Rooster Walk Named Best "Underground Festival"

The Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival was named the best "Underground Festival" in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast in the latest edition of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

The magazine described "Underground Festivals" as events that "may fly under the radar, but not for long."

Rooster Walk, set for May 23-26 at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds, beat out festivals from states such as Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina to earn the honor.

"Organizers host this growing event at the Blue Mountain Festival Grounds to commemorate the lives of two lost friends," stated the magazine article. "If you find huge crowds to be a drag, consider this low-key weekend that features an impressive line-up of roots music held in the scenic foothills of Martinsville-a former furniture mecca making a comeback through arts and outdoor rec."

Rooster Walk was created in memory of Edwin "the Rooster" Penn and Walker Shank. Each year, proceeds from the festival are donated to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund at Martinsville High School.

The magazine went on to say that, "Every year Rooster Walk's line-up has gradually improved, and this year is no exception with the addition of Colorado slamgrass heroes Leftover Salmon and high-energy New Orleans funk outfit Dumpstaphunk. Also catch Yarn, Larry Keel, and Dangermuffin."

Rooster Walk will feature more than 30 bands of varying genres as well as arts, crafts, food and children's activities. The Tuff Strutter 5K footrace will be held on-site May 26, and a mobile disc golf course will also be erected inside the venue for the event.      

The Stuart-based Front Porch Festival was also listed in the category. Other categories were: Best Bluegrass Bashes; Best Downtown Parties; River Ragers; Sonic Overload; Adventure Games; Best in Brew; New Fest; Cultural Carnival;  and Mountain Throwdown.