Are you an art lover? Do you appreciate the earth and take care of it? Well, if you didn’t get the chance to attend the Ashe Indie Festival (AIF), here’s what you missed!
I’m pretty sure some readers are wondering what the Ashe Indie Festival is and what does it mean? The first annual Ashe Indie Festival was an event inspired by the energy and creativity of independent artists in Tallahassee to connect these artists with their fans, other artists and their roots- the Earth.
AIF was a two-day eccentric art festival (April 23-April 24 from 2 p.m.-9 p.m.), which featured about 30 local artists, DJs and musicians. There were also other auxiliaries to visit and get more information about and vendors were able to show their work and sell different pieces.
The vendors' creativity ranged from stones, earrings, different herbal pieces, artwork, and food! AIF united different artists and lovers of the indie craft together to promote positivity in the community so all could appreciate art and have a good time.
Quite frankly, Tallahassee has never had any festival that celebrates and showcases local underground independent artists, art and earth all in one! The event was held at Mojo’s Art Café, which is a large outdoor space with many trees (so it has a lot of shade), next to a body of water.
A stage was set up for the artists and DJs which included speakers and colorful lighting for the night performers. Earth lovers were able to plant trees and other crops on site. The activities included the vendors, which were local, state and global causes and campaigns that attendees could embark on and learn more about.
In support of my good friend, (an artist on the 2016 line up) Bailey The Bear, many of my good friends and I attended this event. We embarked on a life changing experience, going around the festival checking out all the vendors.
We bought stones, and art pieces, there was a list for our social media accounts that the vendor would follow, so we would be able to check out their pieces on there as well. I was so amazed by all the talent and the people who were in attendance as well.
There were so many enlightened and positive people there with a great story to tell.
Some sat on the floor with a blanket underneath them and ate finger food while watching the artists, others were in front of the stage dancing, and the rest sat on the benches that were provided with blankets on top to cover the wood. Tiki lights were lit toward the night so everyone would be able to see and to prevent mosquitos, one guy lit an incense to illuminate the outdoors with a sweet smoky smell.
As we awaited our friend’s performance, we heard many other great artists and enjoyed the bonfire that was lit later through the night. He was scheduled to perform from 7:40-7:50.
When he arrived, time was pushed back to 9:30pm. We waited patiently in anticipation of Bailey The Bear’s performance. Time went on, and around 9:30, Bailey The Bear’s supporters were all in the front row ready to cheer him on- we had our dance moves and lights on our phones lit so the crowd would be able to see him.
The creator of the Ashe Indie Festival came out with a heart felt apology; she expressed the Indie Fest was over, there would be no more performers and she was elated on how great the fest turned out, and was glad that everyone had a great time. Immediately, confused and enraged, we start to chant, “Bailey The Bear,” but our chant was shut down, along with the fest.
Walking bummed out to the parking lot across the street, it dawned on me I could turn this around for us. I went to my truck, and played the two songs Bailey The Bear picked for his set, "I Think I Like Her" from his mix tape, The Misadventures of Bailey, and a single "Hot and Ready." The Bear performed in the parking lot with some of the artists and fans from the festival.
We were thrilled and exhilarated for his performance! We were dancing and singing along as if he were on stage. It was a performance we as friends and supporters of his music will never forget.
The Ashe Indie Festival provided the platform for us. Even though, Bailey The Bear wasn’t able to express his message and music at the Festival, he still made an impact on those in the parking lot.
The Festival was meant for fans to enjoy an event inspired by art, Earth and Indie Artists. The event was a success and I enjoyed the time I spent being a part of a movement that will one day change the world.
(Listed below is BaileyTheBear’s Vlog and our experience at the Ashe Indie Festival)
