"Basically we just want to bring all the local genres of music together on one platform to showcase what our area has to offer," explained Ole Perrson, the mastermind behind Humboldt County's own exclusive music festival. Summerfest is an annual event that had its debut in June of 2000 out at Camp Kimtu when it brought fourteen local bands together on one stage. Not only did it generate a phenomenal response, it opened up a plethora of opportunities for the bands in the area including an onslaught of new fans as well as the chance to prove themselves as musicians as well as performers. A number of bands released CDs there as well including "The Humboldt Freestyle Kings," "3 Heads," "Acts of Aggression," and "Buddy Brown and the Houndogs."
"I had an anxiety attack the night before," Persson exclaimed as he described the day before the event. He was hoping that at least five hundred people would walk through the gates. He was kept in suspense because only a few early birds trickled in at the start of the things at 9:30 am. But by noon, he learned that his hard work was delivering a turnout. People of all genres emerged from their caves and came out to have a good time and experience the vitality of Summerfest. Including vendors, bandmates, and the audience the population broke 2500. The problems in people's pasts were abolished for a day and a certain good-natured integrity prevailed throughout the event. Vans of people were spilling out onto the campgrounds as the festival kicked off in the early afternoon. Since the sun was sweltering above the activities, many ended up in the river or lounging in the shade between bands.
This year's Summerfest has brought Perrson back along with his newfound partner Scott Stewart whom he met during preparation for last year's festivities through News Channel 3. Together they make up Diamondback Entertainment the company behind the 2nd annual festival set for June 23, 2001. "You learn things about people when the day comes for people to pull through," Perrson said. A number of people slipped out of the project as the event drew nearer, but Scott was one of the few that remained there by his side from beginning to end. It's a unique partnership becaue they are polar opposites, but they manage to balance each other out. "Ole has a big heart and sometimes when you're organizing a festival that can take advantage of you. It's a business, so there's a financial side to it that is tricky. He is very giving, and I make sure the business side is taken care of. I am too conservative though, so we kind of keep each other in check." explained Stewart.
The feedback from last year overall was incredible because there was a mountain of coverage prior to the festival, during it, and after it. As with any first experience though, negative feedback is generated as well. "People's attention started turning to how much money the festival was making and how much we pocketed rather then whether or not people were having a good time." Afterwards, a number of people were under the impression that Persson was walking away with fifteen thousand dollars in his back pocket. They didn't take into mind that he had fourteen bands to pay as well as the city council to deal with the next day. Stewart ended up sporting Persson gas money for the car ride home. They would like to stress that any money they may make though will go straight back into the next Summerfest. "We're hoping to branch it out and keep it going, you're not going to see us driving benzes down the road and flashing gold rings, any profit goes into the festival." Persson said with a laugh.
Another thing that continued to haunt Summerfest after it's debut was the "Kid Rock thing." Originally, as part of the highlights for Summerfest, Kid Rock was going to make a guest appearance and maybe say a few words on stage. This ended up falling through which caused a wave of speculation and disappoinment that revolved around Summerfest and Persson himself. Many people questioned whether or not it was some gimmick to attract audiences to the festival and whether Persson himself had any actual connection to Kid Rock. The truth behind the rumours is that Kid Rock had been scheduled to come out to Summerfest but as the festival inched closer, security for the event began to wane. Kid Rock's security team began to question whether or not the event would be safe for him. "Everyone knows that family protects family and Kid Rock is like family to me, so I knew it woudln't be the safest place for him." Persson commented. His past with Kid Rock stems back to when he was an intern for Top Dog (Kid Rock's label) years before Kid Rock became famous. "I want people to understand that there is a lot of hype that is brought to his name for the albums sold and media attention. Back then I was pushing his name in the streets when he didn't have that big of a name. I was there from day one, when he was starting out. It proves that things can be done and that you can make a standing."
Another thing they would like to stress is the intent and focus of Summerfest which is local musicians. "We want you coming out to experience the bands and what Summerfest is. Don't come out to celebrity watch. Otherwise stay at home and watch TV because you'll have a better time." said Stewart.
One of the great things about Summerfest is that it's a festival specifically for the bands. It's rare that your ticket money will go directly to the bands, but that's a strong idea behind the event as well as the goal of promoting them. "We see all the bands around here battling in the industry trenches. They are trying to get heard and paid for their time, and their battling to do this. We understand their cause and their fight, and we're not a big production company trying to make money off of these bands," Persson expressed. In their aspiration to help expose local bands, this year's festival lineup will also be coming together on a compilation CD that will be sold nationwide. It will be released three weeks prior to the festival and recorded at Big Bang Productions in Loleta. Each band will get two and half hours of recording time in the studio. Not only will it help spread the word of what's going on in Humboldt, it will catalog the memories for years to come.
Summerfest is a festival for all walks of life, but its especially dedicated to high school students and teenagers out there. Both Persson and Stewart can recall those tedious days of high school when there was nothing to do but go out and cause trouble. Last year, Wonderland Avenue, one of the bands Persson manages did an excellent job in promoting the event for the high schools. They succeeded in making the kids feel welcome and somewhat special because the event was targeted at them. "I don't feel that all ages are really welcome to most of the festivals around here. So we are willing to put our money on the line to make sure its a safe venture. They can come and party down and have a good time. Plus they don't have to worry about sneaking around," said Perrson. Last year, a large percentage of their turn out was a younger crowd which ended in a great reception with no problems or turmoil of any kind.
There's a substantial amount of inspiration behind Summerfest from both partners. "It's my release, I live, eat, and breathe music. I always have. I go to bed and wake up to it. To work with music is a thrill for me. I have a job and everything else, but I still want to push this (summerfest) and get things moving" Stewart said. They're both doing it because its refreshing for them, and because they know the area needs it. They hope that they're creating something for bands to look forward to and aspire to be part of. A main conflict in Humboldt is that many bands start up and then quit after three or six months because they feel like the music isn't taking them anywhere. Summerfest is a local way for them to branch out and actually feel like they can take their music a step or two further. It also pulls bands as well the audience together to form a community.
Up next for this year's festivities there's a number of bands performing including Wonderland Avenue, Automatic Pink, the Cutters, Apocalyptic Music Brigade, Humboldt Freestyle Kings, Voodoo Blue and many more. It's going to be kicking off a bit later than last year at 11 am or so with two stages this time, a Camp Kimtu stage and a Candystick Park stage which will keep things rolling more quickly. "A lot of people are down because it's a sweet ass beach where you can enjoy the river and relax in the sun," explained Persson. They also want to promote camping out after the festivities because its free for anyone who attends the event. There will definitely be more vendors this year as well as some mystery guest bands nobody wants to miss. Coors Light is premiering two beers at the festival and the HWA, Humboldt's own backyard wrestling league will be there causing entertainment in the muck. They're hoping to have some water activities set up like water slides and a mist tent to ease the heat of the day. Hopefully next year, it will be a two day festival so that even more bands can get on the bill, and they can expand the horizons of Summerfest. In closing Stewart said, "Eventually I want it to be a weekend festival. Ten years from now, I want to still see it going on so that Reggae on the River, Blues on the Bay and Summerfest are this area's three major festivals. I want it to be big, I want it to blow up, I want it to be incredible, everything that we can imagine it to be. I want it to be the best damn festival there is."Summerfest Thank Yous:
Craig Perrone at Delreka Distributing, Red Bull, Coors, Steve at Pepsi, Jennifer and Jason at Primal Decor and Red Cherry Glass, Aaron and Joel Dean, Jeff Nelson Bob at the Vista and the District Council for all their support.Summerfest 2001, June 23, 2001
Camp Kimtu & Candystick Park in Willow Creek, CA
Info Line: 707-443-7368
Vendors $200-400 depending on location
call for layouts.
Tickets: $15 in advance
Available at Primal Decor, the Works, Metro, NHC Exhaust