Meet Our Project Manager – Jordan Puryear

Jordan Puryear, Musician, Sound Engineer & Festival Visionary Is At The Helm –

Jordan has directed more than 80 successful music and dance festivals, starting with the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival more than three decades ago.

His experience includes thirty-one years with the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival in New York, twenty years with the spring and fall Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festivals in North Carolina, and ten years with the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival in Florida.

As Former Director and Co-Founder of these festivals, Jordan oversaw nearly every aspect of the festivals with a concentration on production and infrastructure.

Out of the box thinking, his lead-by-example style, and calm demeanor are the hallmarks of his leadership that helped guide the GrassRoots Festival Organization successfully for more than thirty years.

Jordan was a founding member in the GrassRoots Festival’s host band, Donna the Buffalo. He’s also an original and active member of the old-time string band Bubba George, which has opened every Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival since its inception.

He has played the role of Lead Designer and Build Team Coordinator for all of the GrassRoots festivals, overseeing stage and PA system design as well as the planning and implementation of site layouts.

Jordan Puryear is known for creating welcoming spaces, supporting music and the arts, and the local communities surrounding the festival sites.

The GrassRoots Festivals have come a long way since their start back in 1990, when the first one began as a benefit show at the Ithaca, NY State Theatre to raise money for the fight against AIDS. The festival organization began the following year, led by the Puryear family.

Beyond the music, GrassRoots Festivals offer a vibrant mix of experiences — from art galleries showcasing local artists, to a healing arts village with massage, Reiki, and other natural wellness practices. Families enjoy a dedicated children’s area, while dancers of all levels can join in workshops and classes.

Jordan enjoys creating welcoming spaces where community members can return to year after year to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate life with music and dance.