GREAT SWAMP MUSIC FEST TO ROCK FARM IN CHATHAM TWP.

Rain or Shine: Backup Venue at Drew University

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (April 26, 2024) — The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is set to hold their 7^th annual Great Swamp Great Music festival fundraiser on Sunday, May 19, at the historic Brook Valley Farm on Loantaka Way in Chatham Twp. Minutes off Route 287, the festival runs 12:00-6:30 pm with gates opening at 11:00 am. In case of inclement weather, a secondary indoor location has been secured at Drew University in Madison. Tickets are on sale now at GreatSwamp.org.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets for a family-friendly afternoon of live music. The lineup features seven new and returning bands. The Tones, Cold Hill Band, The Refugee Dogs, The Dust-Ups, The Big Fuss, Not Enough Jeffs, and HighRidge Runners offer a blend of classic rock, Americana, alt rock, bluegrass, alt-country, and more. Additional details and band links can be found on GSWA’s website.  

“This year’s festival is shaping up to be our best one yet!” stated Val Thorpe, GSWA Director of Communications & Membership and festival producer. “It features a variety of music, great food options with something for just about everyone, and unique merchandise vendors. There’s even a ‘kids’ corner’ to keep the whole family entertained. All this takes place at a beautiful venue, creating the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with family and friends.”

The dedicated Kids’ Corner will offer young attendees arts and crafts, games, and fun photo ops. Professional face painting will also be available, adding a touch of magic to their festival experience.

Food trucks will offer a diverse selection of classic comfort food like wings, hot dogs, and burgers as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to satisfy nearly every craving. Ice cream and funnel cake will also be available. Adults can raise a glass (with valid ID) to a relaxing day with a selection of beer, wine, and hard cider available for purchase.

The festival grounds boast ample, free parking that is accessible to the field. Additionally, two large tents will provide shade for the audience, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. Additionally, attendees can browse through an array of unique local merchandise vendors.

Since 2017, the Great Swamp Great Music festival, GSWA’s second largest annual fundraiser, has provided a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that supports clean water, open space, and a healthy environment.

“We are grateful to the Platt family for once-again offering the beautiful Brook Valley Farm for this highly anticipated event,” stated Sally Rubin, Executive Director. “The venue is flanked by a lush, wooded mountainside and the historic Gibbons Horse Barn stables built in 1834. It has a rich history in Morris County and is listed in the National and State Register of Historic Places.”

Advance ticket pricing – Adults: $30, Students: $20, children 13 and under: free. Online purchasing ends May 18 at 5 PM after which tickets must be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. At the gate ticket pricing – Adults: $40, Students: $30, children 13 and under: still free. Learn more and purchase tickets at GreatSwamp.org.

GSWA thanks their generous sponsors: Atlantic Health System, Debra & John Apruzzese, Kathleen & Charlie Apt, Reed & Adrienne Auerbach, Chatham Print & Design, Eagle Cliff Real Estate Partners, Matt & Agi Krauser, Morris County Economic Development Alliance & Tourism Bureau, Valley Bank, Lisa and David Welsh, Community Builders, EAB Group, Glenmede, Guaranteed Rate, Inc., Lissa & Ian MacCallum, Pipe Works Home Services, PSEG, The Raritan Group, Turpin Real Estate, and an anonymous sponsor.

Great Swamp Watershed Association is a Morristown-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the land and water from the Great Swamp headwaters in Mendham to Newark Bay. The Great Swamp Great Music festival is the organization’s second largest annual fundraiser.