From the Hermit’s Desk
The River Rocks festival on June 20, 2026 in New Hartford Connecticut.
I’d been waiting for this past Saturday for a long time…probably since last June when I attended the first River Rocks festival. On that day I had plans and could only stay for a couple of bands. But I could tell it was a good time and couldn’t wait to experience the full day.
I got there pretty early so I could get a good parking spot, but also to familiarize myself with the layout. Knowing that there was going to be an additional stage this year, I wanted to make sure I could bounce between them in a timely manner.
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really pay much attention to any of the vendors. I hope that doesn’t sound cold, but I really was there because I love music and I love photography; the rest was just scenery. I sincerely apologize if that offends anyone, because it is not my intent. I’m sure that all of the vendors were wonderful!
So let’s get to the music!
As stated above, there were two stages this year; the big main stage from last year where the full bands would play, with an additional smaller stage set aside for acoustic performers.
The acoustic stage was in the woods, and right beside the river. There were picnic tables, and people brought chairs and blankets to sit in the shade. Kids skipped rocks in the river. It was absolutely lovely. And the performers all sounded great.
Below are photos I took of Brother Hazel Duo, Anne Goode, Trottier Music, Kent Besocke and Joel Weik.
( My sincere apology to Darc Angels as I missed their set )
And then there was the main stage.
I had seen 4 of the main stage bands before and was excited to see them again, but was really just looking forward to seeing all of the bands.
I was not disappointed. The 4 bands I had seen previously had only gotten better, and all of the bands put on great performances. I really don’t know what else to say. I’m no music critic, so I leave that to someone else to critique every little bit of the show. As for myself, I spent the day listening to music with a camera in my hand…what more could I ask for?!
The first band to hit the main stage was a trio called Aldermaze.
Next up was Decker Bandits. My understanding is that they played their set, and then high-tailed to Collinsville where they had another gig!
Three Seater is one of the bands that I had seen before, the first time being when they played a show set up on the lanes of a duck-pin bowling alley.
I had never seen nor heard Tessa Brown before, but I am sure glad I finally did. She has an incredible voice, great songs, and the band was tight.
I have seen Pond View a couple of times. They are pretty high energy and always a great time.
Solgyres is a 10 pc band made up of some really talented folks. They sound great and they are tight.
Last, but certainly not least, was Ruby Left Step. I have seen them a number of times and I’m pretty sure they’ve had a different bass player each time. They are one of my favorite Connecticut bands.
Thanks to all of the folks who made this day possible. It was a long day, but I had a great time. Long Live River Rocks! I’m already dreaming of next year!