In March Chairman of the Oyster Ridge Music Festival, Thomas Lively, was not sure if the event was going to be held, but he now says it is officially happening and has announced the lineup.

It will be held at the Triangle in Kemmerer July 23rd and 24th with opening ceremonies happening on the first day at 12 PM.

“Really exciting,” Lively said. “Looking forward to the end of July.”

Headlining the event this year is Yonder Mountain String Band. He says this group has a huge national following and that was part of the delay in announcing the lineup was coordinating their tour schedule.

“There will be a huge following of people to come up and watch that,” Lively said.

It was also able to keep Reckless Kelly which he says is another really big band and one that a lot of people in Star Valley are likely familiar with. Another name that he says kind of “fell into our lap” is Tim Montana.

“Who is really picking up a lot of steam,” Lively said. “Kind of a country rock sound to him.”

He is going to play July 23rd at 3 PM. Lively says this means if you want to see him, you will need coordinate to come early to the event. You can also see the full lineup on the festival’s website here.

“Most of these guys have headlined most shows that they play at anywhere they go,” Lively said. “Freddy Jones Band has been around a long time and when we first signed them almost three years ago now that was one I really wanted to see.”

Another band he says is picking up steam is Michigan Rattlers. They just dropped a new album on Wednesday according to the festival’s chairman.

“These guys (all bands) are from all over the country,” Lively said. “We’re excited to get them here in Kemmerer.”

If you have never been to the festival he says it is a laid back and open experience and very family oriented. You will see people gather together relaxing at the park and fans come from all over the country.

“It is a free event, which is pretty remarkable,” Lively said. “You don’t see these kinds of artists at free shows.”

He says he believes a lot of people are ready to get back to normal again. So, he says he thinks the event is going to have a lot of people.

“It seems like concerts are finally starting up again all around the country,” Lively said. “Booking right now is really difficult with as much as is going on in the industry right now with everything firing up.”

He says he is grateful that the festival is returning and gave a special thanks to city of Kemmerer for all the support it has given.