Actor and musician Justin Timberlake has signed on as a partner and producer of the Music & Cultural Pilgrimage Festival. The two-day event transforms The Park At Harlinsdale Farm into an oasis of music, food and culture set against the natural setting of this former walking horse farm located in Franklin, TN, taking place Sept. 24 and 25.
Born and raised in Memphis, Timberlake will return to Tennessee to not only come on board as a producer of the festival but to lay down roots literally.
"I couldn't be more excited about becoming part of The Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival. Being a Tennessee native and now a member of the community in Franklin, I have been watching the development of the festival over the past two years. For me, this is an amazing opportunity to help build an exceptional event and contribute to my community," says Timberlake.
Justin Timberlake’s creative director Trace Ayala, who is also a Franklin resident, couldn't agree more, "Being a resident of Leiper's Fork and the Franklin community, I'm thrilled to have this event right here in my own backyard! As Justin's creative director, I'm looking forward to putting our stamp on this thing! It'll also serve as a great stage to showcase the artists we've signed to our artist development company, Villa 40."
Original Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival producers (Kevin Griffin, Brandt Wood, Michael Whelan) will work closely with Timberlake, although he will not be performing this year, and Ayala on the creative direction of the upcoming festival taking place this year as well as years to come.
"It really is a perfect fit to have Justin Timberlake on board as a partner not only for his knowledge and accomplishments in the music industry but also his love for the Tennessee area," says co-founder Griffin. "We are looking forward to introducing new fans to Pilgrimage and to the music, food, and culture of the southern region."
The two-day festival, which is going into its sophomore year, has been hailed by Rolling Stone as having "established itself as a festival to watch" and will return with another incredibly curated lineup. Heavy hitters such as Beck, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Jason Isbel and Kacey Musgraves will #MakeThePilgrimage to Franklin along with indie favorites including Kaleo, the Strumbellas, Shakey Graves and more.
In addition to artists performing their own sets, Pilgrimage Festival will feature Pilgri-mashups where one-of-a-kind pairings of musicians collaborate with one another on stage as well as the Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor stage featuring local artists. The family friendly festival also features world-renowned children's musicians as well as interactive activities throughout the day. **Kids under 10 years old get in FREE when accompanied by an adult GA Ticket.
Last but not least, the region's best food and drink will be on display as well as numerous local artists and artisans creating an all-encompassing festival experience.
Not only will the Pilgrimage Festival drive tourism dollars to Williamson County but a portion of each ticket sale will also benefit the City of Franklin and Franklin Parks. In addition, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit MusiCares®, a nonprofit organization that was established by The Recording Academy® to provide a wide range of emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to members of the music community.
Photo of Justin Timberlake by Getty Images at worldofjustin.net
For more information, visit pilgrimagefestival.com.
