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Dear Dan;
I'm writing as a follow up to this year's Land of Nod Experiment in Jackson, Michigan. First, let me say that I am very proud to have helped sponsor this event. As an attendee & performer at outdoor music events over the last few decades, I was truly surprised to see the level at which this event opened. More like amazed.
The setting was absolutely beautiful. The stages were perfectly placed to allow easy walking access, just far enough apart to avoid any listening conflict, and sized just right for the areas they serviced. The idea of using a wide stage in the main area, so that one band set up as another played, was pure genius. There was never that long "attention failure" gap that so often stutters these shows.
I was also impressed by the sound. Whoever did your stage sound, particularly at the main stage, was amazing. No feedback, no drop outs (that I noticed) and every single instrument was there to be thoroughly heard & enjoyed. This particularly shined through during the sets of larger bands, especially Of Montreal & Trombone Shorty's sets. The lighting and projection screens were of a caliber higher than I'm used to seeing indoors, as well.
I could go on a long diatribe here, about the extensive variety and musical prowess of so many bands & performers during such a short period of time, but I'd run out of space before I got halfway through. It seemed like a week's worth of entertainment during only three short days. Having independent performers, such as Sirena Serpentina, parading through various areas, lent itself to the idea that the audience was, indeed, a part of the event.
Every performer seemed an extension of the people in attendance there.
And, indeed they were...
This is where your event differs wildly from almost any other I have attended; the sheer joy of those who came.
I saw not a single case of pushing or arguing. People seemed to bond, almost immediately, upon entering the festival grounds. The tent 'villages', where camping took place, seemed like family reunions, rather than groups of strangers, clumped together haphazardly. There was an obvious spirit of co-operation in the air, and one of acceptance, as well.
I felt some concern, at first, seeing children at a rock oriented festival. The very first day, however, when one of the spontaneous parades went through, and the young lady on stilts bent way down to hand some toy to a kid, watching with wide eyes, I knew it was going to be more than alright. And I was proved correct, over & over again.
I have to make comparisons here. I've attended festivals up & down the East Coast, many over the years, here in New Orleans, and others, across the country. I've never encountered the sense of family I saw & felt at Land of Nod, nor the commitment to professionalism and quality presentation of music & art. So many times I've attended these things and left grumbling about some sort of short-coming in the planning or execution of an event, largely because it's effect on the attendees was frustrating and it was done pointlessly, as though they were cattle to be fleeced and sent on their way. Leaving Land of Nod felt more like losing friends to a move out of town. The goodbyes to those who had been strangers, days before, was often difficult.
All in all, whatever difficulties you guys experienced in production (I know you & Bacon worked yourselves round the clock), the view from the perception of the audience was that of a well planned & executed event, albeit one we have not seen the like of in many years, if ever.
The only suggestion I would make to you is to find funding for more promotion. This event needs to happen annually, and be noticed far & wide as an example of how Music & Art festivals SHOULD be run. I'm more than happy to have been included in the sponsors for this year's Land Of Nod Experiment.
Thanks, Dan.
Please, count on me for next year, as well.
Sincerely, and with much gratitude;
Lord David
Skull Club Gallery
New Orleans
skull-club.com
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