AVLfest returns to WNC
S.G. Goodman. Marrah Ste. Marie photo
Any live music fan knows the feeling of the energy in a crowd before a show begins. And, despite its newness in only its second year of existence, that energy was in full effect at AVLfest this past weekend in Asheville.
Over 20 venues around the city hosted upwards of 350 bands throughout the four-day bash. Crowds of people buzzed with excitement while they sipped beverages and waited near The Outpost stage in the River Arts District expectantly.
All around, you could hear the conversations of friends catching up, fans discussing their favorite songs and families routing which performances they would see next that night. Behind the stage, as performers prepared for their sets, a different kind of energy was buzzing. For many performers, the ability to create and share music with an audience that can relate is a special experience.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is a band that began in 2007 in Asheville. As a local band, it was special to lead singer Platt to be able to have continued making music and touring long enough to perform at AVLfest.
Amanda Anne Platt & the Honecutters. Marrah Ste. Marie photo
“Performing live is my favorite part of making music,” Platt said. “It’s because of the people — the human connection. When it all comes together, you’re like, ‘Oh right this is why I’m doing it.’”
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As Kentucky singer-songwriter Justin Wells performed, Platt played with her kids and sat with her bandmates. In the air, there was a mixed feeling of anticipation before performing and the relaxation that comes with listening to a live set.
Near Platt, also listening to Wells was S.G. Goodman, another rising singer-songwriter from Kentucky. Despite not being local to the area, Goodman still had an appreciation for Asheville and the concept of AVLfest.
“I think the cool thing about Asheville — being in the mountains and spreading this festival out — [is that] it gives people a chance to get a taste of the city and a taste for all the different types of music,” Goodman said.
As Wells’ set came to a close, festival volunteers and crew members scattered backstage to create the smooth transition to the Honeycutters’ upcoming set.
Wells stepped off stage with his band, smiling at a successful performance. Being the first set of the evening, the band had the job of hooking the crowd and previewing their exciting weekend. With every song, more people arrived and the crowd continued to grow.
“[Performing live] is my favorite part of this business,” Wells said. “There are aspects of this business that suck and hurt, but I’m always rubber banded back to the joy of live performance.”
For Wells, that reminder is important. After his old band had broken up and his twin daughters were born, he considered quitting the music industry.
“I’ve had a couple brushes with, ‘maybe I shouldn’t do this,’” Wells said. “I was thinking about going to work at the factory and my wife said, ‘if you quit, you’re teaching our daughters how to quit.’ So, quitting was off the table.”
Justin Wells (second from left). Marrah Ste. Marie photo
Wells became teary-eyed as he spoke of the balance of being a husband and father while touring with a band.
“I’m always leaving the things I love,” he said. “What I try to do is be as present as possible. Catch all their talent shows, I don’t work on their birthday. I do the best I can and I love them very much.”
As the Honeycutters’ set continued, the audience continued to grow. The size of the crowd had seemed to expand five times from the beginning of the night. As the band closed, everyone backstage once again set to work to prepare for the next set.
One of the backstage workers was Rachel Dudasik, one of the head organizers of AVLfest and also the community outreach for Wicked Weed Brewing, the main sponsor of the festival itself. For Dudasik, Asheville is home, the community and its music shaping her life.
“What makes me excited is giving back to this area that raised me,” Dudasik said. “I grew up around music, listening to it, attempting to play it. So, it’s great to be a part of it on this side.”
Dudasik’s previous experience with music festivals gave her the skillset to set her up for success. But, without the venues’ willingness to participate and a “spectacular volunteer force,” AVLfest would’ve remained just a dream.
Dudasik talked about the formation of the festival from an idea amongst a small group of people to its second year, she looked around the venue. The crowd was continuing to swell around the stage, lines were forming at the merchandise table and the audience just began cheering for the next performer. She spoke with pride.
“I hope to grow old with this festival,” she said.
