Spoon, Train to Headline Weekend MusicFest

Are you a fan of '80s avant folk music? '90s alterno-rock? Psychedelic classic rock? Like an over-stocked iPod set to shuffle, Union County is offering you a feast of disparate musical attractions. 

This upcoming weekend marks the 13th annual Union County Music Fest, with two days of rock-and-roll at Union County's Oak Ridge Park in Clark featuring indie-rock-darlings Spoon and the massively popular Train. 

Also featured: Suzanne Vega ("Tom's Diner," AKA: "I am sitting at the counter at the diner on the corner..."), Soul Asylum ("Runaway Train") and the Zombies ("Time of the Season"). Also, avid internet users can enjoy YouTube treadmill sensation OK Go.

While there is no shortage of fan favorites, Union County spokesperson Sebastian D'Elia assured Patch that local music will have an expanded presence at MusicFest this year, complete with a stage especially reserved for local artists.

For those uninterested in the rock, there is no need to despair - MusicFest (which actually kicked off on September 8th) offers a wide variety of entertainment, including Hell on Wheels BMX stunt bikers, a mobile video game lounge, a Kids Kingdom Travelling Jubilee and a brand-new Green Village that will house recycled art installations and green tech exhibits. Speaking of green, D'Elia told Patch that the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County will be giving demonstrations on gardening and nutrition, and that the public is encouraged to use alternative transportation.

And for those who might get tired of standing around, there is the Rock On! Walkathon and 5k Rock 'n' Run on Saturday which both help raise funds to fight cancer. 

Lastly, MusicFest, will also give those in attendance an opportunity to reflect on the attacks of September 11, 2001. On Saturday morning, there will be a moment of silence at the beginning of the walk/run fundraiser for cancer, and there will also be an art instillation memorial at MusicFest's main entrance.

Are you going to MusicFest? Tell us in the comments.