Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival is turning up the volume on its second annual celebration, adding five standout regional acts to this year’s expanded roster at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit, New York. From basement beginnings to backyard blowouts, these hometown heroes will bring fresh energy to the stages alongside an eclectic mix of national headliners.
On Friday, August 8, Checks & Exes and Johnny Hart and the Mess will kick off the weekend, channeling raw rock ’n’ roll grit into every riff and chorus. Then on Saturday, August 9, festivalgoers can dive deep into the local scene with sets by Mike Powell and The Echosound, The Isotopes, and The Medicinals—each band showcasing the inventive spirit and community pride that define our region’s musical heartbeat.
“Hoochenanny is where the heartbeat of our region comes alive,” said Tommy Brunett, festival co‑founder. “These bands were born in our basements, garages, bars, and backyards. We’re proud to raise the curtain for the artists that carry the sound of our towns and give them the stage and the crowd that they deserve.”
“These bands represent the spirit, grit, and talent of our region’s music scene,” added Sean McCarthy, festival co‑founder. “We can’t wait for festivalgoers to experience the incredible sound of these talented local musicians live at Hoochenanny this summer.”
Returning for its second year, Hoochenanny is a three‑day celebration of live music and world‑class whiskey. Festival hours run Friday, August 8, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 9, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, August 10, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Passes are on sale now at hoochenanny.com/passes, with early‑bird pricing through Saturday, May 31.
General Admission offers single‑day access for $50, two days for $85, or all three days for $120 (plus fees) and includes stagefront standing room, entry to the Concert Pavilion Beverage Center, free beer tastings at Lager Land, covered seating, and more. General Admission Tasting Passes (one day $75, two days $130, three days $190) add access to the World of Whiskey’s 20 curated tastings. VIP Passes (one day $150, two days $285, three days $400) elevate the experience with the VIP Loft double‑decker tent, private tastings, full cash bars, plush lounges, sit‑down dining, luxury restrooms, a cigar bar, and complimentary parking.
Spanning 14 acres, this year’s festival features two outdoor stages, seven custom experience tents, and a whiskey playground that includes the World of Whiskey tasting hall, the Rarities Bar, and Bourbon Broadcast sessions with industry experts. National headliners include Charles Wesley Godwin, Old 97’s, The English Beat, Cristina Vane, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Record Company, Tommy Brunett’s All‑Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers, moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Eggy, and many more.
For full festival details, lineup information and to purchase passes, visit hoochenanny.com.
