KORI BARKLEY
Staff Writer
Mother Nature was on Music Industry Club’s side last Saturday as they held their sixth annual Life is Art festival in Barker Commons. Though the air was cold, what looked to be a rainy day turned into a sunshine filled afternoon, allowing Fredonia’s local musicians, vendors and student artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Since 2010, the Life is Art festival has served as a way to raise money for Music is Art, a not-for-profit organization founded by Goo Goo Dolls’ bassist and Buffalo native Robby Takac. Music is Art promotes interest in local music and art and explores its cultural, social and educational impact on local communities.
The 12-hour festival was relaxed and laid back. Members of the community came and went as they pleased, enjoying the variety of live, local bands and musicians as student artists displayed and sold their artwork. Money was raised through local vendors, food trucks and a large raffle with prizes donated from local businesses. Roughly $330 was raised, and proceeds went to the charity.
Musical sets throughout the day included Derek Gregoire, The Riveters, Dynamic Intonation, Gabby, Vaughn and Kate, Some Like it Hot, Much More Chill, New Masons, Albert The Fish, Blue House, Mooses, Ruckman and the Basterds, Zealot, The Naturalists, The Tins, Royal Tongues and Made Violent.
Deanna Civilette, the vocals and keyboard of New Masons, enjoyed how the festival brought the students and community of Fredonia together through music.
“The Life is Art Festival was tons of fun,” Civilette said. “We had many dedicated fans and family that braved the cold weather to come and support New Masons. We did a mix of covers and originals. I think it’s awesome how events like this happen off campus. It gives a chance for the locals to see what the college students are up to.”
As admission was free, the Music Industry Club relied on product, food and monetary donations from sponsors around Fredonia to support the festival.
“We have huge support from the community, and it’s incredible,” Daniel Paladino, vice president of the Music Industry Club said. “We had a huge list of sponsors this year, all mostly local businesses. To name a few, we had Cool Little Music Shop, TOPS, Lady of the Lake, EBC West, Lena’s Pizza and many more.
The festival also involved a food drive hosted by HAIL! Fredonia Records benefitting the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry Inc. Each item donated received a raffle ticket to win an autographed “Sweet Tuesday Morning” poster from Ladies First and Joey Molland.
Not only did the festival serve as a charitable way to give back to the community, but provided a learning experience for students striving for a career in the music industry.
Under the direction of Paladino, student of the Music Industry Club planned the entire festival, gathering sponsors, hiring bands and preparing the Commons.
“It’s been a great experience,” Paladino said. “I’ve been doing this for three years, and every year has taught me something new. I’m a hands on learner, and planning a festival like this for the last few years has been an incredible learning period, and I hope to be able to take what I learned here into the future of my career.”
The fun didn’t stop when the festivities ended at 10 p.m. The Naturalists and Made Violent played an impromptu show at EBC West following the festival.