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Kyle Hollingsworth Band Announces Fall Southeast Run August 18, 2017 14:02
CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals 2017 SpringFest Lineup February 1, 2017 02:41
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Get To Know This Year's Lineup
Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express
Col. Bruce Hampton has been making music since he formed his first band in 1963. Col. Bruce has been in constant motion ever since leaving a trail of memorable live performances with his many bands, including The Late Bronze Age and Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit. Along the way he appeared in the movie "Sling Blade" as the poet and band manager Morris and starred in Mike Gordon's cult classic "Outside Out" as a mystical guitar 'out'structor. Since 2006, The Colonel has been playing a unique blend of blues and jazz with his band Col. Bruce & The Quark Alliance. Still rolling down the road, Col. Bruce continues his quest for the tonal center at each exit #6.
Hampton helped start the 1990s seminal H.O.R.D.E. tours. The best known of his bands to play H.O.R.D.E. is the jazz-rock outfit Aquarium Rescue Unit, which featured improvisational music all-stars Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Matt Mundy and Jeff Sipe.
Watch an entire set from Col Bruce & The Madrid Express here:
Zach Deputy
Zach Deputy is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, GA and best known for his live looping shows. Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound.
The Funky Knuckles
The inevitable result of a talent-soaked soul and jazz community, The Funky Knuckles are taking the sound of Dallas to an entirely different level. They have been together six years and have held a weekly residency since the beginning. The band is comprised of sidemen from some of the most respected acts in the music industry (Beyonce, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Talib Kweli, P. Diddy, The Polyphonic Spree, etc.), yet possesses a sound distinctly separate from any of their individual projects.
The Funky Knuckles move together musically as a school of fish, never complacent and always stretching the boundaries of improvisation and composition. Whether performing original music or standards, they draw from each member’s musical experiences to create their unique genre-bending sound. After the release of their debut album on GroundUP Music, As of Lately, The Knuckles added a full-time horn section and began touring nationally.
Meta-Musica (also on GroundUP), climbed the iTunes Jazz Charts to become the #1 selling record in the United States the day it was released.
Watch The Funky Knuckles' official music video for "Arise" here:
Broccoli Samurai
Since forming in the Rustbelt of Cleveland, OH in 2010, Broccoli Samurai has been taking the club and festival scene by storm. The band's synth-laden, drum and bass influenced, progressive electronica has been thrilling audiences throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast markets, winning them a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase. Eager fans pack dance floors and late-night festival sets with smiles across their faces, waiting to get lost in the band’s ambient soundscapes, anticipating every bass drop that will force them to move with reckless abandon. Broccoli Samurai’s line-up includes founding member Ryan “Bruce” Hodson on keys and synth, Cameron Bickley on drums and percussion, accomplished bassist Zach Wolfe anchors the rhythm section, while guitarist Michael Vincent weaves in and out, exploring new sonic territory.
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The band has played countless festivals such as Peach Music Festival, Electric Forest, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Aura Music and Art Festival, The Werk Out, BIG What?!, Domefest, Paradise Music and Art Festival, Rootwire, The Mad Tea Party Jam, The Ville, SummerDance, Disc Jam, Night Lights Fall Music Festival, The Gathering At Chaffee’s, Utica Music and Art Festival, and Hyperion Fest. Broccoli Samurai has directly supported and toured with many known bands including Dopapod, Papadosio, Lotus, Conspirator, The Werks, Ozric Tentacles, BoomBOX, Big Gigantic, Rusted Root, O.A.R., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Aqueous, and BIG Something. Broccoli Samurai’s extensive tour schedule has them playing high profile venues and major cities regularly, and the band will be increasing the number of performances and expanding their reach into the West Coast and Southern markets. This band is making big moves and the time to take notice is now.
Watch an entire set from Broccoli Samurai at Asheville Music Hall here:
Soul Mechanic
Soul Mechanic is a progressive funk group hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Soul Mechanic have been honing their unique sound through a relentless tour regime. Soul Mechanic is William English-Guitar, Jessica Nunn-Viola, Marcus White-Keyboard, Parrish Gabriel-Bass, and Devonte Hutchins-Drums. Soul Mechanic brings a progressive rock sound with influences from all across the board. Keeping you groovin' for an entire set with an innovative soul sound, heavy on the bass and light on the heart. Soul Mechanic's main focus is having a good time with our crowd, and dancin' the night away with them.
Watch Soul Mechanic perform "Senseless" at Rhythm & Brews in Chattanooga here:
Little Raine Band
Little Raine Band is a band truly on the rise, and is quickly becoming known as the hottest act in the Southeast. With an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast these young musicians have pledged their lives to master the art of live performance and creating a one of a kind live show. Little Raine Band is a four-piece band from Birmingham, AL that craft their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and an intense passion to follow their dream. Elements of progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion, electronic music, R&B, and energetic improvisations can be heard in a Little Raine Band show along with covers to cater to any crowd.
Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Exit/In in Nashville here:
Permagroove
Permagroove is a Rock-n-Roll band originally from Fort Payne, AL currently touring regionally in support of their new album, “Perfectly Broken Machine.” With a lot of momentum behind them, the band is seeing a surge of new fans coming to their shows to hear the eclectic sounds blended from many genres. Permagroove’s tight grooves, spacious jams are delivered by top notch musicianship and classic southern taste. This, combined with crafty songwriting and memorable lyrics makes Permagroove a relevant up-and-coming act on the music scene.
Watch Permagroove perform Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved" at Zydeco in Birmingham here:
Imperial Blend
Imperial Blend is a four piece Electronic/Rock group based out of Greensboro, NC. Their live shows are filled with captivating ambiance and sonic textures. Having soft guitar mixing with tantalizing keys, and tempered percussion propelling heavy dropping bass lines, Imperial Blend will keep you moving during the entire show. Since they began playing shows in March 2011 they have gained a steady following and a lot of love. They have shared the stage with such bands as Zoogma, Dopapod, The Mantras, The Heavy Pets, Jimkata, BIG Something as well as having the privilege to play sets at Camp Barefoot, Gnarnia, Mantrabash, and many others
Watch Imperial Blend perform "Starship" at The Blind Tiger here:
Voodoo Visionary
Voodoo Visionary hails from the dirty south musical mecca of Atlanta. Their improvisational funk dance music delicately balances a tight, grooving rhythm section with diverse and dexterous keys and masterful guitar licks to create a sound the group calls psychofunk. Influenced by a wide array of artists such as Parliament Funkadelic, the Meters, the Grateful Dead, and Talking Heads, Voodoo Visionary has a uniquely blended sound that’s guaranteed to put the 'oogie in yo boogie.
The band is made up of Dennis Dowd (keys), Jimmy Lynch (bass), Scott MacDonald (vocals), Mac Schmitz (drums), and Mike Wilson (guitar). Wilson, Schmitz and Lynch have been playing together for over 8 years, during which time they built a unique chemistry that allows for exceptional improvisation during live shows. MacDonald joined the group in July 2013 as the lead vocalist and Voodoo Visionary began writing new music and playing shows immediately. Dowd was added to the band in March 2014 providing a missing link that enhanced the band’s distinctive sound, and the group has since taken off in the Atlanta music scene. Jose Rivera (percussion), Martin Anderson (saxophone), and Ben Otieno (trumpet) are regular additions to the live show and are featured on Voodoo Visionary's sophomore album.
Voodoo Visionary released their debut album, Spirit of the Groove in March 2015. Over the past two years, while playing across the southeast, the band has shared the stage with acts such as Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Jimmy Herring, TAUK, Col. Bruce Hampton, Zach Deputy, Earphunk, Roosevelt Collier, Jerry Joseph, The Main Squeeze, and Futurebirds. The band has been performing at venues like Variety Payhouse, Terminal West, the Georgia Theatre, Barrelhouse South, Ringside Cafe, and Crowbar, as well as major festivals such as Counterpoint Music and Arts Festival and Sweetwater 420 Fest. The band has made live radio appearances on WUGA's It's Friday program, WMNF's In the Groove, and WPRK's Green Eggs and Jams. In 2016, they have excelled further into the regional and national music scene with festival performances at Sweetwater 420 Fest, Purple Hatters Ball, Great Outdoors Jam, Imagine Festival, Hookahville, and Backwoods Music Festival. They are scheduled to release their second studio album, “Off The Ground,” in February 2017.
Watch Voodoo Visionary perform "Hold TIght" at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta here:
Dirk Quinn Band
Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for a high energy funk/jazz band based out of Philadelphia that travels extensively throughout the US and Canada. Utilizing over a decade of steady performing, Quinn has developed a unique and progressive style - one that appeals to a wide variety of music listeners with fans ranging from the jam band hippies to the jazz snobs.
Surrounding himself with a group of extremely talented and like-minded musicians, Quinn has been playing shows across North America while receiving an ever increasing amount of media attention. His music has now been featured on over 100+ radio stations worldwide and gets regular airplay in his hometown of Philadelphia. Notable spins include the "Pick of the Day" on WXPN in Philadelphia as well as on the nationally syndicated "Keller's Cellar" broadcast hosted by Keller Williams.
The band’s infectious energy and musical interplay routinely attract listeners that are admittedly more accustomed to lyric-based music. With great melodic sensibilities, rhythmic experimentation and an accessible modern edge, the Dirk Quinn Band is jazz/funk improvisation at its most exciting!
Watch Dirk Quinn Band perform "Easy Comes Easy" at Pub Down Under here:
Roxy Roca
No one leaves a Roxy Roca show dissatisfied. A sonic shot to the arm of Texas infused, powerhouse-southern soul and funk complete with a certain tightness only achievable after playing an average of more than 220 shows a year. Roxy Roca shows are like stepping into a tent-revival somewhere in the Deep South, and crooner Taye Cannon is here to speak the gospel. Each tune flows over with hooky guitar riffs, funky backbeats, slammin’ horn lines, and lyrics of love, heartache, and a message of choosing happiness above all else sung with a conviction and sincerity as only Roxy Roca’s green-eyed Soul-Cannon can deliver.
Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band has come a long way in the short time it has existed. 2015 brought with it the release of Roxy Roca’s latest album, Ain’t Nothin’ Fancy, on Stag Records. Recorded at EAR Studio in Austin with producer Lars Goransson at the helm, the record captures the classic sounds reminiscent of Stax, Motown, and Domino Records. One might say the band wears its influences on its sleeve, and any member of the six-piece soul outfit would happily list off the forefathers of soul and funk.
Now two albums deep, and hundreds of shows later, Roxy Roca has had the good fortune to share the stage with some incredible acts ranging from outright classics such as B.B. King, Tom Jones, and Lee Fields to more modern acts like Fitz and The Tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne, Trombone Shorty, and Vintage Trouble. The future looks bright for Roxy Roca, and there is no end in sight.
Watch Roxy Roca's official music video for "Love Maker DeVille" here:
Supatight
Currently out of Asheville, NC, Supatight delivers a high energy live performance that is funk driven and appeals to a wide variety of audiences. While specializing in hard-hitting funk, their music incorporates elements of reggae, soul, jazz, and comedic country. Supatight blends intricately timed grooves with improvisational components resulting in an authentic, full sound, drawing diverse styles from every member of the band.
Supatight formed in Durham, NC in 2008 with the original lineup consisting of Tyler Mack (Vocals/Bass/Trumpet), Mikey Domanico (Rhythm Guitar), Max Palmer (Drums), Nigel Kher (Saxophone), and Torrey Beek (Lead Guitar). The original members were spread out at different Universities across NC, allowing the band to build a following from the mountains to the coast. The band relocated to Boone, NC in 2011 where they added Matt Powers (Keys), Will Miller (Drums), and Charlie Evans (Lead Guitar). While sticking to the fundamental funk orientation the band was founded on, Supatight continues to evolve, producing fresh new grooves that have audiences dancing up and down the east coast.
Watch SupaTight's official music video for "Kick Rox" here:
Rescue Dogs
Rescue Dogs was formed in September of 2009 by Birmingham musicians Andy Gathings, Daniel Belk, Bobby Bruner, Derek Nolin, Clifford Smith and Daniel Long. Combining raw and earthen tones from Classic Rock and Roll, the smooth and funky sounds of Southern Soul, a generous dose of down-home Americana, and compelling traditional Rhythms from around the globe, Rescue Dogs forge an energetic and eclectic sonance accompanied by an express invitation to move!
Watch Rescue Dogs perform "Driving Song" at Stillwater Pub here:
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Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Announces Domefest 2017 Initial Lineup January 19, 2017 13:48
Today, festival organizers Pigeons Playing Ping Pong have announced the initial wave of bands set to play their eighth annual music festival Domefest on May 18-20, 2017 at Fort Royale Farm in Bedford, PA.
High-energy psychedelic funk band and official hosts Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will play four sets throughout the weekend, alongside performances by Consider The Source, Aqueous (x2), Electric Love Machine (x2), Broccoli Samurai and many other jam scene favorites. This year’s event will be the second consecutive Domefest held in Bedford, PA.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing Domefest back to Fort Royale Farm,” said Jeremy Schon, founder of Domefest and lead guitarist of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. “The venue has the perfect vibe, and I couldn’t be happier with the lineup we’re bringing there this year!”
Advance tickets are on sale now for only $75 here (mt.cm/domefest-2017). Tune into Domefest’s Facebook Page for full details and more artists TBA.
Domefest 2017 Initial Lineup
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (x4), Consider The Source, Aqueous (x2), Electric Love Machine (x2), Broccoli Samurai, The Fritz, Swift Technique, LITZ, Deaf Scene, Strange Machines, The Clock Reads, and many more artists TBA.
Watch this pro-shot multi-angle video of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing “Whoopie > 1999 > 2001” at Domefest 2016:
A Weekend In Review: The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival August 12, 2016 13:08
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Year in and year out, music fans can count on summertime presenting an overwhelming variety of options to satisfy their musical appetite. The vast majority of national acts pack their schedules with gigs from coast to coast, and it seems as if there is a major music festival every weekend. Last weekend was the quintessential example, as Ohio-based jam/rock band The Werks hosted it's annual "homecoming" weekend: The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival.
The Werk Out began in 2010 at Zane Shawnee Caverns, an indian reservation with underground crystal caves in Bellefontaine, Ohio. The festival quickly outgrew that area and relocated to Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, where it has now been held for the past five years. After hearing the rave reviews over the past few years and diving deep into The Werks' catalog, I knew that this was the year for a summer journey from Alabama and Ohio. This ended up being easily one of my best decisions in recent memory.
From the moment we arrived on Thursday afternoon, the positive vibes were flowing from every angle. An enthusiastic, welcoming staff directed our group to a prime camping spot, and we made at least 10 new friends before the campsite was even completed. While there are numerous elements of The Werks that I have come to love, it's the positive culture that surrounds the band really seals the deal.
Upon entering the festival grounds for the first time, Chris Houser (lead guitar - The Werks) was playing on the main stage with his very first band, Cheezcake, who set a perfect tone for the weekend. Shortly after, we had the pleasure of catching several tunes from Sassafraz, a super talented group from Columbus which produced The Werks' newest band member, Jake Goldberg (bass). Our first journey to the "Big Tent" led us to Mister F, who provided some serious funk prior to Dopapod taking the main stage.
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Dopapod has quickly become one of the jam/festival scenes hottest acts, and their success is justified with every performance. Watching those guys perform, with a beautiful sunset in the distance, made for a very special moment early on. We even got to sing "Happy Birthday" to the bands audio engineer/light designer Luke Stratton, as the band called him to the stage for a cake presentation. Shortly after sunset, the crowd shifted just a matter of feet to the "Side Stage," where America's favorite power funk army Turkuaz ignited one of the biggest dance parties of the weekend. It's truly amazing to witness the production and chemistry of this band in person. They advertise "power funk," and they absolutely deliver "power funk."
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
The main stage was now set for the weekend's first set from The Werks, who took the stage fully participating in the evening's "track suit" theme. The band came out firing with classics such as "For Today," "For You," and "Fire Eater," and even debuted a cover of Elton John's "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King. A classic duel on the keys between Dan Shaw and special guest Todd Stoops occured during "G-Funk," before a massive "Hard to Find" > "Cloud Hopper" > "Hard to Find" would close out the set. This was particularly satisfying, as my last Werks festival set was cut short when a nasty thunderstorm hit during "Cloud Hopper" at AURA earlier this year. Another cover was debuted for the encore when the band busted out "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas. Somehow or another, Lettuce was up next for a late night set in the big tent, and night one at The Werk Out couldn't have been much hotter.
Watch The Werks perform "G-Funk" with special guest Todd Stoops here:
Video by izeoftheworldphotos
Photos by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Day two at Legend Valley picked up right where Thursday left off, and the party was alive and well in The Big Tent by early afternoon. The Big Damn Jam served as a touching tribute to Norman Dimitrouleas, the former keyboardist of The Werks who tragically passed away in January of this year. Norman had always wanted the band to play The Beatles' Abbey Road in it's entirety, and his brother Dino, Todd Stoops, and many others performed the album in epic fashion. Next up was an early afternoon dose of heavy funk courtesy of Kung Fu, a band that always brings the party and never disappoints.
Anyone that has been to a music festival understands that you have to be strategic; often leaving one set earlier than you would like to in order to catch one of those "must see" bands. This was the story of Friday afternoon, but that's definitely not a bad problem to have. It was now time for CBDB to kick off a 60-minute set it in The Big Tent. These guys never cease to amaze me. This would be the band's first performance with bassist Mike Sinopole, and you would've thought he'd been with the band for years. The highlight of the set came in the form of two debuts: a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Loose Lucy" followed by a brand new original, "She's Mobile." I can't help but predict very big things to come for CBDB in the near future.
Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
We quickly made it back to the main stage as Twiddle kicked off their set with the classic "Jamflowman." It had been way too long since I had seen these guys, and I was quickly reminded why they have really blown up recently. Fortunately, they were scheduled for an additional set on Saturday, which allowed me to scoot back over to The Big Tent just in time for Backup Planet, one of the most promising young bands I have seen in years. I was introduced to this band earlier this year at AURA Music & Arts Festival, when they delivered one of my favorite sets of the weekend. These guys managed to exceed some very high expectations. Backup Planet is the real deal, and they might have the best cover of "Whipping Post" that I've ever heard.
Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Dopapod was now back on the main stage for another amazing sunset performance, only to be followed by a wildly energetic set on the side stage from live electronic act Zoogma. I've had the pleasure of watching Zoogma work their way up from the college bar scene to the national festival scene, and I couldn't be happier for their success. You get everything from electronic blues/rock to hip-hop with Zoogma, and how could you not get down to that?
The stage was now set for one of the weekend's biggest moments: two full sets of STS9. There was a significant number of the Tribe faithful who came to The Werk Out specifically for this moment, and they were rewarded with a stellar festival performance. The first set had two extremely unfortunate moments; the first of which involved a fan hopping on stage, climbing on drummer Zach Velmer's kit, and taking a trust fall onto the drummer mid-song. Velmer handled the situation like the true professional that he is, and the band picked up right where they left off. The set was then cut short due to technical/power issues, but the band returned for it's second set and gave Legend Valley an absolute gem. The "Hubble" > "Orbital" > "Hubble" segue was as tight as anything I've heard from this band. "World Go Round" made for an epic dance party to close out the set, and the "Breathe In" encore was simply perfect. I couldn't have more respect for this band's response to a few unfortunate issues that were out of their control.
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
It was now time for The Werks to continue the party in the big tent, which some might have seen as a difficult task after two powerful sets of STS9. The boys kicked things off with a bang as they worked through the powerful instrumental "Lights Out," followed by the first "Transformational" since November of 2015. They even finished the "Cloudhopper" from Thursday night. Dino Dimitrouleas returned to the stage for an extended jam on "Rollin," and two of my personal favorites, "Find Your Way" and "You're Not Alone," closed out the set in heavy fashion.
You would think this had to be the end of the evening, but the most unique moment of the night was yet to come. The stage was now set for Twerkapod, a one-time 90's tribute set featuring a rotating cast of members from The Werks, Dopapod, and Twiddle. What proceeded after 2:30 AM was nothing short of beautiful, epic, and hilarious. For a more detailed recap and video footage of the Twerkapod set, click here.
Watch Twerkapod perform Blues Traveler's "Run Around" here:
Video by Charles Izenstark: izeoftheworldphotos
As we entered the final day at Legend Valley, the positive energy was contagious, and we were faced with yet another killer lineup. Broccoli Samurai kicked things off early on the main stage, and these guys blew my mind. The Cleveland-based four-piece held down a ridiculously melodic groove from start to finish, and they have some of the best song titles I've ever heard of. I'm really looking forward to following this band moving forward.
Members of The Werks, Twiddle, and Greensky Bluegrass joined forces for the Matt Butler's Everyone Orchestra, which opened things up for some truly amazing improv jamming. I had heard a lot about this project over the years, but this was my first time witnessing it in person. The constantly rotating cast always brings something new to each stage, and watching this collection of musicians in this capacity was a definite highlight. BIG Something proceeded to absolutely crush the side stage, while The Werks headed over to the VIP tent for a three-song acoustic set which included Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer," "Fall," and "Better Than Before." This was my first time seeing these guys in an acoustic setting, and it only further affirmed how diverse this band can be.
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Greensky Bluegrass was next up on the main stage for one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend. We took advantage of the grass hill back toward the vendors to enjoy the set full of all of the Greensky classics. It had been quite some time since I'd had the pleasure of seeing these guys live, and damn...they were amazing. They even brought out Mihali Savoulidis from Twiddle for "Last Winter in Copper County." As soon as Greensky finished, Twiddle would take the side stage by storm for their second set of the weekend, which featured many of my favorites, such as "Be There," "Lost in the Cold," Syncopated Healing," and "Frankenfoote."
Watch video footage of Greensky Bluegrass w/ Mihali Savoulidis of Twiddle here:
Video by Charles Izenstark: izeoftheworldphotos
The main stage was now set for what you could easily call the weekend's main event. The Werks were slated for two sets, and they took the stage in full tuxedos. "Alive" kicked off the set and bust outs of "Give or Take" and "Cruel Stone Blues" would follow. The always powerful "OG" ultimately led into a cover of Edgar Winter Group's "Frankenstein" which closed out the first set in epic fashion. "Drop" kicked off the second set, which has to be one of the most clever songs in recent history. An extended "Werk Out Jam" moved into an "Immigrant Song Jam," and things truly took off from there.
The sequence of "Finding Destiny" > "Galactic Passport" > "Finding Destiny" > "Galactic Passport" > "Finding Destiny" was on another level. A raging rendition of "Onslaught" provided a classic Werks rager to close the second set. The decision to encore with "Carry Me Back Home" came as no surprise, as the emotional tune had not been played since prior to the passing of Norman Dimitrouleas. Dino returned to the stage for this one, which was an emotional, touching tribute to say the least. Midway through the song, Rob Chafin addressed the audience and invited the entire Werk Out crew to the stage for the song's closing chorus.
Watch The Werks' perform "Carry Me Back Home" here:
Videos by Charles Izenstark: izeoftheworldphotos
As many readers will understand, you're just never going to make it to every set that you plan for over the course of a weekend festival. After three full days and two very late nights, I didn't have it in me to make it back over to The Big Tent for the two remaining sets from The Motet and Earphunk (Daft Phunk). This was defintely my biggest regret of the weekend, but as the old saying goes, "You can't make 'em all." There was a noticeable buzz amongst the campground surrounding both late night sets, and it sounds like Earphunk went above and beyond, with a set that went far beyond the time they were obligated to play until. This came as no surprise, as that's the type of performance that those guys are known to give.
As I wrap up what is easily one of the longest articles in the history of this website, I can't help but wonder if there is anyone who has actually continued reading to this point. For anyone who has, thank you for reading through my memories of this amazing weekend. There is no brief or concise way to justifiably recount this experience. When thousands of fans come from every corner of the country to gather in the spirit of music and art, it is truly a beautiful thing. The Werk Out was circled on my calendar for several months, and the anticipation which surrounded it was very real. My expectations couldn't have been much higher, and they were exceeded each and every night. I can't say enough about the job that Rob Chafin and the entire Werks crew has done in building and growing this festival into what it has become. The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival was an experience that I will never forget, and I can't wait to return in 2017.
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions