There are certain weekends that stick with you, and this was one of them. Six of us, friends for 30 years, packed up and headed to North Adams, Massachusetts, for Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA. This is the festival curated by Wilco, and it blends music, art, and comedy in a way I’ve never quite seen before.
Where We Stayed and Parking at the Festival
We booked a condo at Jiminy Peak, about 30 solid minutes from the festival grounds. It was the perfect home base — quiet, comfortable, and far enough away to feel like a little escape each night.
Here’s my first tip for anyone planning to go: figure out your parking early. On day one, we circled around looking for a spot before we finally bought a three-day parking pass for $120. Worth every penny. We had our own private spot for all three days. No daily scramble, no stress. Just pull in and walk to the fun.
And speaking of walking in — the entrance set the tone perfectly. We were greeted by four mermaids. Three were lounging on the steps, and one was tucked into a ball pool. It was such a cute, whimsical touch, and it made us smile before we even got through the gates.
Inside, the festival buzzed with energy. There were so many food vendors (more on that later, because we ate a lot). For families, there was plenty to keep the kids busy, too, from face painting to hands-on art projects. This wasn’t just a concert. It was a full experience.
Day 1: Music, Food, and a Magical Mash-Up
We eased into the first day by catching a couple of music shows and, of course, eating our way through the vendors. Then things really kicked off.
We watched Gang of Four perform for a solid hour, and they brought the energy. But the real showstopper was what came next. Wilco took the stage with Billy Bragg, and it was absolutely incredible. There’s something special about seeing artists come together like that. The highlight was when they sang Arlo Guthrie’s song, “This Land is Our Land, This Land is Your Land.”
We didn’t roll back to Jiminy Peak until around 1 a.m., tired and completely happy.
Day 2: Comedy, Art, and Wilco Again
Day two was all about staying cool and soaking up the indoor offerings. We caught several comedy acts, which led up to the big one: The Shit Show, hosted by Jordan Klepper from The Daily Show. He’s hysterical, and honestly, the panel was awesome.
The standout panelist? Natalie Merchant. She wasn’t trying to be funny — she just is. And what a voice. She came out both nights to sing with Wilco, which felt like a little gift each time.
After the show, we wandered the museum. We saw a stunning kimono exhibit, but the one that really captured me was Laurie Anderson’s. Her exhibit was fascinating, the kind of thing you keep thinking about long after you leave.
That evening, after eating (yes, more food), we settled in for Wilco. They were perfect. The only thing I don’t love about their shows is the deconstruction they do at the end of songs. I’m right there with them, enjoying the music, and then it breaks down into something else. That’s just personal taste.
Day 3: Jazz Fusion Misses and a Documentary Gem
The final day didn’t start off great, I’ll be honest. We went to listen to George, a jazz fusion band, and it just wasn’t for us. All six of us agreed — nobody loved it, so we left. The upside? It was wonderfully cool inside compared to the sweltering heat outside.
After grabbing lunch, we stood in line for something I didn’t expect to love so much: a documentary and interview with the composer who wrote the music for the TV show Taxi, Bob James. His work is now sampled by R&B and hip-hop artists, and hearing him talk about that journey was terrific. It was one of those happy surprises that made the whole festival feel even richer.
The Bad
No festival is perfect, so let’s get into it.
I really wish they’d put more bands on the big stage. It felt like a missed opportunity, almost a waste of that space. There were plenty of small stages scattered throughout, but they were standing-room-only.
The Ugly
Two things drove me a little crazy.
First, the lines. There were so many people, and the lines were crazy long. Bring your patience.
Second, and this one truly frustrated me, the sound booth sat right in the middle of everyone’s sightline. You simply couldn’t see the entire stage from many spots. For a festival this thoughtful, that one felt like an easy fix they missed.
The Good (and Why I’d Go Back)
Despite the few gripes, here’s what I loved: the music, the vibe, and the seamless fusion of art and music. That combination is what makes Solid Sound different. Where else can you catch a legendary band, laugh at a comedy panel, get lost in a Laurie Anderson exhibit, and learn about the guy who scored Taxi — all in one weekend?
If you love discovering experiences that blend creativity with great music, put this one on your list. Just remember: snag that parking pass, pack your patience for the lines, and come hungry.