The first 4TheLoveMusic Fest occured at the legendary Don Hills, the follow up in Wilimington, NC. Both nights were showcases for some of the best new acts in the North East and both have the fingerprints of rock nyc writer and music promoter Woody Fuller.
A postive enery energy permeated the Soap Box last Thursday. At the entrance you were met with an immediate sight for artists’ eyes. From the selling of local pottery to live drawing/painting; the creative atmosphere gave attendants more than just music. They even had a snake over there taking in the show along with everyone else.
On stage, 1st Infantry beat the crowd down with their overwhelmingly, infectious energy. Those guys could have been rapping ‘Mary had a little lamb’ and I would have still be head bobbin’ and “ping pongin’ b*tches” all the same. The group of about 6 in 1st Infantry are all good ‘ol Wilmington boys who provide a ‘boys from the block’ aspect to their performances. They all huddle together bouncing around, clowning around like they would in their kitchen. All their personalities sparkle through each and every one of them. There was some technical difficulty on a personal favorite song, ‘2-step’, but they did get to come back on around 12:30 to get the crowd hyped again.
David Adusei aka GOLDEN, would play a few tracks in-between sets which really kept up the vibe. His eclectic music selection had everyone hoping bands would take just another minute to set up ;). I think the only times I stopped dancing were when I was giving props to performers or listening to the ever so humorous comedian/host Abbott Shea. The host’s material kept the audience light hearted and hoping for another song after his hysterical ‘one too many text messages’ song. He and David provided superb entertainment between artists.
Following the great 1st Infantry was One Shot Johnny. This motley crew brought an interesting aspect to the predominately rap based festival. They covered personal favorites from Incubus and the Chili Peppers. The outlandish lead singer kept audience’s attention with his outrageous dancing and quirky make-up. The bassist, Griffin Abernathy ripped it up in Vitamin. And Kept the audience more in-tune with the band because of his nasty riffs.
Golden of course brought the best of the best. I would love to raid this kid’s itunes. David Adusei, a local, who normally DJs at bars downtown brought a different aspect to this performance. Normally DJs sample singers when they play tracks but David decided he would get more personal with the audience and sing over what he was playing. I had no idea he was singing until I noticed his lips move. His performance was flawless, and his sounds were fluid. He’s amazing.
Woody sez: This kid is spectacular when it come to anything music, he has the Midas touch. Not only was GOLDEN completely and utterly in control of the crowd between sets with his ability to dictate the energy through his DJ equipment, (with obviously help from Abbott Shea,) but his solo live set was off the chain. I don’t want to say the words, “Mike Posner”, nor “Pop Music” but I would say his set is live, fresh and popular enough to get most people to enjoy it, and still raw and real enough to appease to the non-believers.
The show stoppers however were Mac Boi & J Cash. With rows of hands pulsing to the beat, the two had a majestic presence on stage. Their rhymes were on point, no hesitation, and fluid transitions from rapper to rapper. I would have to check myself with the occasional mouth drop to their flawless one-liners. I had a particular favorite line from Mac Boi, however I’ll spare the butchering of it due to lack of memory. J Cash had me smiling the whole performance with his gestures and spontaneous air guitar solos.
Woody sez: Mac Boi completely murdered that set, like O.J. Simpson status. I’m not going to say i was surprised, because i knew he had it in him, buut he just was so comfortable there onstage, at home, bliss. Love at first listen was a track that sampled, my person fav, Pretty Lights; I think the rap mixed with electronic is money, best of both worlds kind of thing. Joining him was fellow StreetTeamer J Cash, whom might have packed a few lbs since High School, but certainly hasn’t lost one ounce of his fierce flow and on stage energy; a true entertainer and dynamic performer.
Woody Sez: The loud, rowdy, heavy blues with a twist, duo of SweetSweet Scum hit the stage next. Trevor Brown, who brings his rockstar singing and drumming, instantly had the crowd intrigued as the main stage area was the most packed of the night. Ben Jamieson, on guitar,
didnt let down for a second as they powered through their very solid set. Along with bringing the music to your ears, SweetSweet Scum and their non-profit music label MixGrotto, are opening a new music venue, The Grotto, in Downtown Wilmington, above The Eat Shop, to bring the music to the entire community.
didnt let down for a second as they powered through their very solid set. Along with bringing the music to your ears, SweetSweet Scum and their non-profit music label MixGrotto, are opening a new music venue, The Grotto, in Downtown Wilmington, above The Eat Shop, to bring the music to the entire community.
The show ended with a couple other acts following Mac Boi & J Cash and SweetSweet Scum. Superb wrap up to an overall consistently exciting festival. I was never looking around wondering what to do and all transitions were so smooth.
Shout to 4TheLove Music and Woody Fuller; from getting the bands together to discovering the premier artists to promotion, Woody was there every step of the way, never without a smile on his faith. Thanks for making the time and to the rappers for making the rhymes.
More of the festivities to come….