andy Mowatt Steely Jam, and All Star Jam featuring BlendMode. I would have to say one of my favorites of the weekend was the very last band to play, Think Pink, they absolutely astounded me. The whole weekend was a blast, I didn’t want it to end.
Next year, if you can make it, Opple Topple is not a festival to miss. The music is abundant and unique and the tickets are affordable. I also wanted to make a point of the family-friendly environment they created. A moon-bounce was blown up for the kids and balloon ride was set up for everyone to enjoy. There is nothing more beautiful to me then to see people coming out to raise the vibration with our local musicians. The only thing beating down harder then the musicians was the sun and it was a weekend I will never forget!
