Willie Nile, Grand Slambovians Will Perform at WNTI Music Fest

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WNTI and Kennedy Events Services will sponsor the second annual WNTI Stage Summer Music Festival on August 16, 17 and 18 at the Knowlton Lions Club Pavilion on Route 46 in Delaware, NJ. The festival is comprised of local and national performers who will play on two stages: the Main Stage and the Café Stage, which is sponsored by Dixon Energy and Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.  A pavilion and a large tent will cover the stages, allowing the event to be held rain or shine.

This is the third year that WNTI has held a music festival in Knowlton and the second time that it has been run in this type of format.  Past performers include Rock ’n Roll Hall of Famer Ronnie Spector, Aztec Two-Step, Jim Keller, Joe Janci and Jam-Bone.

“One of the best gigs of the year for me and the band was the WNTI festival 2012. It rocked!” said Jim Keller.

“I am thrilled and excited that WNTI is continuing this new tradition,” said Jon Lewis, Broadcast Manager at Centenary College.  “Anyone who is interested in music should take a look at what is going to be offered under the big tent in Knowlton this summer.”

This year, the event is being headlined by Willie Nile, a folk-rock singer-songwriter whom New York Times critic Robert Palmer says is an “exceptional talent,” and “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” His 2010 album, The Innocent Ones, was included in Rolling Stone’s “Top Ten Best Under-the-Radar Albums of 2011.” With a new album released just this year, Nile is sure to please with both his new and classic hits.

Alongside Willie Nile will be performances by the Grand Slambovians, returning to the festival this year. The Grand Slambovians is a folk-rock band described as “Hillbilly Pink Floyd,” whose style is a unique blend of rock and roll, folk, and quirky Americana.  Other scheduled acts include: Quimby Mountain Band, a Hackettstown-based band formed in 2005 that is quickly gaining much attention and fans; Cabinet, an energetic group of six that weaves bluegrass, country and folk to create harmonious and powerful music; and many more.  For more information about the complete three-day lineup, please visit www.wntistage.org.

This year’s festival will include rides and games for children, making it a great event for the whole family.

“Attendees can enjoy one, two or three days of music, fun and food,” said Melanie Thiel, WNTI director of development.  “Last year’s festival was a huge success, and we hope that we will surpass our previous numbers in community participation.  This is an excellent way to spend a weekend at a cost that is very affordable.”

A special bonus this year will include a Friday night viewing of the movie The Runaways at 9:30pm out in the field on an outdoor movie screen.

Tickets cost is $10 per day. There is free parking for this opportunity, plus there is a local campsite nearby to accommodate overnight stay. For more information, please e-mail Melanie Thiel, Director of Development, at thielm@centenarycollege.edu or at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2109.