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2nd Annual MusicFest a Success by Amanda Schilling
Despite the pouring rains that drenched most of Southeast Texas, the 2nd annual Hardin County MusicFest was a success! The crowds were smaller than expected, especially on Saturday once the rain began, but around 4000 people turned out over the weekend to listen to great live music, ride the helicopters, and participate in numerous events. According to festival officials, approximately $10,000 was raised for local non-profit organizations in the process.
The weather was a damper on festivities. “Eleven a.m. to midnight is a long day out in the hot sun,” says Amanda Schilling, Executive Director, “and though there were good crowds at the numerous events early in the day, we expected the majority of people to wait until the evening when the bigger bands were scheduled to play”. Unfortunately for the MusicFest, that was just when the rain began, flooding several of the surrounding areas leading people to believe that the festival was rained out. The festival grounds, however, only received a very light rain.
“The people who braved the rain and hung around Saturday night got an awesome show and the chance to interact with the bands like they wouldn’t have been able to if the crowds were bigger,” says Schilling. Reckless Kelly cancelled at the last minute due to a major family emergency, but Micky and the Motorcars and Cory Morrow performed to a relatively intimate crowd on Saturday night as if they were in a packed stadium. Some in attendance admitted being bummed that Reckless Kelly didn’t show, but they also said the event was a great time overall and they can’t wait until next year.
Friday night introduced some new fans to the likes of Ian Moore and Pride & Joy. Joe Lopez Jr., son of local blues musician Joe Lopez, was “really impressed” with Pride & Joy and Ian Moore saying, “Those guys rocked! I can’t believe they are in Kountze!”.
That seemed to be the general consensus of the crowd on Friday night. Several people said that Ian Moore was one of their new favorite bands and they are so excited that an Austin-style music festival has finally come to Southeast Texas. So, music fans rejoice! The Hardin County MusicFest will return next spring with even bigger bands and more fun!
For more info on the Hardin County MusicFest, visit the website at www.hcmusicfest.com or call (409) 673-9803.
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