The Shine On Festival of Music and Art is straying from festival protocol by choosing to stay hush-hush about their musical lineup.

Why? It’s part surprise and part wanting to keep the festival to a smaller, more intimate size. But Tabitha Gamble, artistic director for Shine On, thinks this year’s will be the best lineup yet.

“In terms of musical diversity, we always stress that we are not a one or two genre music festival. We have music all across the board. In years past we’ve had hip-hop to country, folk to weird world music. This year really brings home the fact that all music is worth listening to,” Gamble says. “If you’re open to that idea, definitely come to Shine On.”

The festival has sold out three years in a row now, and last year they decided to open up the festival on the Thursday evening for the first time. They hosted a big jam night where four bands played - a free-for-all with everyone jumping up on stage, Gamble says.

Shine On also boasts fun festival infrastructure (a carpeted dance floor, three stages, mapped out walking paths and self-guided trails), a fireworks show, food services (where they will also be offering an alternative food cart for those with dietary restrictions), camping necessities, and a big festival-goer installation art piece.

With a musical lineup shrouded in mystery, Shine On melds intrigue with a growing festival spirit.

Part of the series: The 7th Annual Summer Festival Guide

Published in Volume 69, Number 27 of The Uniter (June 3, 2015)