Borderland Festival 2024 wrapped up its most successful year yet, drawing thousands to Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY, for a vibrant three-day celebration of music, art, and sustainability. The sixth annual event, held just outside downtown Buffalo, featured a stellar lineup of headliners, including The Black Crowes, Caamp, and Marcus King, with notable performances by Dark Star Orchestra, Cory Wong, The Wood Brothers, Houndmouth, and more. Blessed with perfect late-summer weather, the festival was the epitome of outdoor music revelry, complete with breathtaking sunset views that enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Friday – 9/13/2024: The Black Crowes Set the Stage
The festival kicked off in high gear with a rowdy Friday night performance by The Black Crowes. Opening with "Bedside Manners" from their new album, the band immediately energized the crowd before delving into a string of fan-favorite classics. A highlight was Rich Robinson’s soulful rendition of the Velvet Underground’s "Oh, Sweet Nuthin," which left the audience mesmerized. The Black Crowes’ powerful performance set the tone for a weekend of musical magic.
Saturday – 9/14/2024: Caamp’s Record-Breaking Northeast Performance
On Saturday, Caamp took the stage for their only Northeast date of the year, drawing the largest crowd in Borderland’s history. The band delivered an eclectic set, including an unexpected cover of Black Sabbath’s "War Pigs" and Dr. Dog’s "Jackie Wants A Black Eye," adding an element of surprise and excitement. Earlier in the day, Caamp frontman Taylor Meier led a captivating set with his side project, Sumbuck, further showcasing his versatile talent.
Sunday – 9/15/2024: Marcus King’s Soulful Finale
Sunday night’s headliner, Marcus King, capped off the festival with a packed, high-energy performance. King’s soulful set was highlighted by a surprise sit-in with New Orleans big band, The Rumble, which had the crowd dancing deep into the night. In a heartwarming moment, Marcus teamed up with Gibson Guitars, Borderland Festival, and his Curfew Fellowship Foundation to give away an autographed guitar at the Borderland Sober Space, part of an initiative to support musicians facing mental health and addiction challenges. Borderland donated $1,250 to the Curfew Fellowship Foundation, cementing its commitment to supporting artists in need.
Sunday – 9/15/2024: Dark Star Orchestra’s Magical Grateful Dead Recreation
Borderland's closing performance by Dark Star Orchestra was a fitting end to the weekend, as they flawlessly recreated the Grateful Dead’s legendary 5/9/77 show from Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Fans, fully immersed in the spirit of the festival, grooved to the iconic Dead tracks, transported back to one of the Dead's most celebrated performances.
Special Features: Jerry Garcia’s Guitars and Legendary Stories
The historic Knox Farm State Park stables hosted a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring Jerry Garcia’s legendary instruments, including his “Pretzel Guitar” and “Peanut Guitar.” Throughout the weekend, artists like Daniel Donato and Sierra Hull, along with renowned Grateful Dead photographer Jay Blakesberg, took turns holding the famed guitars. Stories from the Dead’s former manager, Sam Cutler, and legendary luthier Rick Turner were shared, providing deep insights into Garcia’s iconic legacy.
Sustainability Efforts Shine
Sustainability was a key focus of Borderland Festival 2024. Over the weekend, festival-goers saved more than 42,000 plastic bottles thanks to free water stations and reusable bottles. The festival’s eco-friendly initiatives extended to waste diversion, with volunteers hand-sorting trash, recycling, and composting, further reducing the event's environmental footprint. Proceeds from can returns were donated to the Rural Outreach Center, highlighting Borderland’s dedication to community support.
A Picture-Perfect Weekend
With its perfect weather, top-tier musical acts, and dedication to sustainability, Borderland Festival 2024 delivered an unforgettable experience for fans and artists alike. Knox Farm State Park provided a picturesque backdrop for a weekend of joy, connection, and celebration, making this the biggest and best Borderland yet. As the sun set on Sunday night, festival-goers left with lasting memories, already anticipating the return of Borderland in 2025.
