I'm writing to announce that the Troika Music Festival will not be happening this year.
Troika began as the Durham Music Festival, organized by a small group of Durhamites in 2000. The main goal of Troika has always been to bring music to Durham in a format that supported the artists, fans and venues. We met that goal over the years by showcasing hundreds of bands, supporting dozens of venues, and including thousands of fans.
We have grown significantly over the past ten years and have done all this in a volunteer-based, local, DIY, small budget fashion. There were never plans to take big corporate money or have a six figure budget. There was also always a belief that if Durham outgrew Troika, then Troika would retire.
With the addition of Hopscotch in 2010, new venues, and lots of local labels it is evident that Troika has been outgrown. There are an abundant amount of small festivals here in the Triangle - hosted by labels, artists and venues. That was not always the case. With the addition of these, plus the Indy-funded Hopscotch Festival, it seems clear that fans are already getting great opportunities to find and enjoy hundreds of local/touring artists.
I've invested countless hours of volunteer time plus financial support in Troika and although it has been very important to me, it is clear that it's time to move on. Troika has run a wonderful course. It was the vehicle we used to get to where we are today and my hope is folks will continue to pick up from where Troika left off.
Now that the Triangle has a large festival that can shine the spotlight on the region and more small local festivals, all of us can be certain Troika did exactly what I was hoping it would do: Put Durham and it's surrounding cities on the music map.
Many thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, bands, and fans over the years!
Mel
Thomas
(307Knox, Troika Music Festival Director)