BEHIND THE SCENES

An inside look at two of Manchester’s favorite summer music festivals

STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA SHERMAN

In the heart of Southern Vermont, two vibrant festivals—the Dead of Summer Music Festival (July 11 - 13) and the Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival (GMBR) (August 14 - 17)—have flourished into beloved regional events. In addition to the incredible music, this is thanks in large part to the dedicated efforts and expertise of Paul Carroccio, a visionary, organizer, logistical coordinator, and volunteer for both festivals. An axiomatic connector for Manchester’s music community, Carroccio leverages his extensive background and knowledge through his work as an avid supporter of Southern Vermont’s music scene. He channels the lessons he has learned as a seasoned touring musician and as co-owner and founder of TPW Real Estate, bringing a unique blend of musical sensitivity and logistical savvy to his multifaceted role. His local engagement further extends through ownership of The Coffee Bar, a popular performance venue and coffeeshop in Bennington that frequently hosts live performances, deepening his connections within Southern Vermont’s vibrant musical landscape. 

Working alongside fellow organizers and promoters, such as Jill and John Turpin of GMBR and Joe Levy of Dead of Summer, Carroccio has been instrumental in facilitating meticulous logistical planning and fostering collaborative community relationships, ensuring mindfulness and cultural cohesion. His leadership and commitment have enabled these two festivals to grow substantially and sustainably in Manchester over recent years. In the months leading up to these highly-anticipated summer festivals, Manchester Life sat down with Carroccio, Jill Turpin of GMBR, and Joe Levy of Dead of Summer. The three of them openly spoke on the behind-the-scenes planning, logistical coordination, and collaborative efforts behind the festivals, uncovering the hard work that goes into bringing these beloved community events to life every year.

The Work 

Paul Carroccio’s behind-the-scenes mastery is foundational to the success of both the Dead of Summer and Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festivals. With deep local ties, phenomenal planning skills, and a nuanced understanding of festival dynamics, Carroccio serves as an indispensable bridge between artistic vision and logistical reality.

Carroccio succinctly characterizes his role: “I’m a logistics guy in the sense that I know how to manage the site and the events in a way that makes sense.” His involvement encompasses essential, often unseen elements, such as municipal coordination, vendor management, broadband infrastructure, and ensuring reliable utilities like electricity, sanitation, and security. “Festival attendants are there for the bands, the music, and the experience,” emphasizes Carroccio. “But, if you don’t have clean facilities, working electricity, and good security, none of it comes together.”

According to Carroccio, when working with each festival organization, he utilizes a systematic approach, which involves working with each festival’s promoters and founders, as well as their comprehensive teams. “We work with site managers, production managers, volunteer managers, and hospitality managers. We have 30 or 40 vendors, ticketing and box office managers, accounting managers, and safety and security professionals. We also have teams of volunteers who work tirelessly to bring it all together.” This extensive network ensures every operational aspect—from setting up fences and heavy machinery to managing ticketing and volunteer logistics—is seamlessly executed.

Navigating municipal relationships is another critical part of Carroccio’s role. “You have to get a permit for the event, which involves checking boxes with the fire department, police department, and medical personnel,” he explains, crediting Manchester’s officials as “progressive, and willing to take chances with trusted people.” This foundation of trust enables efficient handling of permits and smooth coordination with local services, which is crucial for events of this scale.

One of Carroccio’s unique strengths is his ability to respond swiftly and effectively to real-time challenges. “If the performance schedule is thrown off due to a thunderstorm, we might have to clear the field,” he says, describing scenarios where safety considerations collide with artists’ expectations. “An artist might say, ‘My set starts in 30 minutes.’ We’re honest with them about managing those expectations, because we want both artists and festival attendants to stay safe. Nobody wants to risk electrical hazards when you have 1200 amps worth of power cables.”

Carroccio’s extensive background as a musician informs this diplomatic problem-solving. “That’s where I come in as someone who has experienced the musician’s role as a drummer in a touring band. Being able to step in with that knowledge informs my current role in planning and logistics, because I understand what’s required on both sides of the table.” This blend of artistic empathy and practical realism helps Carroccio mediate potential conflicts between artists and logistical personnel very effectively.

Another significant logistical challenge at the festivals is electrical power management. Carroccio shares, “We have segmented demands. The stage power is critical for safety, lights, and sound. Vendors also require enormous power for fryers, ovens, espresso machines—upwards of 1200 amps total. We manage this by strategically placing quiet generators near less trafficked areas like bathrooms.” 

Broadband connectivity has become another major logistical hurdle. “Every vendor transaction and communication requires broadband internet access,” says Carroccio. “Initially, we relied on cell-based solutions, but we’ve upgraded to professional broadband management, segmenting networks for production, vendors, and guests.”

Infrastructural planning also includes careful considerations of noise and community impact. “Managing noise is incredibly important in a residential community like Manchester. We work with all involved parties to delicately thread the needle of hosting successful music festivals here,” Carroccio emphasizes.

Reflecting his evolving role in overseeing festival logistics, Carroccio adds: “When you work with people you trust, you’re able to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I’m now continuing to work with Jill and John Turpin from GMBR and Joe Levy from Dead of Summer to continue to elevate these festivals strategically.” Carroccio’s vision extends beyond operational excellence, especially concerning the deep connection between these festivals and local economic and cultural vitality. “A quarter-million-dollar festival brings artists and patrons who stay in hotels, buy food from local vendors, and shop at local stores,” Carroccio explains. “That makes a substantial impact in a community like ours.”

As Carroccio’s work with the festivals continues to progress, his guiding philosophy remains clear: “At the end of the day, I want to bring the world to Southern Vermont and Southern Vermont to the world.” Through strategic foresight, thoughtful community integration, and relentless logistical precision, Carroccio continues to be the cornerstone behind the seamless magic of Vermont’s beloved music festivals.

Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival

Since its inception in 2018, the Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival (GMBR) has blossomed into a cherished cultural tradition, growing significantly while staying true to its original mission. Scheduled for August 14–17, 2025, the festival’s lineup impressively features headliners such as Watchhouse, Molly Tuttle, Steeldrivers, Peter Rowan, and Bonny Light Horseman, attracting bluegrass, Americana, and roots music enthusiasts from across the nation.

Reflecting on the festival’s origins, Co-Founder and Promoter Jill Turpin noted, “Everyone said we were crazy for wanting to start this festival, but music has been part of our lives forever. We have been playing music ourselves since we were kids like folk and the Grateful Dead. John had a touring band in college, and I played classical music growing up.”

Turpin recounted how bluegrass specifically entered their lives during college, influenced by festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass, Rockygrass, and Grey Fox: “John lived out in Colorado, and he started listening to bluegrass and attending festivals like Telluride. He would come back east, we’d hang out, and we began playing bluegrass ourselves.” This shared passion soon evolved into a vision to foster community and collaboration through music.

In 2017, the Turpins began looking for suitable land around Manchester. “A friend told us that there used to be shows at Riley Rink, including Willie Nelson and Ringo Starr,” recalls Turpin. “We went to check it out, happened upon Hunter Park, and the dream really started to take shape.” They quickly built a dedicated team, bringing on staff experienced in site operations, volunteer coordination, traffic, safety, and environmental management. Turpin added, “We had the site, we had the crew, but what we didn’t have at that point was Paul.”

Recognizing the need for a key local partner, they found an ideal partner in Paul Carroccio: “From our first meeting, we instantly knew he was the one. First of all, he’s a musician himself, which was huge. You have to have a love of music to do something this crazy. He also loves Manchester and knows everybody.” 

Turpin affectionately refers to Carroccio as the festival’s “Godfather,” highlighting his logistical expertise and deep local connections. “Paul was our bridge to the local area. We could call him during the festival to brainstorm issues, and he’d find the exact people who could solve each challenge,” Turpin shared an anecdote of Carroccio quickly connecting an artist with local luthier and musician Will Mosheim to fix a broken bass. “It made the performance possible,” she adds.

Turpin also emphasized critical local partnerships integral to GMBR’s success, including sponsors like the Drunsic family and Union Underground, and vendors such as Jamaica Cottage Shop. “Our goal is to have musicians stay the weekend, fostering spontaneous collaborations backstage. Jamaica Cottage’s structures became homey spaces where artists could find comfort.”

GMBR also intentionally contributes to Manchester’s cultural and economic vitality. Turpin elaborates: “Southern Vermont has an incredibly supportive small-town vibe with so much to offer—from food and art to outdoor activities. Our festival introduces visitors to this amazing area, benefiting the town, the music, and the community overall.” Another cornerstone of GMBR’s mission is giving back. Each year, the festival partners with a local charity, supported by the Vermont Country Store, raising funds for organizations like the Vermont Food Bank and Bennington’s Vermont Arts Exchange. “We are so proud of this endeavor and the money we have raised for this community that we value so much,” emphasizes Turpin.

Looking ahead, Turpin is thoughtfully cautious about attendance growth, prioritizing community integration over sheer numbers. “We don’t want to change much; we want to enhance what’s already here. People love the intimate experience. It’s easy to find a festival with 10,000 people, but that loses its personal touch. We prefer that homey feel—easy accessibility, comfortable accommodations, and a sense of belonging.” Ultimately, GMBR continues to flourish in cultural resonance. “Our goal is to become woven into the fabric of Southern Vermont,” Turpin summarized. “Manchester is already rich in arts and culture, and we aim to enrich that tradition further through music that speaks to everyone, from the youngest kids to the oldest music lovers.”

Dead of Summer Festival 

Dead of Summer, founded by Joe Levy, also thrives as a celebration deeply rooted in the local music scene. Its ethos is built around the longstanding legacy of the Grateful Dead, jam music, community engagement, and thoughtful growth. The festival, set for July 11–13, 2025, has evolved substantially since its inception as a single-day event in West Dover, Vermont, in 2019. After the festival’s brief tenure at Magic Mountain, Levy partnered with Paul Carroccio. Together, they relocated the festival to Manchester’s Hunter Park, a site Levy describes as “a promoter’s dream.” He adds: “It’s rare to find 25 acres of flat grass surrounded by beautiful mountains, conveniently located, and easily accessible.” 

This year’s lineup for Dead of Summer features an eclectic mix of headliners and emerging acts, including Melvin Seals and JGB, The Wailers, Dangermuffin, Steely Dead, Rev Tor & Friends, Bearly Dead, Dead Man’s Waltz, Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads, Organ Fairchild, The Wheel, and Jatoba, among others. Levy emphasizes the festival’s deliberate musical diversity: “Initially, as a one-day event, it was easier to focus exclusively on Grateful Dead tribute bands.” Now, spanning three days with over 20 bands, Dead of Summer has intentionally diversified its offerings. Levy notes: “Our headliners—Prince/Bowie on Friday, Melvin and JGB for the traditional Dead experience on Saturday, and The Wailers on Sunday—each bring distinct audiences.” 

Levy attributes a large part of the festival’s success to its intentional pace of expansion and thoughtful growth, stressing the importance of maintaining an intimate atmosphere despite increasing popularity: “We went at this in a relatively slow manner. Many festivals grow too big, too fast, losing sight of their core identity. The bigger the bands you get, the more tickets you have to sell, and that can create a lot of pressure. We intentionally cap our attendance at 2,000 patrons per day to preserve that small-festival feel.”

This intimate and welcoming atmosphere is central to Levy’s vision, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all ages. Levy elaborated, “Dead of Summer has always been designed with families in mind. We’ve continuously added more activities, like tie-dye sessions, and yoga and music workshops for kids. It helps make the experience comfortable and inviting for everyone.”

Levy’s ongoing partnership with Paul Carroccio is key to the festival’s operational success. Levy described Carroccio’s role as indispensable: “Paul deals with all the operational stuff—large equipment, fencing, heavy machinery, trailers, and transportation. He handles the complex coordination needed to make the festival run smoothly. That allows me to focus on sales, marketing, band booking, and the creative side.” Levy also praised Carroccio’s extensive local connections, which facilitate smooth logistical execution: “Paul was instrumental in bridging the gap when we moved from Magic Mountain to Manchester. His local expertise and relationships significantly streamlined our planning and execution process.”

The festival’s collaboration with local, Manchester-based radio station, 102.7 WEQX, further strengthens its community ties. “Jeff Morad and the WEQX team have been crucial in promoting the festival,” Levy noted. “Jeff is not just our MC; he helps create that genuine community spirit around the music scene here in Vermont.”

Community engagement is another cornerstone of Dead of Summer. Levy actively integrates local Vermont businesses into the festival experience. He has partnered with over 20 local vendors over the past several years, such as Sexy Llama Coffee Roasters, Anon’s Thai Cuisine, Wormtown Trading Company, Solus Studio, Hooked Productions, Taylor Farm Hemp Company, Southern Vermont Essentials, and The Pizza Burrow, among others. Levy remarked, “Supporting local vendors and artisans is essential. We’re deeply committed to Vermont’s economy, and we always do a fundraiser to benefit the local community.” In past years, the festival has supported local nonprofit initiatives and organizations, such as Neighbor-to-Neighbor and flood relief efforts. For 2025, Levy announced: “We’re hosting a Bloody Mary Sunday fundraiser benefiting The Mint in Rutland. We’re continuing our yearly tradition of giving back.”

LOGO & PHOTO COURTESY DEAD OF SUMMER

Reflecting on the deeper cultural significance of the festival, Levy highlighted its tribute to musical legacy: “The Grateful Dead’s music transcends generations, but our festival isn’t solely about their music. It’s about honoring their legacy, creating an environment where bands of diverse styles can explore creatively.”

One of Levy’s most fulfilling moments at the festival came from experiencing a transcendental live musical performance: “Last year, our headliner performed the Grateful Dead’s ‘Terrapin Station’ with an 11-piece band, including Bob Weir’s Wolf Pack. Afterward, standing in the field, I was deeply moved. I realized that we’d created something incredible. It was a very powerful experience for everyone present.”

As Dead of Summer continues to grow, Levy remains steadfastly committed to honoring its core philosophy: “Our aim is to create something special that resonates deeply with the Southern Vermont community. People come here because they love Vermont. They see the photos, hear the stories, and know it’s a place they want to experience. Our goal is to ensure Dead of Summer remains a celebration that truly embodies the community spirit and musical passion unique to the greater Southern Vermont region.”

Lasting Impact 

Both GMBR and Dead of Summer place substantial emphasis on community support, as well as symbiotic, regional economic impact. Carroccio wholeheartedly believes that these festivals benefit the broader community, bringing an influx of visitors who patronize local hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, strengthening the local economy. 

Looking forward, each of the organizers remains committed to prosperity and mindful growth that respects both the local environment and the cultural fabric of Southern Vermont. Jill Turpin notes: “Growth doesn’t necessarily mean increased attendance, but rather deeper integration into the community’s artistic and cultural identity.” To that end, the continual success of both Dead of Summer and GMBR exemplifies how careful logistical planning, strong community relationships, and a clear, culturally respectful vision can transform music festivals into vibrant, enduring traditions that enrich their communities and beyond.