Posted on April 21, 2008
Eleven bands in 11 hours makes for one entertaining, Earth-friendly celebration.
To top off Earth Week, students and Valley residents sprawled out on the Festival lawn starting at noon to hear nine bands play Saturday.
People came and went all day, but were assured a welcoming environment to enjoy some tunes by various indie, folk and rock bands.
Jessie Dodson, a member of EARTH Club, stressed that putting on Festival Fest was a joint effort of EARTH club, and said several committees within the club organized the event.
“We all worked together, we’re not hierarchical,” Dodson said. “It’s taken a whole lot of work and a whole lot of cash, but it’s a great way to reach people.”
Bright blankets littered the lawn outside Festival as puppies paraded around the groups of people lounging in the grass listening to the bands play. Some groups were smoking hookah or chatting with the chill music in the background.
Tie-dyed shirts and cloth grocery bags hung in the trees and laid in the grass to dry in the sun. Many enjoyed the self-served cotton candy and sno cones, along with a row of tables lining the lawn that featured literature on different environmental issues and campaigns. Artisan’s Hope sold a variety of items from its local store, including housewares, jewelry and musical instruments from countries around the world.
“We’re really trying to get some literature distributed and have conversations with people and try to have environmentally conscious bands and some activist musicians come,” Dodson said.
Speaking of music, the centerpiece of Festival Fest was certainly the local and regional artists that performed throughout the day in one-hour increments.
Early in the afternoon, the Greg Ward Project crooned a handful of reggae tunes with speak-singing vocals similar to the style of Matisyahu. The songs featured positive lyrics about diverse social issues.
Mild Winter, a local three-piece indie folk band, played at 3 p.m. The band consists of a violinist, guitarist and drummer, with dueling male and female vocals and lively, catchy songs.
Trees on Fire had a jazz-esque tone with smooth vocals. The Charlottesville quintet delivered a cross-genred, unique sound thanks to an accordion, violin and saxophone and four-part harmonies.
After Electric Baby performed, Murphy’s Kids gave the crowd sounds reminiscent of Sublime, featuring eye-opening, energetic lyrics. The evening drizzle didn’t hinder people from dancing in the rain while Murphy’s Kids played.
“I’m just here for the music mostly, but I wanted to hear Mala Spotted Eagle more than anyone,” said junior Noah Halliston.
Mala Spotted Eagle, a resident of the Nanish Shontie community in Oregon, gave a brief yet thoughtful speech.
“There are a lot of ways that we could all be caretakers of the Earth,” said Spotted Eagle. “This is part of what Earth Day is about: to recognize and honor that the Mother Earth does take care of us, from the time we’re born, to the time our bodies go back to Earth.”
Dodson stressed putting on Festival Fest was a joint effort of EARTH club, and said several committees within the club organized the event.
“We all worked together; we’re not hierarchical,” Dodson said. “It’s taken a whole lot of work and a whole lot of cash, but it’s a great way to reach people.”
