Napanee’s first U20 Rockfest at Conservation Park was a big success Friday night, featuring five of the best under-20 bands from the region.
“We couldn’t have had a better day weather-wise,” says Michelle Hauser, Creative Director of the Harmony Lounge & Music Club who co-organized the Rockfest with the Town of Greater Napanee’s Arts & Culture Advisory Committee. “So many of the performers commented on the beautiful riverside pavilion location. Everyone had a great time and really appreciated all the friends and fans who came out to support the festival.”
Hauser says the real “superstars” of the day were the many sponsors who helped keep the festival free and accessible to the community. “We are so grateful to Cowle Law, Jimmi’s Italian Kitchen, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), the Union of Professional Musicians, Local 518, Queen’s Players, L&A Mutual Insurance Co. and 88.7 myFM for making this event happen.”
Bands who tookd the stage include Zen (Kingston), Nonesuch Luck (Kingston), Nate the Nobody (Napanee), Interrobang (Kingston), and Third Time’s a Charm (Belleville-Napanee). “All together, including the early bird set by Harmony’s Junior Band, we had 22 performers, drawn from 2 elementary schools, 8 area high schools and 1 college,” says Hauser. “All the bands stayed for the whole festival to support one another and that was really encouraging to see.”
Hauser sees a strong foundation for future festivals, noting attendees’ enthusiasm for more events like this.
Written by Emily Chatwood