This weekend, July 9-11,  a festival promoting eclectic music and a back-to-the-basics way of life will take place near Flintstone, MD.

The second annual Common Ground Festival will occur on Martin’s Mountain in Clearville, PA, and feature music by Cotton Jones, The Christmas Lights, Gina Powell, Jon Felton’s Soulmobile and more. This year’s festival will also mark the debut performance by Frost Mountain Revival, as well as bring back performers who have played in various local venues – such as Hannah Bingman, John Francis, and Aligning Minds (originally from Grantsville, now residing in Baltimore). Folk, rock, metal, electronic, and trance are a few of the genres represented.

The theme is “Life With the Land” and a variety of presentations will also be offered throughout each day to attendees of Common Ground. Canning, consuming a healthy diet, fire building, and fire breathing are a few of the topics that will be discussed. There will also be plenty of children’s activities throughout the weekend.

“The festival is built to start conversations (about the Earth and healthy living and philosophy) - it isn’t meant to draw conclusions,” stated Jon Felton, Common Ground co-organizer. “Some workshops are idea-based others are skill-based. The festival is also built toward those who just want to hang out and listen to music.”

Common Ground started last year as an idea between members of Jon Felton’s Soulmobile and other bands/ friends who are passionate about music and conversation. “The most exciting and magical things take place in music and in conversation, “stated Felton. “(With) both places people get together who want to share and experience something together and who are not exactly on the same page. Because then there’s something to talk about or find.”

“(Common Ground) is a positive and unique experience,” says Kenny Tompkins, lead singer and guitarist in The Christmas Lights. Tompkins helped organize, performed, and ran sound at last year’s event. He returns this year with hopes that the festival will grow. “Last year was a learning experience for everyone involved. This year I’d love to see more support from the local community and also see if we can get more people from outside the region.”

 The festival begins Friday at noon and concludes Sunday evening. Discount tickets are available for Friday's events. Early morning trail runs and late-night bonfires are just a few of the events offered to those camping on the grounds.

The family-friendly event is alcohol-free. Pets are not allowed on Festival grounds. Camping guests will be able to use showering facilities. For more information on the festival and a complete schedule of performers and presenters visit Common Ground’s official site at www.cgfest.com.