The Savage Wonder Festival
May 29, 2022 at Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in Chester, NY
You know it’s big news when I’m sending shameless plugs that aren’t on Saturday or Sunday.
But you got a sneak peek yesterday, when I let it slip that Elize would be at the festival, no?
Well, let’s make it official.
On Memorial Day weekend - actually the day BEFORE Memorial Day - we will be launching the first annual Savage Wonder Festival of veterans in the arts. We’re taking over Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center with poetry, music, visual art, dance - all by veterans. Many of the names will be familiar to Savage Wonder subscribers - Mason Rodrigue, The Savage Gentleman, Dex, Anthony Roberts, Amy Sexauer, Roman Baca and Exit 12 Dance Company, Doc Oliver - but they are only the start. Almost 40 exceptional warrior artists live on three stages from 12pm to 10pm. Think of it as Lollapalooza for veterans in the arts (or if not Lollapalooza…is there any other major arts festival that ever began in upstate New York…?).
But that’s not all.
All the proceeds will be split evenly between us and three other local veterans nonprofits - Clear Path 4 Veterans, Blue Star Families, and YIT Foundation. Just think - the more fun you have, the more you help veterans locally in the Hudson Valley.
Oh, and until April 1, tickets are absolutely FREE (Well, not all of them - we are offering a VERY small amount of VIP tickets in case you want guaranteed parking and premium seating and a swag bag. Or you can pay for a donation ticket - probably your best option if you want to support us but might not make it.)
Want a little more info? Here’s what I posted on our new Savage Wonder Festival website:
Memorial Day weekend isn’t just about the start of summer. It is supposed to be our chance to remember those that have died for our freedoms. And there is no better way to commemorate the ones we’ve lost – the ones who have kept us safe and free – than to celebrate them artistically through the art, poetry, dance, music, and theater of their brothers and sisters in arms. With the proceeds going to local veterans nonprofits: Clear Path 4 Veterans, Blue Star Families, YIT Foundation, and the Veterans Repertory Theater, the Savage Wonder Festival is not only about the past – it is also about helping in the present!
Each participant at the Savage Wonder Festival is more than just an accomplished professional artist, each is also a military veteran. Their backstories – the tragedy, the struggle, the perseverance, and the triumph – lends each one’s art a powerful depth. A dance choreographer who was a Marine machine gunner in Fallujah, Iraq. A combat veteran and female engagement team member turned poet. An Iraq veteran handpicked by Placido Domingo to be one of his proteges. An Afghanistan veteran and survivor of a green-on-blue attack whose debut outlaw country album was engineered and produced by the Grammy winning Station House in Los Angeles. These are not your typical world-class artists.
From the beer garden to the rock wall, from the food trucks to the service dog demonstrations, from the outdoor music to the two indoor stages, you’re not going to run out of fun. And whether you are seeing former USMC Combat Artist Elize McKelvey do live illustrations, going to the screening of former Green Beret Scott Mann’s filmed play Last Out before it releases on Amazon Prime, or watching the veterans of Frontline Arts demonstrate how to turn old military uniforms into the most mind-blowing paper you’ve ever seen, you’re going to discover a whole new way to celebrate Memorial Day, even if it's on the day before!
Come and join us in celebrating the veterans that are gone, listening to the veterans that are still here, and supporting veterans in need.
As Savage Wonder subscribers, I can’t wait to see you there. And please take advantage of getting the early notice and get your tickets while they are FREE!
Talk soon,
Chris
Oh, and also - if you’re interested in being a sponsor, shoot an email to info@vetrep.org and we can go over our packages with you. Or just click here.