FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pittsboro, NC - The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance will be held next month, May 4-7. As the year winds down for students in the Triangle and Triad region, this is the perfect way to celebrate months of hard work. It is also scheduled one week before graduation for many colleges, so students will be able to spend one last weekend as undergraduates listening to great music with friends. Furthermore, there are plenty of other things to do at the festival that will be extremely appealing to college students.

The biggest reason for students to come out to Shakori Hills is the music! The festival offers new and eclectic music that most students have never before been able to see live. Aurelio, a musician native to Honduras; Amy Helm, the great Levon Helm of The Band's daughter; Cajun Grammy-nominees Lost Bayou Ramblers; rising stars Rainbow Kitten Surprise; and even UNC campus act, Carolina Ukulele Ensemble, all join the lineup this spring. There are also music and dance workshops with band members and music from the festival lineup in which anyone can participate no matter the level of experience. Find more about the lineup at http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/spring-2017-lineup/

There will be local non-profit and advocacy groups tabling at the festival that college students may be interested in becoming a part of, such as Appalachian Voices, the Triangle Area Green Party, Mighty Neighborly, and NC NORML. Other groups can also be found on the festival website at  http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/advocacy-groups/ .

Students may also enjoy camping at the festival during their last weekend in the beautiful Pittsboro area. Camping is a good way to fully experience the festival and keep from having to drive home late at night. More information on how to camp (in an RV or tent) can also be found at http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/camping/ .

Students will appreciate that there are food and drink vendors are different from the redundant options on campus.. There will be various types of beer and other beverages offered, including, for the first time, kombucha from the Durham-based small business Home:bucha. Students can also enjoy a wide variety of food vendors that will satisfy any craving. Food vendor's can be found at http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/food-vendors/.

For those short on cash, volunteer positions are available and include a festival day pass for every three hours of work. Information and application to volunteer can be found at http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/be-a-volunteer/. Students can also take advantage of the lower festival ticket prices being offered right now. A student id will take $5 off of the price of 1-day admission. Advance tickets can be purchased by phone at 919- 542-8142 or at shakorihillsgrassroots.org.