The first River of Life Music Festival was great.
At about 20 till 6 there were like 10 people there and I was starting to get nervous. Then I saw cars start to come rolling in and I felt better. We started about 6:15 and by the time the second act got going there were lots of people there.
We had about 500 people according to most guesses. I didn't try to count how many people there were.
But it has been a great adventure and as you might expect, I am pretty worn out. Feels strange today to not have something like generators of flyers to worry about.
This shows what can happen in Arkansas City. This place where the concert was is basically a big vacant lot. Its a big field with nothing going on. The old meat packing plant was there at one time.
It wasn't really me that made this happen.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
we're on GO
The River of Life Music Festival is today at 6 p.m.
Everything is set and ready to go.
We have been sweating out the weather forecast as we anticipated the concert on the river.
The forecast for today and tonight looks excellent at this point.
Should be clear and in the low-60s when the concert starts, and in the mid-50's by the time the show starts.
Saturday morning the forecast was for rain. We had some alternative sites ready, but thankfully we will be able to move ahead with plans.
It has been a wild ride getting to this point. There have been obstacles, but in every case we have had divine intervention to make things work out. You can call it coincidence if you like, but I don't think anyone could be that "lucky."
Timing has been amazing, and things have been provided at just the point needed.
Realize too that this is our first adventure with putting on a concert. We don't even know what may go wrong tonight. Surely something will. We will deal with it as best we can so I hope people will bear with us.
People have asked why it is on the river.
That really is the point of the concert. That field by the levee, by the old meat packing plant on Summit, is a perfect place for outdoor concerts. I Hope to show that it can be done, and hopefully other people will want to do the same thing.
Here is my ulterior motive :)
That we have more musical events there, and many that im not even involved with. Then, after we get that going, maybe we can get some trees and brush cleared out on the other side of the levee, and have a real riverside park.
For 5 years Ive said we need to develop the river areas. We are wasting a tremendous resource by ignoring our rivers. This is the first step.
So come on out tonight and enjoy the show. It's free.
There's something for every age musically speaking.
Everything is set and ready to go.
We have been sweating out the weather forecast as we anticipated the concert on the river.
The forecast for today and tonight looks excellent at this point.
Should be clear and in the low-60s when the concert starts, and in the mid-50's by the time the show starts.
Saturday morning the forecast was for rain. We had some alternative sites ready, but thankfully we will be able to move ahead with plans.
It has been a wild ride getting to this point. There have been obstacles, but in every case we have had divine intervention to make things work out. You can call it coincidence if you like, but I don't think anyone could be that "lucky."
Timing has been amazing, and things have been provided at just the point needed.
Realize too that this is our first adventure with putting on a concert. We don't even know what may go wrong tonight. Surely something will. We will deal with it as best we can so I hope people will bear with us.
People have asked why it is on the river.
That really is the point of the concert. That field by the levee, by the old meat packing plant on Summit, is a perfect place for outdoor concerts. I Hope to show that it can be done, and hopefully other people will want to do the same thing.
Here is my ulterior motive :)
That we have more musical events there, and many that im not even involved with. Then, after we get that going, maybe we can get some trees and brush cleared out on the other side of the levee, and have a real riverside park.
For 5 years Ive said we need to develop the river areas. We are wasting a tremendous resource by ignoring our rivers. This is the first step.
So come on out tonight and enjoy the show. It's free.
There's something for every age musically speaking.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
7 days and counting
We are a week away from the concert.
We have about everything set to go. Now if the weather will just cooperate.
This music festival has come together so well that I cannot help but think it is the hand of God moving it forward. We have had some obstacles, but so far they have all been overcome. Usually not through our own ingenuity, but "just somehow."
We are trying to spread the word as much as possible now. So tell everyone you know about the concert, and try to come.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on. There will be some seating, but not very much.
We have about everything set to go. Now if the weather will just cooperate.
This music festival has come together so well that I cannot help but think it is the hand of God moving it forward. We have had some obstacles, but so far they have all been overcome. Usually not through our own ingenuity, but "just somehow."
We are trying to spread the word as much as possible now. So tell everyone you know about the concert, and try to come.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on. There will be some seating, but not very much.
Monday, August 27, 2007
countdown begins
We are officially less than two months from the big day - 6 p.m. Oct. 23.
That is the Tuesday of Arkalalah week. The concert is going to be in the big field between the Levee and the old meat packing plant, off South Summit near the bridge.
We are thinking of having some sort of event there in September, just to familiarize people with the place. Im surprised that a lot of people don't seem to know where it is, but it is a perfect spot for outdoor concerts.
We are set with our performers.
Tim Durham will be playing between the other groups. His solo guitar work and humor songs are bound to please everyone. He also has a good message, and is a talented musician.
The opening band will be the Butler Brothers, and they could just as easily be the headline band. They are music ministers at First Baptist Church, and we well known locally for their musical talent.
Next up will be Ashley Reynolds, a talented young singer from Missouri. Last year she was named pop vocalist of the year at a Kansas City music festival, which is a pretty nice award. She has a unique sound, that I think sounds like Jessica St. James, but she also brings her own individuality to the state. Much of her music and songs center around purity and drawing close to God.
The headline act will be Remedy Drive.
This is a fine band that we were lucky to get. They have been touring with some of the top bands in the country, and will be going into studio to make a CD very soon, so we caught them between the two. They are from Lincoln, Nebraska.
They are an Alternative band, so it is modern rock and roll. Even so, their music is not so heavy as to drive older people away.
Soon I will have links to the bands and even more information.
This is a free concert.
There is an account set up at CornerBank, called the Christian Music Fund, where donations can be made.
Email us at musicfestival@sbcglobal.net
That is the Tuesday of Arkalalah week. The concert is going to be in the big field between the Levee and the old meat packing plant, off South Summit near the bridge.
We are thinking of having some sort of event there in September, just to familiarize people with the place. Im surprised that a lot of people don't seem to know where it is, but it is a perfect spot for outdoor concerts.
We are set with our performers.
Tim Durham will be playing between the other groups. His solo guitar work and humor songs are bound to please everyone. He also has a good message, and is a talented musician.
The opening band will be the Butler Brothers, and they could just as easily be the headline band. They are music ministers at First Baptist Church, and we well known locally for their musical talent.
Next up will be Ashley Reynolds, a talented young singer from Missouri. Last year she was named pop vocalist of the year at a Kansas City music festival, which is a pretty nice award. She has a unique sound, that I think sounds like Jessica St. James, but she also brings her own individuality to the state. Much of her music and songs center around purity and drawing close to God.
The headline act will be Remedy Drive.
This is a fine band that we were lucky to get. They have been touring with some of the top bands in the country, and will be going into studio to make a CD very soon, so we caught them between the two. They are from Lincoln, Nebraska.
They are an Alternative band, so it is modern rock and roll. Even so, their music is not so heavy as to drive older people away.
Soon I will have links to the bands and even more information.
This is a free concert.
There is an account set up at CornerBank, called the Christian Music Fund, where donations can be made.
Email us at musicfestival@sbcglobal.net
Monday, August 20, 2007
The vision takes shape
Howdy folks.
Our music festival is about two months away, and it is starting to take shape.
The times are set, and the bands are set. We have about decided on the schedule too, probably start it at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23.
There's still lots of things to do, and we still need a good bit of money.
There is a bank account set up at CornerBank, called the Christian Music Fund, where donations can be made.
This is the first music festival of what I hope will be many to come.
I have a vision for Arkansas City, and I am going to do what I can to make it happen.
I have a few really cool people helping me so far. Telisa Rohr and Monica Hinson, just to name two, are warriors that make things happen.
We have a few others helping.
We could use a few more, so if you would like to get involved, give us a call.
But back to the vision.
My dream is to have more concerts and more festivals for music.
I like music of all kinds. Southern Rock, followed by Southern Gospel, are my two favorites, but music is music. So really, I don't care if its rock and roll or the symphony playing classical tunes.
I do draw the line at gangsta rap, but thats another story.
There are lots of high-quality musicians in our area. I see no reason to not take advantage of that and have more venues for performing.
Our first festival does have two "out of town" acts. It also has two local groups.
I hope to have more shows. Arkansas City could be come a regional center for live music. Actually make it Cowley County. Winfield has some great events as well. All the towns of Cowley COunty could get involved.
Anyone else have this vision?
Our music festival is about two months away, and it is starting to take shape.
The times are set, and the bands are set. We have about decided on the schedule too, probably start it at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23.
There's still lots of things to do, and we still need a good bit of money.
There is a bank account set up at CornerBank, called the Christian Music Fund, where donations can be made.
This is the first music festival of what I hope will be many to come.
I have a vision for Arkansas City, and I am going to do what I can to make it happen.
I have a few really cool people helping me so far. Telisa Rohr and Monica Hinson, just to name two, are warriors that make things happen.
We have a few others helping.
We could use a few more, so if you would like to get involved, give us a call.
But back to the vision.
My dream is to have more concerts and more festivals for music.
I like music of all kinds. Southern Rock, followed by Southern Gospel, are my two favorites, but music is music. So really, I don't care if its rock and roll or the symphony playing classical tunes.
I do draw the line at gangsta rap, but thats another story.
There are lots of high-quality musicians in our area. I see no reason to not take advantage of that and have more venues for performing.
Our first festival does have two "out of town" acts. It also has two local groups.
I hope to have more shows. Arkansas City could be come a regional center for live music. Actually make it Cowley County. Winfield has some great events as well. All the towns of Cowley COunty could get involved.
Anyone else have this vision?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday update
The festival is coming along.
We are making progress, and continue to work on our obstacles.
The musicians are set.
We had our first "group" meeting last week. It was fun and I was encouraged by the people there.
We could use a few more people who want to get involved in the project.
Let me know if you are interested.
We need people who are comfortable calling people and visiting people to ask for money.
We have enough to pay for the deposits for the band, but still need a few thousand dollars.
Remember, CornerBank has an account set up called the Christian Music Fund, where deposits can be made.
Ill try to get info on the bands, as well as pictures, as soon as I can.
We also have a logo now, which is really cool. Ill try to get it on here soon as well.
jj
We are making progress, and continue to work on our obstacles.
The musicians are set.
We had our first "group" meeting last week. It was fun and I was encouraged by the people there.
We could use a few more people who want to get involved in the project.
Let me know if you are interested.
We need people who are comfortable calling people and visiting people to ask for money.
We have enough to pay for the deposits for the band, but still need a few thousand dollars.
Remember, CornerBank has an account set up called the Christian Music Fund, where deposits can be made.
Ill try to get info on the bands, as well as pictures, as soon as I can.
We also have a logo now, which is really cool. Ill try to get it on here soon as well.
jj
Monday, August 13, 2007
moving ahead
Tuesday a core group is meeting to begin the process of making this concert happen.
I have a few people who are going to be involved.
We need more people though, and will need volunteers before, during and after the concert.
This is not "my" project. It is a project of the people of Arkansas City. I am the one that kinda got it started, but I hope it will take on a life of its own.
We don't even have a formal group yet. We don't know what the future holds obviously, but the hope is that we can have a yearly event here.
After Tuesday we will hopefully have more definite direction, and we will be more focused and have a plan.
So far it has been exciting.
I have a few people who are going to be involved.
We need more people though, and will need volunteers before, during and after the concert.
This is not "my" project. It is a project of the people of Arkansas City. I am the one that kinda got it started, but I hope it will take on a life of its own.
We don't even have a formal group yet. We don't know what the future holds obviously, but the hope is that we can have a yearly event here.
After Tuesday we will hopefully have more definite direction, and we will be more focused and have a plan.
So far it has been exciting.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Getting really real
Oh My Goodness, this thing is getting real.
Yesterday I sent word to the bands to send me contracts. Once I get that read over and filled out, i'll have to send in deposits.
Lots of people have been encouraging, and have said they would support it.
This is the first of what I hope will be several concerts on the levee.
I am depending on my community to support me in this. It will be financed pretty much through donations. I believe the money will come in.
I have a bank account set up at CornerBank in Arkansas City. If anyone wants to donate, you can contact me, or go to CornerBank and say its for the "Christain Music Festival" fund.
I hope no one is put off by the word "Christian."
It is a sad commentary on our society when that word is considered a bad word by some people, but thats fodder for another column another day.
Probably in the 80's "Christian Rock" was a cut below mainline secular rock, but these days it has caught up from a quality standpoint, and from a technological standpoint.
It is interesting to me that many bands are not calling themselves "Christian" bands anymore. I like that idea. In my own life I don't separate the Christian from the secular. Art is art is art...
That's quiet a tangent. Anyway ...
I feel it is important to have that first show for free.
I think the most interesting thing is just that I keep learning new things. Little did I know that 2-3 months is not enough time to put on a concert. Oh well, sometimes its better to not know what can't be done.
But this show is relatively small in the overall scheme of things.
This is my way of trying to do something positive to change attitudes in Arkansas City.
I'm still looking for help. If anyone wants to get involved, get in touch with me.
james
Yesterday I sent word to the bands to send me contracts. Once I get that read over and filled out, i'll have to send in deposits.
Lots of people have been encouraging, and have said they would support it.
This is the first of what I hope will be several concerts on the levee.
I am depending on my community to support me in this. It will be financed pretty much through donations. I believe the money will come in.
I have a bank account set up at CornerBank in Arkansas City. If anyone wants to donate, you can contact me, or go to CornerBank and say its for the "Christain Music Festival" fund.
I hope no one is put off by the word "Christian."
It is a sad commentary on our society when that word is considered a bad word by some people, but thats fodder for another column another day.
Probably in the 80's "Christian Rock" was a cut below mainline secular rock, but these days it has caught up from a quality standpoint, and from a technological standpoint.
It is interesting to me that many bands are not calling themselves "Christian" bands anymore. I like that idea. In my own life I don't separate the Christian from the secular. Art is art is art...
That's quiet a tangent. Anyway ...
I feel it is important to have that first show for free.
I think the most interesting thing is just that I keep learning new things. Little did I know that 2-3 months is not enough time to put on a concert. Oh well, sometimes its better to not know what can't be done.
But this show is relatively small in the overall scheme of things.
This is my way of trying to do something positive to change attitudes in Arkansas City.
I'm still looking for help. If anyone wants to get involved, get in touch with me.
james
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Who will be playing
Bands scheduled so far:
Remedy Drive. An up and coming band out of Lincoln, Nebraska. They have been touring with some of the top alternative bands in the country and plan to make another CD very soon. I feel lucky to have found them. They have a very nice sound, upbeat rock and roll. They are fine musicians, and have a great message.
Ashley Reynolds
A new singer on the contemporary music scene. She has a very nice voice and a nice message.
Local talent
The Butler Brothers
Tim Durham
More to come.
Remedy Drive. An up and coming band out of Lincoln, Nebraska. They have been touring with some of the top alternative bands in the country and plan to make another CD very soon. I feel lucky to have found them. They have a very nice sound, upbeat rock and roll. They are fine musicians, and have a great message.
Ashley Reynolds
A new singer on the contemporary music scene. She has a very nice voice and a nice message.
Local talent
The Butler Brothers
Tim Durham
More to come.
What's this about a music festival?
Well, the wheels are slowly starting to turn, and I'm finally starting to get a bit nervous.
I have never tried anything like this before, so I don't even know what can't be done.
I am planning a contemporary Christian (dare I say rock and roll) festival for Arkansas City.
This blog will keep people up to date on the goings on concerning the festival.
Here is the basic deal.
On Oct. 21 there will be 3 or 4 bands performing near the levee in south Arkansas City.
Not sure when the show will start, but the bands are about lined up.
This is the Monday of Arkalalah week, so maybe we can attract some of that crowd over when they are not busy.
I have had great encouragement by everyone.
I still need financial contributions as well as prizes to give away. I need help of all kinds, so if you are interested, get in touch with me.
I have never tried anything like this before, so I don't even know what can't be done.
I am planning a contemporary Christian (dare I say rock and roll) festival for Arkansas City.
This blog will keep people up to date on the goings on concerning the festival.
Here is the basic deal.
On Oct. 21 there will be 3 or 4 bands performing near the levee in south Arkansas City.
Not sure when the show will start, but the bands are about lined up.
This is the Monday of Arkalalah week, so maybe we can attract some of that crowd over when they are not busy.
I have had great encouragement by everyone.
I still need financial contributions as well as prizes to give away. I need help of all kinds, so if you are interested, get in touch with me.
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