by Tiffany Taylor
For its fifth consecutive year, the Hollystock Music and Arts Festival is coming back to downtown Mount Holly, New Jersey this August 13th and 14th. Hollystock showcases over 50 artists from the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. The festival utilizes two full days to make for some fresh music, art, food (and of course craft beer)!
Gary Duckworth, founder of Hollystock festival, was able to talk with me about how such a positive and successful festival came to be. The first thing that seemed vital to discuss was how it all got started. Duckworth explained that he and his son Kyle owned a venue in Mount Holly called Hebe Music. Kyle was also playing in an original band at the time. It’s worth mentioning that an idea between a son and father can grow into something inspiring and free all because of a shared love for music.
When running and operating a festival, thousands of artists are going to want to play it- in Hollystock’s case, about 3,000. “The process is somewhat elaborate and at the same time an educated guess,” Duckworth says. A band’s fan base and how currently active they are in the surrounding area holds a lot of weight in deciding if they will make the roster or not. However, the weight doesn’t fall all on Duckworth; there is a selection committee that goes to shows and helps with the decision making process as well.
Hollystock is produced by Main Street Mount Holly and their goal every year is to “help the rebirth of the town and promote the original music scene.” According to Duckworth, these are the guiding principles they keep in mind throughout the festival process.
Now that Hollystock is only days away, I wanted to know what festival goers had to look forward to this year. The biggest change, says Duckworth, is the location. This year, the festival will be held in a park setting which promotes a more relaxed environment and an easier walk from stage to stage. Fans can expect a lot of great music from bands such as Jeremy and the Harlequins, Alright Junior, Midnight Mob, and Modern Colour.
Of course, don’t forget the food trucks for delicious eats, and Flying Fish beer and wine garden to relax you. Check out the full line up here, where you’ll also find details on downloading the Hollystock festival app. Rain or shine, Duckworth says that “Hollystock is about sharing your love for music, mutual respect and having a good time #SpreadTheHappy.”
