FOLIOby jack diablo
Harvest of Hope Fest returns to the St. John’s County Fairgrounds this March for its second year. The festival spans three days and aims to raise money for the Harvest of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization providing aid and funds to migrant farm workers and their families.
Established in 1997, the Harvest of Hope Foundation has distributed over $770,000 in educational aid, medical services, and small grants to an otherwise overlooked and under-appreciated population. The foundation’s goal is to “fill the gaps” in the limited and restrictive aid and services offered by state and federal programs by directly applying eighty cents from every dollar raised to the cause.
Last year’s fest was a phenomenal success, particularly for the pilot run of an event of such scope and magnitude. Such main act headliners as Bad Brains, The National and Girl Talk shared stage-time with local acts like Antarctic and Alligator. The event boasted an incredibly diverse lineup and attracted 17,000 visitors from around the world (28% out of Florida) over its three days.
This year looks to top both the public turnout and the caliber of performers. So far bands include Billy Bragg, Rogue Wave, Senses Fail, Dead Prex and many, many more. Kool Keith, The Mountain Goats and This Bike is a Pipebomb return to the fest, ready for more.
As a HoH veteran (I’ve been to every one!), I can offer some tips on how to get the most out of your experience this year. Listen up!
1. Get a hold of the schedule early. This year HoH promises over 150 bands. That’s around 75 hours worth of straight music, not counting set up time, sleep, etc. over less than 72 hours. In other words you can’t see everybody, so figure out who you have to see and make your own schedule. Also, be aware of schedule changes. They are inevitable.
2. Make an effort to see some new bands. There are plenty of big name acts this year. You could park yourself in front of the main stage all day and get your money’s worth, no doubt. But there’s a lot happening on the side stages as well. Chances are you’ll catch the next big thing before anyone else. Looking back on the 2009 roster, I found tons of bands that I hadn’t heard of at the time but who I would die to see now. Don’t miss out on those undiscovered gems.
3. Camp. I don’t care if you live in Fernandina or right on State Road 207, there is way too much going on at Harvest of Hope to miss one single minute. The camping grounds are equipped with toilets, bathing facilities and food vendors on site– serving up vegan fare and morning coffee. Last year, around 3500 attendees pitched tents and hung out all night long. That’s a big party!
4. Bring extra everything. Parking is a bit of a nightmare and you have to pay every time you come back, so stock up on water, hot dogs, granola bars and whatever else you need to make it through the weekend. Oh yes, and beer. Bring extra beer.
5. Bring protection. From the elements, of course. That means wear sunblock and drink lots of water. I didn’t even make it to the end last year because my skin hurt and my liver damn near went on strike. Have a good time but pace yourself. Don’t end up like the crust punk passed out in the dirt.
Now you’re ready. You can find more information at www.harvestofhopefest.com Check back next month for more pre-HoH coverage and stay plugged in to www.folioweekly.com for interviews and album reviews from the 2010 lineup. See you in March!
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