Bruce Hornsby’s Funhouse Fest returns for its third year with artists such as Alison Krauss and Amos Lee making their debuts at the Williamsburg Festival. The event fills the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg June 22-23.
“I think it’s been fantastic in terms of one of the first major events leading into the summer,” said Rob Cross, executive director of the Virginia Arts Festival.
Cross said the festival’s first two years attracted a diverse audience both in terms of age and race during a month that’s typically slower than July.
“It’s been fantastic in that sense. I feel like we’re really filling a niche,” he said, adding that ticket sales are pacing ahead of the same point in 2017.
Hornsby’s eclectic musical taste is one of the festival’s main draws, as the show combines the likes of Krauss’ country tunes, the folk sounds of the Woods Brothers, the classical musings of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and more.
“There’s obviously some synergy between the artists, but they each attract their own groups,” Cross said.
Beyond the music, the VAF is working to offer more food, wine and craft beer throughout the festival’s two days.
“I think we can also continue to try and make the non-music part of the festival enjoyable for the audience,” Cross said. “The food truck element was a huge hit last year, so we’re hoping to expand on that.”
Whatever your preferred style of music, Cross hopes everyone can find something to enjoy during the latest Funhouse Fest as it continues to evolve.
“We’re just so thrilled,” he said.
Want to go?
Funhouse Fest runs June 22-23 on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. For tickets and more information, visit funhousefest.com.
Birkenmeyer can be reached by email at sbirkenmeyer@vagazette.com, by phone at 757-790-3029 or on Twitter @sethbirkenmeyer.
