Save The Date - June 25th Oakland Elks
A new paradigm for growing up in the 21st century embraces the concepts of learning, leading and enterprising; and, it is reflected in the efforts of Matt Smith who, once again, is bringing local residents “Waynestock”.
Like Woodstock which was not held in Woodstock, Waynestock is not being held in Wayne. The event will take place on June 25th at the Oakland Elks lodge: starting around 11a.m. and running till 9:30p.m. 30 bands are scheduled to play throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair/blanket and enjoy a day of music outside on the scenic grounds. Tickets are $10 and can be bought from bands or at the door. Food will be sold at the event as well.
Now a high school junior, Smith produced the first Waynestock musical festival last year and raised over $1200 for the Education Through Music charity that provides funds to schools in danger of losing their music programs. While helping to raise funds for the charity is an important element, it is not the sole impetus for the festival.
The driving impetus was, according to Smith, “I always go to shows…. and I thought it would be sweet if I could get all the amazing bands I’ve seen throughout each year and put them together in one spot for an awesome festival!”
Smith organized a committee structure for implementing Waynestock with teams taking responsibility for scheduling bands, coordinating work crews, and soliciting donations. “Sponsors can advertise at our show by hanging banners, being put on our T-shirt, etc… in exchange for money or donations. When it comes to the team and crew we are pretty much set but we would never deny people from helping”, explains Smith. (waynestock2011@aol.com)
While Smith’s efforts over the last few years have led to great success, the potential for Waynestock might be seen in the success of “Rock The Mill” a youth-organized, youth-oriented concert in Cambridge, Canada. The present chair of the event, which has evolved over 14 years, is Brian Santos; and, he recently forged a new alliance with the business community seeking to promote greater interest in the city’s downtown.
Santos’ efforts with organizing Rock The Mill brought him enough experience and understanding of the community to run as the yougest candidate ever for municipal office, and inspire students across the region to take an interest in municpal affairs.
Besides Santos’ Rock The Mill festival in Canada being youth-organized like Waynestock, another similarity to NJ was his candidacy platform which many in NJ can relate to – less taxes and a consolidation of municipal services.
Learning, leading and enterprising.
Save the date of June 25th for Waynestock – the area’s biggest musical celebration. Smith’s band “Cabin 49”, will be one of the 30 bands performing, along with another local band previously covered in The Journal “The Escape Directors”.
The diversity of bands range from rock to indie folk.