Shoe Fest returns to Manteno, IL for its 9th year

Article Contributed by Shoe Fest | Published on Sunday, August 25, 2019

Unlike larger festivals, Shoe Fest is a unique festival, in that it offers patrons folk-rooted music with multiple interactive experiences. The main focus of the festival is on bringing people of all ages together to relish in a carefree community where they can leave their busy lives behind and actually have a good time.

The 9th annual Shoe Fest will be held on Labor Day weekend (August 30 - September 1) at Camp Shaw Waw Nas See in Manteno, IL. This three-day camping event is a creative community festival that celebrates the body, mind, and spirit through art installations, yoga, and world-renowned and local live music.

Shoe Fest began in 2011 and continues to grow each year. The festival has three stages of music, with an emphasis on roots music; such as folk, folk-rock, bluegrass, and jam band. Shoe Fest is about providing a space where every attendee, including the plants and animals who share the grounds, are respected and well accounted for, as well as a place where even the eldest of patrons can feel like a kid again.

Shoe Fest is also very family-friendly and has activities each morning for families and their kids. They have created a “kids tribe” where each child gets to meet other kids and participate in activities such as hikes, face painting, etc. Another creative event for families is a workshop in which attendees can build their own percussive instruments. To top it all off, Shoe Fest provides a kids concert each morning for children to dance, play and most importantly feel included in the fun.

To keep with tradition, Shoe Fest welcomes yet another Grammy Winner to the bill this year, Sam Bush. A multi-instrumentalist & hailed as the King of Newgrass, Sam Bush Band promises to bring innovative bluegrass music to the festival. Past Grammy winners who have played the fest include heavy hitters like Jerry Douglas, Jeremy Garrett, and six-time nominated David Grisman.

Lineup:

Sam Bush Band**, Todd Snider, Soule Monde (feat. Ray & Russ of Trey Anastasio Band), Old Shoe, Allie Kral** Jon Stickley Trio, Chicago Farmer, The Way Down Wanderers, Sun Beard, The Mighty Pines, Miles Over Mountains, Bill Grady Band, The Bashful Youngens, Lunar Ticks, River Valley Rangers, Trevor Clark and the Current Situation, Mr. Blotto, Black Dirt Revival, Ernie Hendrickson & Citizens of Love, Althea Grace, Feed the Dog, The Candymakers, Bashful Youngens, Kara Cavanugh, Jaik Willis, Arbor Creek, The Spirit: A Wood Brothers Tribute, Zoofunkyou, Mr. Dave*** and The Big Lagniappe