Big indie bands, small city setting. First River Festival comes to the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater on October 9-10, 2021. It brings together indie bands like the region’s never seen. First River features established indie road dogs alongside rising stars. Sub-genres range from indie rock to alt folk, to alt R&B to a dash of indie pop electronica. Headliners include Parquet Courts on Saturday and Waxahatchee on Sunday. Guided by Voices closes Saturday’s festivities. Unlike most festivals, all three headlining bands have 90-minute sets to give audiences more of what they want.
Sunday opens with Nashville up-and-comer Katy Kirby, continues with San Diego’s breezy alt pop/R&B from Jelani Aryeh, moves on to Liz Cooper’s fun mix of alt folk and psychedelic rock, jigs with the Felice Brothers’ unforgettable alt folk melodies and vocals, then dances into the night with 60s rock fun from The Nude Party, and caps things off with the ethereal indie sounds of buzz-band Waxahatchee. One-day passes range from $65-$95. Go to firstriverfestival.com for more info. Buy your tickets early to reserve the best seats!