(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Set amongst the scenic backdrop of award winning and long-time supporters Unionville Vineyards, which just so happens to be located in the heart of the Crossroads of the American Revolution, the beloved annual event blends local flavor, environmental advocacy, and an unbeatable soundtrack to summer. Rumor has it George Washington himself may appear.
Opening the ‘fest will be a blessing by members of the Lenape Nation who will provide an acknowledgement and give thanks to the Original People of the Sourland Region. This year’s musical lineup is seriously the best yet with Princeton area natives Gravity Hill, whose sound is a blend of folk rock, punk and alternative; The Swiss Guard, who make loud music for quiet people and vice versa; Hickory, who blend timeless rock with modern folk elements for a distinctive Americana sound, and powerhouse headliners The Harrisons and Company; a multifaceted group who do it all - and do it WELL, To add even more excitement to the mix, American Idol alum Jake Thistle will join the lineup. Thistle, the young yet seasoned troubadour whose authentic sound is influenced by the likes of Petty and inspired by the atmosphere around him will create a truly memorable night on the mountain!
The Harrisons and Company - Headlining this year’s festival is The Harrisons. They are a powerhouse husband and wife music duo that tours all over the NJ/NY/PA tri-state area. Performing nearly every genre of music on a wide variety of instruments (usually more than one at a time!), Christian and Jennifer create the sound of a full rock band with only two people!
Besides their busy gigging schedule, The Harrisons also compose, record, and produce their own original music in house at Grasshopper Studios located in their home in Andover, NJ.
Jake Thistle - Jake has been chasing songs for as long as he can remember. You may have seen him recently on American Idol or featured in Makin Waves. Sonically, Jake is drawn to tension – between past and present, intimacy and scale. Raised on Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and John Hiatt, he grew up studying the architecture of classic songwriting. Today, he’s just as interested in how atmosphere shapes emotion. Lush pads, layered textures, and dramatic builds now sit alongside the guitar-forward foundations that first defined him. It’s intentional expansion – the deliberate effort to make records that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the ones he looks up to the most, all while being true to himself in the process.
Authenticity remains the pillar of his artistry and key to his identity. Sincerity is his anchor as he channels classic heartland rock one night and leans into modern indie textures the next. That ethos carried into his appearance on “American Idol,” a stage far larger than the New Jersey venues and European clubs where he sharpened his skills. He finished in the Top 14 of the talent show’s 24th season.
Hickory - Hailing from northern New Jersey, Hickory brings together Rob Friedland (lead vocals, guitars, mandolin), Dave Foschino (vocals, lead guitar, mandolin, banjo), Matt Nalducci (vocals, percussion and drums), Ted Rainey (vocals, bass guitar), Dan Rainey (mandolin, lead guitar) and Jason Warren (vocals, keyboards) to create a distinctive Americana sound.
Influenced by artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Caamp, and Pearl Jam, their music blends timeless rock with modern folk elements. With Rob and Dave driving the songwriting, the band collaborates on production to ensure every member’s input shapes their sound. Hickory has quickly gained a reputation for their captivating live performances and their ability to connect with audiences through their music. Drawing inspiration from classic folk and rock artists as well as contemporary influences, Hickory’s sound is both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to a wide range of listeners. With their thoughtful lyrics, tight musicianship, and charismatic stage presence, Hickory is making their mark on the folk rock scene.
The Swiss Guard - They are an independent rock n' roll band from the banks of the Delaware River who makes loud music for quiet people and quiet music for loud people.
Gravity Hill - They are a rock band conceived at an open mic night at the Alchemist & Barrister in Princeton, New Jersey late in 2008 and officially formed in early 2009. Original members Ed Hynes and Rob Moreno are joined by drummer Jim Linnehan in the current line-up. Jim was the drummer in the well regarded local alternative band Great Road West and was also a founding member of The Freds. Inspired by the music they love, Gravity Hill blends an eclectic mix of late sixties pop, folk rock, punk, post-punk, nineties alternative and contemporary dance rock. Their energetic performances have become a staple of Princeton life for their loyal following.
New to the VIP experience this year is Emily's Cafe and Catering of Pennington. Since 2004, James Matticoli, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and Emily Matticoli, a 4th generation restaurateur, have created innovative, organic menus featuring locally grown products.
In addition to live music all day, the festival will have exceptional brews from Hillsborough’s Flounders Brewing, delicious eats and non-alcoholic refreshments from Cas Pierogi, Cassidy's Kitchen and the Crafty Caffe, a passport activity for kids, environmental exhibitors, and native plants for sale from My Backyard at Nectars.
“The Sourland Mountain Fest is the result of the hard work and dedication of volunteers who share a mutual love of the Sourlands. To see the culmination of our work is amazing. The exhibitors, food vendors and especially our bands represent the best of Jersey, and over the years, faces and names become familiar as we’re all working toward our goal of supporting the work of the Sourland Conservancy” Ali Kavchok, Co-Chair
Bring your picnic blanket and a friend or 5 and be a part of a beautiful summer night celebrating the Sourlands!
The Sourland Mountain Fest, presented by Unionville Vineyards, will take place on Saturday, July 25th from 3:00pm–8:30pm at Unionville Vineyards, located at 9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, New Jersey. For 40 years the Sourland Conservancy has steadfastly protected and preserved the Sourland region, the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey, and proceeds of the Sourland Mountain Festival will support the Conservancy’s mission.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and are limited. VIP experience is provided by Emily’s Cafe and Catering of Pennington. Details at www.sourlandmountainfest.com/tickets.
