Seekers on the Ridge and Day of Dead in Winston-Salem

The Seekers on the Ridge: Goose Pre-Party & Vendor Market is making its way from Asheville to Winston-Salem! The fundraising event will now be held on Friday, October 25th, from 2PM to 6PM at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co., located at 772 N. Trade Street, right before the jam band Goose’s Hurricane Helene Benefit show at LJVM Coliseum. Patrons will experience the creativity of talented artisan vendors and enjoy live music from The Sam Robinson (Marvelous Funkshun, The Lee Boys, and Artimus Pyle Band) Trio that will deliver a captivating performance blending psychedelic rock, classic funk, electric blues, and jam rock. While savoring delicious comfort food and refreshing brews, guests can enter to win raffle prizes while supporting MANNA Food Bank! Plus, Fiddlin’ Fish is generously donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to the remarkable non-profit dedicated to combating hunger in Western North Carolina. It will not only be a great day out, but also supporting a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the state.

Participating Vendors
for Seekers on the Ridge
include:

• HoneyCreek Pottery

• Drifter Merch

• Varvel Arts

• Bout Half Past Dead

• Reba’s Dancing Dyes

• Slow Ready Podcast

• Grateful Fred

• Pesca Muerta

• G. Tallent Designs

• Cool Attire Co.

• Arete

• Jennifer Barrineau Art

• Blaze on Creations

• Handmade Mama’s Minis

• Fennario Thunder Provision Co.

• Soul Shaking Life Shop

• Blue Ridge Gems

“Along with live music, we’re presenting a curated market featuring innovative vendors showcasing their creations, including many from Western North Carolina,” said Lorrie Dixson Griggs, one of the event organizers. “Before Goose’s benefit concert, patrons can kick back and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with dancing, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping. While supporting a fantastic cause, there’s something for everyone to uncover, from hand-crafted pottery and stunning artwork to cool merchandise!”

---

Join us for the 7th Annual Day of the Dead celebration at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co. the next day on Saturday, October 26th! This vibrant and culturally rich event promises a day filled with music, community, and fun for all ages.

The festivities kick off at noon with Shakedown Street, where you'll find a fantastic variety of local vendors showcasing their varied goods. Families can enjoy a range of engaging kids’ activities designed to entertain and inspire young minds, making this a perfect outing for the whole family.

The Winston Warehouse will be transformed into a lively venue, complete with a stage that will host an incredible lineup of musical talent throughout the day. A food truck will be parked outside, offering a selection of tasty bites to keep everyone fueled and ready to celebrate.

The music starts with General Hyjinx on the stage at 4PM. Known for their energetic performances, this band will set the tone for an unforgettable evening. As the sun sets and the night begins, get ready for Cosmic Charlie, Athens, GA’s high-energy Grateful Dead tribute band. They’ll take the stage at 8PM, bringing the timeless sounds of the Grateful Dead to life and keeping the energy flowing well into the night.

This year’s Day of the Dead celebration is not just about music; yet it’s a gathering of community and culture. Don’t miss out on this incredible day filled with good vibes, great company, and unforgettable experiences!

Elevate Your Style with Music-Inspired Apparel & Accessories

Are you ready to take your love for music to the next level? Look no further! At Drifter Merch, we specialize in crafting unique and stylish apparel and accessories that celebrate the magic of music in every beat and melody. Our collection is designed to resonate with music enthusiasts like you who appreciate the creative fusion of style and sound. Whether you're a die-hard rocker, a soulful funk lover, or a jam aficionado, we have something special that speaks to your musical soul.

Here's a glimpse of what we offer:

- Trendy T-Shirts: Express your passion for music with our eye-catching t-shirt or tank designs featuring catchy song titles, iconic lyrics, and more.

- Cozy Hoodies & Sweatshirts: Stay warm in style with our cozy hoodies and sweatshirts that blend comfort with musical flair.

- Statement Accessories: Complete your look with our range of accessories including hats, flags, ornament, socks, tapestries and more, all inspired by the rhythm and harmony of music.

Drifter Merch is more than just a clothing brand - it's a lifestyle. By wearing our products, you're not just making a fashion statement. You're embracing the universal language of music and sharing your passion. To make your shopping experience even more enjoyable, we offer fast shipping, easy returns, and top-notch customer service. We want you to feel as excited about receiving your order as you are about wearing it! Ready to rock your style with our music-inspired apparel and accessories? Visit our shop here to explore our full collection and let the music move you.

Join the Drifter Merch community of music lovers and elevate your style to a whole new octave! Feel the rhythm, wear the passion. We can't wait to see you rocking our gear!

Crawfish for a Cause Presents Mental Awakening in Atlanta

Prepare to stimulate your senses and set off on an enlightening adventure at Mental Awakening, taking place on April 5th from 5-11 and April 6th from 12-12. Presented by Crawfish for a Cause and supporting Nuci's Space, this two-day festival will showcase nine bands, craft vendors, delicious food, beer, and an abundance of crawfish!

Use promo code Westside20 for 20% off two day passes.

Westside Motor Lounge is Atlanta’s newest indoor-outdoor food, beverage and entertainment experience. At just under three acres, the expansive venue houses a full-service restaurant, two bars, a private event space as well as an expansive outdoor courtyard featuring a fully wired stage, beer garden, shuffleboard courts, firepits, tons of seating plus its very own vintage Airstream travel bar and food trailer.

Understanding Minimums in Screen Printing: What You Need to Know

Screen printing is a popular and versatile method of printing used for a wide range of applications, from custom t-shirts to promotional products. If you're considering screen printing for your project, you may have come across the term "minimums." In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of minimums in screen printing and explain what you need to know to navigate this aspect of the printing process.

Understanding Minimums:
In the context of screen printing, minimums refer to the minimum quantity of items that a printer requires for a specific design or order. Printers often impose minimums to ensure that the production process is efficient and cost-effective. These minimums can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the design, the type of item being printed, and the capabilities of the printing facility.

There are several reasons why screen printing minimums exist:

1. Set-Up Costs: The screen printing process involves creating custom screens for each color in the design, preparing the printing equipment, and aligning the screens accurately. These set-up tasks require time, effort, and materials. By setting minimums, printers can distribute these costs over a larger quantity of items, making the process economically viable.

2. Efficiency: Screen printing is a sequential process, where each color in the design is applied separately. To optimize production time and resources, it is often more efficient to print multiple items at once. Minimums help printers maintain a workflow that maximizes efficiency and reduces downtime.

3. Profitability: Printing businesses need to cover their costs and make a profit to stay sustainable. By setting minimums, printers can ensure that each order meets a certain threshold of profitability necessary to run their operations successfully.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate minimums in screen printing:

1. Communication: When considering screen printing for your project, it's essential to research potential printing companies and their minimum requirements. Reach out to the printers directly and discuss your specific needs. Clear communication will help you understand the minimums they have in place and explore any potential flexibility based on your requirements.

2. Cost Considerations: Minimums are often tied to the cost per item. As the quantity increases, the per-item cost tends to decrease. Evaluate your budget and determine the optimal quantity that strikes a balance between affordability and meeting the printer's minimums.

3. Group Orders: If you don't require a large number of items yourself, consider joining forces with friends, colleagues, or community groups who may have similar printing needs. By combining orders, you can collectively reach the printer's minimums and share the cost, making it more feasible for everyone involved.

Minimums in screen printing serve a practical purpose, helping printers streamline their production process and maintain profitability. By understanding the reasons behind minimums and effectively communicating with printing companies, you can navigate this aspect of screen printing and find the right balance between quantity, cost, and quality for your specific project. If you are interested in screen printing, please reach out as we offer custom orders.

Savannaween Moontime Market

Join us on Saturday, October 28th from 12pm-4pm for the next Moontime Market Pre-Party at Southbound Brewing Company during the Widespread Panic Halloween run in Savannah, GA. We will have a fantastic lineup of artisan and lot vendors, jammy live music, football on the TVs, craft beer, delicious Lowcountry eats and to top it off, a raffle benefiting Nuci Space.

Band:
Drifter’s Escape featuring William “Drifter” Kirkwood of The Jam Cooperative, Daniel Berman & Billy McIntosh from Charlie Fog Band

Food:
B Local Catering

Vendors:
Honey Creek Pottery
Drifter Merch
Reba’s Dancing Dyes
Butterflies & Bombs
Amber McRae Art
Miss Brown’s Tee House
Cool Attire Co.
Shamelessly Alive
Covy’s Love Swag
Ashley Apothecary & Dispensary
Nothing Too Fancy Designs
The Paisley Fig
Fluidity Art
Team Japanic
Tie Dyed Twice
KP Reverie
Shaun's Show Shirts

Fundraiser:
We will be having a raffle with goods from the participating vendors with 100% of proceeds going to Nuci Space, a non-profit proving depression awareness and suicide prevention for musicians as well as offering support and resources. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or five for $20 with one winner taking all prizes. If you cannot attend and would like to make a donation, click here: www.nuci.org/donateform.

Catch Drifter Merch at these October Events

We are buzzing with excitement for October as we have a jam-packed schedule filled with tons of fabulous vending events alongside awesome music. It's going to be a whirlwind of activity and exciting opportunities to connect with other vendors, showcase our products, and network for custom orders.

Five Points JerryFest, a FREE outdoor Columbia, SC concert, returns on Sunday, October 1st from 11:30 am-8:00 pm. The fun-filled event will have more music and regional acts on two stages this year featuring Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead music from Stillhouse and The Reckoning along with the addition this year of some other jam-band favorites that includes Phish-inspired Runaway Gin and Widespread Panic cover band Machine Funk. In addition to food vendors and beer trucks, there will be family fun activities along with artisan vendors creating a Shakedown Street atmosphere. Merchants include us, Bravefriend Apparel and Design, Bright Star Designs, Grizzly Belle, Hippy Do-Da Creations, HoneyCreek Pottery, Reba’s Dancing Dyes, Revyved Records, Ruffled Rooster Co. & Mercantile, and Zinnialou Jewelry. Guests will enjoy eats and drinks from Senor Burrito, Zosh, Kombucha Bus, Bang Back Pinball Lounge, Publico Kitchen + Tap, Home Team BBQ and Crowntown.

The 6th Annual Day of the Dead will be held on Saturday, October 7th at the Big Winston Warehouse, presented by Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co, Pesca Muerta, Broad Branch Distillery, and Celestial Wellness! Day of the Dead is the party of the fall in Winston-Salem featuring live music from Cosmic Charlie, Athens GA’s high-energy Grateful Dead tribute. This year, Dr. Bacon will be kicking the party off with a little Appalachian funk at 5:00. Get here early and check out the lot scene. We’ll have vendors, a tie-dye station, and good vibes all afternoon!

The Palmetto Park Jam will be held on Sunday, October 15 from 12-4:30 p.m. at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant. Get ready to jam with the ultimate Allman Brothers tribute band, Idlewild Revival. Grab your tickets now, and secure your spot for an afternoon of tunes. Whether you're a die-hard Allman Brothers fan or simply love great music, this tribute will blow you away!

The 10th Annual Tribute to the Band will be held on Sunday, October 22 at the Pawleys Island Tavern. 30-plus musicians will gather to pay homage to the music of The Band. This is a free show that will benefit All4Paws animal rescue in Pawleys Island, SC. Artists from near and far sing and play a song or two with the eight-piece house band. It's a beautiful setting under the oaks and the stars. Come listen to the music of The Band in what has become a community tradition for the musicians and audience, alike.

As Widespread Panic will be back in Savannah for Halloween, Drifter Merch will be set up in the lot with many talented Shakedown vendors. Check us out before and after the shows on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28th at Enmarket Arena.

Learn Differences Between Printing Processes

When ordering t-shirts, it's important to understand the different printing methods. Our website and Etsy offer screen-printed designs using plastisol ink, while Amazon purchases come with DTG printing. Our custom flags and tents are created through sublimated printing. What does this mean? Screen printing, heat press, vinyl, DTG (Direct-to-Garment), and sublimation are all different printing methods, each with its own advantages and considerations.

1. Durability: Screen printing often provides excellent durability and long-lasting prints. The ink used in screen printing is typically thicker and more robust, making it more resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling over time, especially when compared to heat press and vinyl transfers.

2. Vibrant Colors and Opaqueness: Screen printing allows for the use of vibrant and opaque colors. The ability to apply multiple layers of ink during the printing process produces vibrant and eye-catching designs, even on dark-colored garments. In comparison, heat press and vinyl transfers may have limitations in color vibrancy and opacity.

3. Cost-Effective for Large Orders: Screen printing becomes cost-effective when producing large quantities of printed items. Once the screens are set up, printing multiple items becomes relatively efficient, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require a high volume of printed products. Heat press, vinyl, DTG, and sublimation printing may have higher costs per unit for larger orders.

4. Versatility: Screen printing can be performed on various surfaces, including fabrics, paper, plastics, and wood, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Heat press and vinyl transfers are primarily used on fabrics, while DTG and sublimation printing are more specialized for fabric applications.

5. Customization Options: Screen printing offers a wide range of customization options, including the use of special inks (e.g., metallic or glow-in-the-dark inks), specialty finishes (e.g., foil or flock), and textured effects. This flexibility allows for unique and creative designs. While heat press and vinyl transfers offer some customization options, they may have limitations in terms of effects and finishes. DTG and sublimation printing also offer customization options, but they may have limitations in terms of special effects and the type of fabrics they can be used on.

It's important to note that each printing method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the better option depends on specific requirements, such as desired print quality, quantity, fabric/material, complexity of the design, budget, and available equipment. It's always recommended to consider these factors and discuss with us or your printing professional to determine the most suitable method for your specific needs.

Port City Jerry Day

The 5th Annual Port City Jerry Day is a charitable event presented by the City of Wilmington in support of the United Way of the Cape Fear Area. The event, celebrating the life and music of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, will be held on Saturday, August 19th from 6pm-10pm at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The successful event last year raised $20k for local charity with 100% of proceeds again going to the non-profit. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with fantastic music by The Garcia Project with Maria Muldaur & Buzz Buchanen (original Jerry Garcia Band members). Additionally, local Dead cover band The Possums will start at 5:30pm. Mayor Mike Purzycki and the Peguin’s Beau Gunn with also make a special appearance singing on stage. Doors open at 5 pm, allowing patrons to explore the offerings of live artists and vendors. Artists include Nugget, Brandon Besecker, Kaichica Loca, Kosmic Kev, The Tying Alchemist and Bee Jones while craft vendors are Drifter Merch, Viola Lee Tees, Nothing Too Fancy Designs, Love That Baby, Hopkins Creative Group, T-Shaw Designs, Tink-A-Belle, Cosmic Carolina Dyes, Mountain Soul Designs, Homegrown Market, Settle Down Easy Goods, Barefoot and Brazen and more. Don’t miss the $5 raffle with items from various vendors raising additional funds.

100% of the proceeds will directly benefit the United Way of the Cape Fear Area that works with its community to leverage resources and improve the lives of local people. By partnering with local agencies across the Cape Fear region, the non-profit is able to continue to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in its community. United Way of the Cape Fear Area empowers its neighborhoods by building strong foundations to have a stronger, united, more resilient community.

Come be a part of this meaningful event and help make a positive impact. Get your $10 tax deductible tickets now to enjoy a night of incredible music, charity, and community spirit!

Port City Jerry Day poster by T. Shaw Designs

Drifter Holiday Gift Guide

We here at Drifter Merch are out and about selling our music-inspired goods all of the time at live music lots, events and festivals. We thought it would be fun to put together a holiday gift guide of some of our friends and fellow vendors who sell a variety of cool goods. Check out this list and shop small business this holiday season. Some vendors have offered specials to our followers!

1. Artist Preston Smith sells a variety of music art for any style or budget. Featuring artwork of many of favorite artists, his website works with a printer to make his art available on different canvas types from paper, wood, acrylic or metal. You can play around with different mats, paper styles, and frames to design a shape and size to fit your wall and budget. All art is currently reduced to $20 a square foot. Click here to shop.

2. Grateful Fred brings you chrome for the holidays with chrome car badges, metal stickers, and more! While this store is officially licensed by the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia’s family, it also offers products inspired by Widespread Panic and Phish. Check out the newest addition to the Grateful Fred lineup, the Stealie 2.0, available in color and matte black for only $25. Get it here.

3. SunHeist Eyewear is where your new, favorite shades await with ultra lightweight sunglasses with 100% UV protection and quality frames. The Willow sunglasses shown are sleek lifestyle shades with a face-hugging, flexible frame, comfortable rubber tips, and glare-blocking polarized lenses made for adventure. Grab some that are non-polarized for $50 or polarized for $85 by shopping here and using promo code “DRIFTER” at checkout to save 20% off your order.

4. Shakedown Goods is owned by a husband/wife duo who not only sell their own art and goods but also have a passion for supporting other vendors by cross selling. This Ain’t Life Grand Pin is based on the company’s original drawing. It is rainbow metal and double posted. The pin retails for $15 and can be purchased here along with other great gifts.

5. ICEMULE Coolers has championed boundless adventure by creating high-performance, hands-free coolers that provide the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Inspired by venues where a clear bag policy is enforced, ICEMULE has developed the first-of-its-kind, air-insulated, ultra-portable, and reusable CLEAR cooler. It sells for $79.95 on ICEMULE’s website.

6. GRILLKILT is a game-changing grilling apron with integrated tool belt & practical pockets. Featured here is the Tailgater Grill Apron in a tie-dye print that has deep hand and cargo pockets making this waist apron great for grilling and chilling as well as other activities such as crafting, gardening, and other artistic endeavors. This tie dye apron costs $65 and you can get 25% off all tailgater models with code DRIFTER on the website.

7. Stupindous is a jam band merch vendor that has mostly Phish designs but also carries Widespread Panic and Billy Strings. The company offers these super soft, stretchy, and comfortable yoga leggings that are inspired by Phish. Made of 82% polyester, 18% spandex, the leggings have a four-way stretch. Get a pair by clicking here.

8. Cotton Patch Hemp was created to offer products designed to help your body operate at its fullest with quality, organic, all-natural CBD products. Keep the holidays from being tough with Trifecta that is 1000mg each of CBD, CBG & Delta 8. Cotton Patch Hemp’s Trifecta will make your life better for $125. Buy here.

9. Sophie Kate Candles make a great gift for anyone on your list. The company features all natural soy wax candles infused with an essential and fragrant oils in refillable wooden dough bowls. Try the tree shaped candle in fraser fir to fill the house with the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. These are on sale for $40 now on the website.

10. Zinnialou Jewelry Designs by Shelly Marie Lynch features products made from semi-precious stones and metals inspired from her enjoyment of music, nature and travel. May we suggest these 14k gold filled Spike earrings that are 2.5 inches in length. They are on sale for $110. Grab a pair here.

We hope this is a great start to help you get some ideas to complete your holiday shopping. Don’t forget that we also offer lots for the music lovers on your list with premium music-inspired apparel and accessories from tees and hoodie to hats and flags. Click here to shop Drifter Merch.

The 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam Announced

Presented by Drifter Merch and Ear for Music, 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam will be held on Saturday, September 11th from 7-11pm. The first event to be held at the new Refinery Amphitheater in Downtown Charleston, Drifter Fest will feature live music from jam band Indecision with local favorite Junco Partner opening. A free pre-jam to kick off the weekend festivities will be held on Friday, September 10th at Home Team BBQ downtown with entertainment provided by Atlanta’s Last Waltz Ensemble.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Carolina Studios, founded right here in the Lowcountry by Hootie and the Blowfish’s Mark Bryan to foster creative, educational, and career-focused initiatives for students through music, technology and media arts. In partnership with local businesses, sponsors include Slane Irish Whiskey, Truly Hard Seltzer, Southern Flavor Magazine, Eskimo Advertising, Rodgers Wranglers, Mass Mutual South Carolina and Carolina Audio Video. Providing a true festival experience, the event will have craft vendors that include Drifter Merch, Zinnialou Jewelry, Cotton Patch Hemp, and GrillKilt. Additionally, there will be food trucks including local favorites Callie’s Biscuits and The Immortal Lobster. 

Saturday’s event will be ticketed with general admission available for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets will include GA access plus a second level viewing area above the event, two drink tickets, private bar, seating, bathrooms & premium parking as well as a commemorative laminate. Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 9th at 10am at City Paper Tickets.

Drifter Fest celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs. A huge fan of live music, Bert also turned his passion into a well received apparel and accessories company, Drifter Merch, that was inspired by his favorite bands. Additionally, Bert was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Bert had an innate ability to make everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. He never met a stranger. In fact, he was everyone’s best friend. He had the sweetest soul and a tender heart that loved hard and deeply. Bert had a unique sense of humor with an infectious laugh and smile that could light up the darkest room. 

For more information about the 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam, visit
www.drifterfest.com.