Last year, two Aroostook County musicians delivered a reimagining of a longtime Maine music festival with a catchy new name. Now, Coddiwomple is back.
Coddiwomple debuted in New Sweden last year, featuring folk and Americana musicians from Portland to the St. John Valley, and will return on Sunday, hosted by County band 40 Thieves.
The festival arose from the traditions of Arootsakoostic, which for 16 years drew musicians and listeners to the wooded Thomas Park in Aroostook County’s Swedish Colony, where an amphitheater sits among the trees. The goal is to bring people together via the arts, organizers said.
“We started this event to continue the tradition of Maine music at Thomas Park, helping facilitate community through art,” said Laura Bagley, who formed 40 Thieves about two and a half years ago with Arootsakoostic founder Travis Cyr.
Coddiwomple means to travel purposefully but without a predetermined destination. The unique word and its meaning seemed to fit the festival, she said.
The event is family friendly and all are welcome.
Along with 40 Thieves, musicians will include Portland-based Matt LaJoie, who like Cyr is originally from Van Buren. He plays solo psychedelic guitar.
Also on tap are Americana and bluegrass string band Dark Hollow Bottling Company and Griffin William Sherry and his band, all of Portland, and musician and microbrewery owner Cody Tibbetts of Jackson.
Bagley described 40 Thieves’ sound as “cosmic folk and roots,” and noted that they focus on harmonies and interesting sound effects. She plays a handheld synthesizer, while Cyr plays guitar.
The two launched Coddiwomple last year with no expectations other than building on the live-music tradition Arootsakoostic was famous for, Bagley said.
“The idea was to get some other Maine musicians together to celebrate music in the park, and we moved forward with that in mind,” she said. “People in the community came out to enjoy the day, and it was a wonderful example of what community through music and art can be.”
With a successful event behind them, they wanted to expand this year’s festival. More food and beverage will be available with Northern Flame Pizza of Presque Isle, Storibord Coffee of Fort Fairfield, Maine-ly Meat ‘n Potatoes of Grand Isle and Harper’s Brain Freeze with snow cones.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. Sunday, with music from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, available at the gate, with children under 12 admitted free. Only cash will be accepted.
New this year, Coddiwomple will offer an art market with local artists in the park’s lower field. It’s another way to highlight Maine-made art and talent, Bagley said.
Besides its amphitheater, Thomas Park has ample seating, walking trails and a playground where kids can run around and explore, she said.
“This is such a nice setting for a day of music and art,” Bagley said. “There’s something so special about gathering around live music, art, food and community outdoors in the summer.”