Borderland 2022 Celebrates Music and Community Spirit: Recap and Photo Gallery

Borderland 2022 Celebrates Music and Community Spirit: Recap and Photo Gallery

[Feature Photo Credit: Jay Blakesburg]

Borderland returned to the bucolic environs of Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY for a joyous celebration of music, community spirit, and camaraderie – all set against the backdrop of upstate New York’s bountiful natural beauty. Taking place on September 17 and 18, the two-day festival featured The Flaming Lips and Portugal. The Man heading up a diverse roster of nearly 20 bands.

Highlights included standout performances by both headliners, with Grammy-winners and alternative rockers Portugal. The Man taking the stage on Saturday for a memorable set that featured a traditional message of greeting and thanksgiving from Jordan Smith, a citizen of the region’s Mohawk Nation’s Bear Clan. Before Smith spoke, a local representative of the area’s non-indigenous population gave a land acknowledgment, a formal statement recognizing indigenous peoples as original and enduring stewards of the land. The land acknowledgment and recognition of native peoples have become a staple part of the band’s concerts for several years.

Saturday also featured notable sets by the eternally effervescent, crowd-pleasing Michael Franti and Spearhead; regional favorites and national Americana stars Donna The Buffalo; and New Orleans funk masters Dumpstaphunk.

Not to be outdone, long-running psychedelic troubadours The Flaming Lips closed out on Sunday with a commanding performance by bandleader Wayne Coyne and company. Up-and-coming jam band Dogs In A Pile and jazz/funk/rock/reggae/electro/pop fusion outfit Spafford also played head-turning sets, while Keller Williams wowed the crowd with Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel. Bluegrass luminaries The Infamous Stringdusters and local Americana outfit Miller and The Other Sinners were also on hand, giving their all to an enthusiastic audience.

Chronicling much of the weekend’s festivities was legendary music photographer Jay Blakesburg, who also did book signings at his “Retro Photo Archives” booth with Wayne Coyne and Michael Franti. Enjoy more of Blakesburg’s work below along with photos provided by Borderland and photographer Sue Currie. 

Founded in 2018 by East Aurora native Jennifer Brazill, Borderland’s formula for success incorporates music, diversity, community, sustainability, and nature, making for one of the Northeast’s premier festivals. For more information about Borderland including future dates and lineups, click on the links below. 

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