Pink Moon V Official Video by Mind House Pictures

Pink Moon Festival Photo Review - Mind House Pictures

Mind House Pictures did an incredible job covering this year's Pink Moon Festival! Please visit their Facebook page and give them a "like"!!

You can find the entire MHP Pink Moon 5 album here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.520170578064766.1073741836.497664416982049&type=3

Pink Moon Festival V Review

Making my way down Interstate 81 South with Envoy in tow – it was finally September 12^th. Their set started at 3 p.m. and we were going to be cutting it oh so close but all of this left my mind as we left Union, West Virginia and drove down the old and familiar Willowbend Road to the farmhouse. Words cannot even begin to explain how filled with happiness I was when I reached the long, rocky driveway. It had only been three weeks since I left the farm to go back to school, but it felt like years!

Once I got to the house and the band got to where they needed to be, I set up camp and was ready to start working. While Jess and Seth managed things around the venue, I worked a while at ticketing at the gate. The day was hot and beautiful in the mountains and on this particular weekend, encompassed by music.

More and more people arrived steadily throughout the day Friday. I was even lucky enough to have my very own father attend the festival this year – give him a first-person perspective of exactly what it is that I do for Rock Camp Productions.

With the inflow of people, a cool front also passed through Rock Camp providing a perfect temperature for the remainder of the weekend. As attendees where getting set up, High Street and the Northerners started the day off right and put everyone in good spirits. PBR rocked the Shangri La stage followed by the Shack Band. Rumpke Mountain Boys and David Gans arrived later just in time for their sets. Despite some bus trouble, they made it to Rock Camp though. The only issue that presented itself was that David Gans was set to perform within twenty minutes and they still were not at the stage yet. So the one and only John Church and his handy dandy golf cart made their way down to scoop David for his set. 

Soon to follow, Rumpke Mountain Boys were on their way to the farmhouse to hang out a bit before they played later that night. In the meantime, I hung out around the campsite with friends where we were all able to enjoy David’s set at the Farmhouse Stage. The rest of the night included GalaxyDynamite, Moogatu and Rumpke’s sets (including an additional set with DavidGans). The Rumpke Mountain Boys brought their “trashgrass” straight to Pinky’s Farm! The group named this style from blending bluegrass and jamgrass to create something all their own. With amazing banjo, mandolin, bass and acoustic guitar technique, Rumpke had captured the crowd – looking around it was clear that everyone was having a great time!

Friday was wrapping up and I made my way back down to the gate after meandering around for a bit.

Because the air had cooled down quite a bit since the night before, Jeremy had started a small bonfire earlier in the evening that proved to be essential as the night progressed. Friends upon friends made their way down to the gate to sit by the fire and enjoy each other’s company and partake in light banter. It was the second night of Pink Moon V and it was obvious that the weekend was just going to get better!

Saturday began with music from Nice Couch, FractalCat and the Northerners followed by the Mad Anthonys, Threesound, Golden Guns, Funk Punch and Kings of Belmont. The weather was still exceptional and I really cannot stress enough how perfect everything during the weekend of Pink Moon V was! After spending some time here and there, I was able to catch a bit of Urth’s set which turned out to be completely mesmerizing! This group had an immense impact on a few of my friends who were still talking about their performance even hours after they played. The evening continued with the Former Champions, Sol, and Big Something bring a BIG crowd to the main stage around 11 that night. Octopus, Plaeground, Tek Subport and Aarodynamics all played amazing sets for the remainder of the night and into the early morning.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Professor Marvel started the day off with some good jams followed by my personal favorite of the weekend – the KIND! The KIND is known for their amazing Grateful Dead covers and with a voice like Wendy Godley’s, they are really unforgettable. 

Sunday also included an animated set for M.H. and his Orchestra. This group really knows how to keep an audience captivated not only through their music but also through the overall performance throughout their set. Around seven, things got funky with the Good Funk on the Shangri La Stage followed by sets from Greenhouse Lounge and Bassdread.

Photo Credit Jason Hann

Then there was EOTO. But as Jason Hann would say, “EgOaTO.” Not only was their set so much fun and jammy, but the duo were accompanied by Jed the goat (an awesome pet of a member of the Pink Moon Family) hence the name “EgOaTO.” EOTO played for an incredible 3.5 hours, for an beautiful, tight-knit, intimate crowd. Their performance this year was by far one of the best that I have seen!

So, here you have a bit of my weekend at Pink Moon Festival V at Pinky’s Farm. The weekend was magical, beautiful and all-around perfect. 

I truly could have not asked for better company for which to work, and to see everything come together as it did is incredible. I am so very grateful that I have the opportunity to work with Rock Camp Productions and to also have Jess and Seth as my absolutely amazing bosses and friends. I would like to give a huge thanks to the two of you for all the hard work you go through during the year to make Pink Moon as great as it is! 

I would also like to thank all of the musicians and artists for taking the time to be interviewed and for their awesome performances at the festival this year. Another thank you goes to the staff and volunteers that helped keep things running smoothly, we could not have done it without you all!

What a wonderful Pink Moon it was indeed. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Atoadaso

Atoadaso is a band from Roanoke and will be playing their second Pink Moon this year. It consists of brothers Griff and Billy, who have been playing off and on for most of their lives, and Max and Stephen. The two began playing with Max about three years ago and formed Atoadaso a little while after that with Stephen joining the band just under a year ago. 

Atoadaso has an interesting story behind their band name choice, “We wanted a word or idea people would have to assign a new and unique meaning to – create a ‘fresh idea’ in their mind. The word ‘Atoadaso’  actually comes from an episode of ‘Trailer Park Boys’ as a misspoken, ‘I told you so.’” 

The group has a few rituals in which they partake prior to performing, such as frequent urination, stretching, caffeine, flowers, IPAs, and bananas in various forms. 

As for plans after Pink Moon, Atoadaso intends to focus on writing and recording during the winter.

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Galaxy Dynamite!

Galaxy Dynamite will be performing their third Pink Moon Festival this year. The band consists of Mike, Baker and Sam and they have been together for a little more than three years. 

The named developed from a fighting move used by a character in a videogame based on a Japanese anime cartoon called “Dragon Ball Z.” Mike’s college roommate suggested that would be a good band name and they decided to use it a year later. They are most proud of their song “This Should Happen Again” and also “Nothing Says Beach Like a Highway.” 

Galaxy Dynamite is playing two nights at Pink Moon Festival V and will also be performing three Phish after-parties in Hampton. If you are not able to catch their first set then you will have the opportunity to see their second, be sure not to miss out! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Major and the Monbacks

Major and the Monbacks is a nine-piece band. The group includes Neal Friedman, Cole Friedman, Michael Adkins, Nick Saunders, Woody Marshall, Jay Einhorn, Tyler West, Hunter Rhodes, and Harry Schloeder. Instruments present in the group include vocals, guitar, organ, bass, harmonica, trumpet, saxophone, percussion, hype, and drums. 

As a band, they are all really looking forward to the progress and growth of the band what the future has to hold for them. Major and the Monbacks are currently broadening their horizons, “We have broken out of our hometown in Norfolk and we are starting to play farther and farther from home and have a great time meeting new people, bands, and venues that enjoy our music.” 

They are looking forward to next summer when they plan on touring out-of-town more regularly and playing as many shows as they can fit into their schedule. A full-length album could also be in the works in the near future for the group. 

This group really has a lot to offer and you should be sure to check them out at Pink Moon Festival V this year!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: General Patton

General Patton will be playing his third Pink Moon Festival this year. He is from Newport News, Virginia and has been dj-ing for over 12 years and has been playing music since he was 11. 

He plays because music is the ultimate release for him. Many people and artists inspire him but he is inspired most by his parents. In choosing his stage name, the obvious was Patton because it is his last name and also because the famous General Patton was his grandfather’s cousin. General Patton’s favorite thing about performing is “bringing people together and making them dance.” 

For musical goals, he would like to improve upon marketing himself as a musician and is looking forward to “life in general.” The next move for General Patton is to transition to a career that will allow him to focus more time and finances on his music hobby. Be sure to check out his set this weekend because it will not disappoint!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Dr. Jektor

Dr. Jektor is a solo artist and has been making music since he was 15. He was born in Yonkers, New York and grew up and lived there for 23 years. As a kid, he was inspired by Pink Floyd, “The way they changed and evolved music and the stories conveyed through their art. I knew I wanted to express myself in the same way by creating sound and weaving those sounds into melody rhythm and e

motion.”

The pseudonym Dr. Jektor came to be during a drunken brainstorming session between him and his roommates at the time. He was dissatisfied with his pervious moniker and wante done that fit his manner of approaching music, something that was able to convey a type of “mad scientist…who makes and spins beats, someone who injects life and energy into a party.” 

If Dr. Jektor could be a candy bar, he would “probably be a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, it’s a winning combination of two opposites that together I find irresistible.” On a more serious note, he is looking forward to the point where he can make a living off of his music and gigs and where he does not need a day job to “stay afloat.” In the near future he will be finishing and releasing his first LP! 

We are extremely excited to have Dr. Jektor with us this year because he was scheduled to perform last Pink Moon Festival, but had car troubles and had to cancel. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Serotones

Pink Moon Festival first-timers Serotones had their beginnings in the summer of 2011 with a few line-up changes since then. The band consists of Nate Oakes, Christopher Oakes, Tyler Carnahan, and Zac Magalis. Each member has been playing music for ten years or more. 

The name came about from Christopher, “It’s a play on words with the chemical in your body, serotonin, popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.” They are looking forward to one day quitting their jobs and playing music full-time. Up next for the Serotones is recording an EP and touring. 

Be sure to check out this group at the festival this year! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Good Funk

The Good Funk will be performing their first Pink Moon Festival this year. The group has been together for about three years, but due to complications, the original guitarist and keys player, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalists are no longer members of the band. Currently the members include Greg on bass, Bob on drums, and Ari on guitar and vocals. 

The Good Funk plays music because they love it. Ari elaborated on his musical interest, “I play music because it’s been an outlet for me all my life. Through struggle or smiles, it’s what came out of me and helped me to be who I am. I don’t know where I’d be or if I’d even be here without music and I’m sure it’s the just the same for the other guys in my band.” 

The Good Funk has a ritual of having group hugs before performances and while performing they like being able to tell how “in sync” they are and so much so that it puts a smile on everyone’s face, “It’s beautiful to see us make that connection as a band, truly satisfied with something you’ve created together.” 

The band is looking forward to PinkMoon Festival V the most because it the biggest festival for them so far and soon following they will be performing at Fall Freequinox the following weekend with a show at the Diamondback Tavern in early October. Be sure to check out the Good Funk at the festival this year because they will indeed be nothing less of good funk!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Megadrives

Another Pink Moon Festival newcomer is the Megadrives. This group has been together since 2006 and they have been playing music their whole life.

The band's name came about in an interesting way, “Apparently it came to me in a dream Joe says, I don’t quite remember that, but we used to live in the same house so I could have been bleary-eyed after waking up,” explains Ryan. “It’s also a homage to old school video games which helped get me into electronic music – I used to jam out in the sound test menus with headphones on, tapping sound effect in a rhythm – the Sega Genesis has a headphone jack and volume slider, the Sega Megadrive is the Japanese name and I always thought that was way cooler sounding.” 

Currently, something the group would like to improve upon as musicians is the business side of things. They are looking forward to getting their passports renewed and traveling the world! Other than Pink Moon Festival V, the group is working on a custom set for a Jim Henson inspired rave with a Labyrinth theme. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: David Gans

Radio personality, musician, producer, and music journalist, David Gans will be a headliner at Pink Moon Festival V this year! He is a native Californian and began playing music 44 years ago when he began with the clarinet around the age of seven. David explained that he ventured to playing guitar at the age of 15 when his brother “set a couple of my tortured teenage poems to music and taught me the chords,” and has been writing songs ever since. His music journalism career began in the 1970s because he felt it was not only fun, but also a great way to learn; he has been earning his living doing music and music-related things ever since!

David plays music because he has a natural gift for it and he explains that it is “pretty much the thing I care about most in the world. He gains his inspiration from connecting with people and his favorite part of performing is connecting with people onstage and in the audience. I asked David about his music idol and why that person was significant to which he responded, “Jerry Garcia. Great songwriter and guitarist who taught me the value of the silences between the notes and to serve the music, I never go onstage to show off my chops; I go onstage to play the song.”

David is currently finishing up a studio album and is looking forward to growing both creatively and musically. For us at Rock Camp Productions, we are extremely excited to have David Gans perform his first Pink Moon this year! Be sure to check out his set and in the meantime, catch him hosting the Grateful Dead Hour!

Pink Moon Festival Preview: What to Pack!

Pink Moon is right around the corner! We can't wait to have the entire Pinky Moon Family congregated here on Pinky's Farm! Here are some basic suggestions of things to remember to bring along with you to the Moon!

ID, phone, and money for food from our great food vendors, and cool art and merch from our craft vendors! You're probably also going to want a Pink Moon 5 t-shirt and/or poster!!
     *We also would like to encourage you to buy supplies locally, in Monroe County, WV! Support the community that supports us!

Your TICKET (if you purchased a shipped pre-sale ticket)

Camping Gear - tent, sleeping bag, a tarp (or two!), an EZ-Up (and tapestries to hang up - they provide decoration AND shade!!), camp chairs, a small camp stove, hammocks, cooler, etc.

Lanterns, flashlights and headlamps (and extra batteries)!!

Extra clothes, ESPECIALLY extra socks and sweatshirts!

A blanket

Plenty of water! And any other libations you may need for the weekend.

A first aid kit (including an Epi-pen if you have allergies)

Trash bags!!! This is a Leave No Trace event!

Bug spray and sunscreen

Rain gear

Baby wipes (a.k.a. Festy Shower), condoms, toilet paper, and paper towels (not necessarily in that order ;)

Toys, props, costumes - hoops, poi, glowsticks, dragons...

Musical instruments - guitars, banjos, drums, ukuleles, kazoos, etc

Jumper cables

Your CAMERA, video camera and other recording devices!! Tapers welcome!

We strongly encourage you to bring and create art here on Pinky's Farm, so consider that when packing up!

And don't forget to bring your friends!! The more the merrier!



Please do NOT bring:

Guns or weapons, tanks, glass, unnecessary valuables, more than one dog, firewood (there's plenty here, don't worry), and TROUBLE!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Groova Scape

For over two years now, Groova Scape’s guitarist, vocalist, and bassist have been playing together with a new drummer that has been on board for about six months. The group has been involved in music they were in middle school and the vocalist began at an earlier age singing in the choir. 

Years ago the band consisted of a few different members who all worked at a landscaping company called Ground Up Landscaping. “We used to joke about making a company called Sound Up GooveScaping and after tossing this around for a few days, ‘Groova Scape’ was born with the idea of creating infectious grooves or ‘Groove Scaping’ if you will.”

The group mentioned one unforgettable experience during which they opened for EOTO. Because their bassist was late, Michael Travis sat in for Groova Scape’s bassist and that “was a very cool experience.” 

This will be their third time performing at the Pink Moon Festival and I encourage everyone to check these guys out!  

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Fractal Cat

Fractal Cat as a full band was formed in 2011 when they played their first show. The band consists of Miles, Jason, Joe, Andy, and Keith but originally, Miles and Jason began working together in the studio in 2007. Miles plays lead guitar, bass, mandolin, and vocals; Jason is on drums, percussion, and keys; Keith plays rhythm guitar and vocals; Andy plays bass; Joe samples and is on keys. 

While I was able to get responses from the majority of the members, I was not able to get information from Keith because he is currently at a week-long meditation retreat with Tich Nhat Hanh and Miles informed that he “presumably he has been listening to the space between his ears.” 

Fractal Cat aims to “touch dimensions of life that can’t be expressed by words” when they perform and are provided inspiration from “life, the mystical experience, and dreams.” For individual improvement as a musician, Jason would like to improve upon ESP while Miles wants to work on his singing and lead guitar skills. Fractal Cat is also looking forward to “inspiring consciousness shifts with our music” and recording their new songs. 

This psychedelic act is going to be a must see this year!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Kings of Belmont

Kings of Belmont is from Charlottesville, Virginia. Ross, Max and Aaron have been playing music together since 2006 with the addition of Drex filing the position of drummer this year. Each member has been playing since they were in middle school and have continued to do so because it is something they like, “We play music because we enjoy doing it, we enjoy each other and it makes us smile.” 

The group used to have cook outs every Sunday in Belmont and used to joke that they were eating like kings. At that time, Belmont was kind of the bad part of town and the guys thought, “Who would want to be the king of Belmont?” They felt it had a nice ring to it and from then on have been known as the Kings of Belmont. 

While performing, the band loves “evoking emotion in the audience; moving people.” The next big thing for these guys is “world domination!” – besides Pink Moon Festival V, of course.

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Moogatu

I was able to interview Pink Moon returners, Moogatu. The members include Brian Raubacher, Brian Dodds, Brian Zupruk, Chris Lee, and Steve Jacyna who have all been playing music most of their lives. 

The band played their first show in July of 2011 in Aldie, Virginia at Quail Ridge Lake and have been together for about a year and a half with their current members. The background behind the name selection was too long of a story for them to elaborate upon and was basically a “stupid name that stuck.” 

Moogatu is touring many great shows this fall including Pink Moon Festival V, supporting Dopapod and Zoogma, performing at the 8x10 on Halloween with Freedom Enterprise in addition to shows with Big Something and DeltaNINE at the 8x10 as well. Moogatu played a late night set at 4 a.m. last year at Pink Moon Festival IV, so be sure to catch their set this year as well!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Shack Band

What began as a 6-piece with two guitars, drums, bass, keyboard and a percussionist transformed into what is now known as The Shack Band. There are only two remaining original members who moved to Richmond three years ago and have been together with the current members since. A recent addition to the group was a saxophone player added around six months ago. 

Current members include Hunter Pease on guitar and vocals, Josh Crowley on saxophone, Bobby Hudson on drums, Mason Owen on bass, and keyboardist Andrew Gillespie. The Shack Band’s name arose from “The Shack” in which Mason lived before the band ever existed. “The people who were first there for the jams called the band ‘The Shack Band’ and the name just stuck,” stated Hunter.

The Shack Band is extremely dedicated to their work, it encompasses their life but they would not have it any other way, “We are all very passionate and we play because we love music as well as our instruments. We all collectively have embraced no longer having weekends to spend with friends, missing family vacations, and not making the greatest money,” said Hunter “But once we are on stage we all know why we do what we do and why we sacrifice all that we sacrifice.” The loyalty of the band can be seen in the measures of sobriety taken when playing they are able to perform at their utmost best because “the band comes first.” 

One of the latest songs which they are most proud is “Muddy Waters.” Give it a listen and be sure to catch the live version in two weeks at the festival!

The Shack Band was extremely influential in making Pink Moon Festival IV happen by providing sound in a crisis. These guys are deeply connected with our Pink Moon family because not only are they outstanding musicians, but they are also amazing people!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Aarodynamics

Aarodynamics is the solo project of Aaron Malander and is yet another Pink Moon first-timer! A 22-year-old native from Herndon, Virginia who has been working on this project for the past year and half but started loop pedal stuff and production about five years ago. Aaron has been playing music for about 12 years and guitar for about 10 years. 

The pseudonym of Aarodynamics originally began as his rap alias which solidified itself after many performances and bookings and has remained his stage name. Today, artists such as Keller Williams ushered him into the jam scene and from there into festivals and overall bringing his “love of live music where it is today.” 

As for current musical aspirations, Aaron wants to improve upon his guitar playing and singing and even has plans of taking vocal lessons to make this happen. 

Off topic - when asked what candy bar he would be and why he responded with “I would be whichever candy bar the ladies like the most. So… Dove?”  

Aaron is a pretty witty guy from what I have observed, but word around town is he is an even better musician, so be sure to check him out at Pink Moon Festival V! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Envoy

As the festival quickly draws closer, we have decided to briefly highlight some of the musicians that will be performing at Pink Moon Festival V this year!

Our first focus is on Envoy, a Pink Moon first-timer! Envoy is a four-person progressive rock and jam band from Richmond, Virginia. The group consists of Josh McCormick on drums, David Russell and Taylor Smith on guitar, and Kyle Setterlund on bass. 

They began playing together early in the summer of 2012 and are self-described as “really great upside down rock.” The band name has evolved since its beginnings a little over a year ago; what started out as “Envoy to the Open Fields” was shortened to Envoy because they felt it was overall confusing. 

Individually, the members have been playing since they were in the 5^th or 6^th grades with the exception of Josh, who “has been playing since he was spawned onto the earth,” Taylor informed. 

Envoy preps a little before every show by singing barbershop quartet renditions of their originals and partake in sharing a ceremonial bowl of rice. As for performing a show, Envoy agreed that “the energy that the crowd feeds back to you is the best part of any show.” 

\Every musician has those weird experiences that cannot be forgotten, whether it be a show or a fan encounter.  I asked Envoy what their weird moment would be to which they responded, “It’s all been weird.” Of course they followed up with stating their performance at Addis EthiopianRestaurant in Shockoe Bottom of Richmond took the cake, “We were blasting all this music to a bunch of families trying to enjoy their sourdough flatbread wraps.” If you can visualize this, I am sure you can see how it was a bit odd too! 

Well, folks, there you have it from Envoy. Be sure to catch their set at Pink Moon Festival V in 15 days!