Cider Mag July/August 2014 Issue 41 | Page 22

Granite State Music Festival Illuminated Story and Photos By Chris Bardwell ith plenty of local, regional and national bands, playing everything from country to hard rock and folk to afro funk and reggae, this was the most successful year for the Granite State Music Festival. Over 1300 people were in attendance for the weekend in the New Hampshire State capitol. The 3rd Annual Granite State Music Festival, held this year on June 21st and 22nd, is organized by Concord area residents and musicians. A percentage of the proceeds from the ticket sales goes to benefit music education in New Hampshire, including a scholarship program for high school seniors who are looking to make music their career. Over 20 acts, many of which were from the Granite State, made up the two-day festival, providing an eclectic range of genres. “Every year we pull bands from the different regions of NH—Monadnock region, the seacoast, the North country, Concord—and also have as many genres as possible,” said festival organizer Scott Solsky. Opening their set with “Soldier” early Saturday band Senayit held their own when it came to showing their strengths as musicians and independent artists. Senayit Tomlinson accompanied by her musical partner, Pam McCann, along with Mi