By Lisa Claire Bower, Rock At Night Orlando Correspondent
WJRR’s Earthday Birthday festival featured three stages of music including the Acoustic Stage featuring national and local recording artists and the grand opening of the all-new Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. In addition to the live music, Earthday Birthday 23 offered carnival rides, an art show, a vendor area, and a wrestling ring among other attractions. Attendance was approximately 15,000 which was filled with all ages.
Being that I was the only one covering the festival, I didn’t get to stay in one place too long. After my permitted three songs, I would make my way back and forth between the two main stages. Most times during the three songs I was so busy concentrating on trying to get great photos that I could not concentrate on paying much attention to the music.
There were a couple bands that were able to catch my ear though. One of those bands was Dorothy. Lead singer Dorothy Martin has a bad-ass voice that reminded me a bit of a cross between Grace Slick & Fiona Apple. Dorothy has a bluesy-rock sound that leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this band. Check out her self-titled EP on iTunes.
The other band that caught my ear was Dirty Heads. They have a cool vibe filled with hip-hop, ska and an upbeat reggae sound. Dirty Heads will be hitting the road with Sublime this summer so if you have a chance to see them… Do it, you won’t be disappointed.
Now onto the one band I was really looking forward to seeing…Bush. Gavin and the boys did not disappoint. The crowd roared with excitement as soon as the first note played. We were about two and a half songs in when security started rushing us out of the pit. Seems Gavin was ready to get closer to the fans so off I went to the next band.
I came back to shoot Chevelle and after my three songs, I noticed Gavin Rosdale from Bush was watching the show from the side of the stage. He looked over my way so I took the chance and waved and said “hello”. Much to my surprise, he waved and said “hello” back! Next thing I know he is coming down the steps from the stage so I said “Hey, great set!” and he said “Thanks!” One of the other photogs asked for a photo with him and he said sure. I figured what the hell, and asked if he minded taking one with me too. He said “not at all” and scooped me in and I was able to get my pic with him… Highlight of the day.
All in all, the festival was awesome and I look forward to seeing what WJRR has planned for EDBD 24!
The Line Up:
New Years Day
Perego Art Army
Traverser
Fit for Rivals
Dorothy
Bobaflex
Cilver
Escape the Fate
From Ashes to New
Red Sun Rising
Dirty Heads
Trivium
Bush
Halestorm
Chevelle
Breaking Benjamin
311
Photo Gallery
Bush
Chevelle
Trivium
Breaking Benjamin
311
Halestorm
Escape the Fate
New Year’s Day
Cilver
Traverser
Dorothy
Red Sun Rising
Fit For Rivals
Bobaflex
From Ashes to New
Perego Art Army
The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission to Rock At Night and the photographer. Use of any image is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws.
Since I can remember, I have either been in front of or behind a camera. I love the thought of photos and capturing a moment in time.Being able to look at a photo and transport myself to that exact moment and the emotions that it represents is thrilling. I can only hope as others look at the photos I take brings them that same thrill that I feel while taking them.
- WJRR’s Earthday Birthday 25 proves rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay! - April 26, 2018
- MY2K Tour storms into Tampa - July 17, 2016
- WJRR’s Earthday Birthday 23 was a day full hard hitting rock n’ roll sponsored by Rock Pink - April 28, 2016
