WJRR’s Earthday Birthday 23 was a day full hard hitting rock n’ roll sponsored by Rock Pink

By Lisa Claire Bower, Rock At Night Orlando Correspondent

WJRR’s Earthday Birthday festival featured three stages of music including the Acoustic Stage featuring national and local recording artists and the grand opening of the all-new Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.  In addition to the live music, Earthday Birthday 23 offered carnival rides, an art show, a vendor area, and a wrestling ring among other attractions. Attendance was approximately 15,000 which was filled with all ages.

Being that I was the only one covering the festival, I didn’t get to stay in one place too long. After my permitted three songs, I would make my way back and forth between the two main stages. Most times during the three songs I was so busy concentrating on trying to get great photos that I could not concentrate on paying much attention to the music.

There were a couple bands that were able to catch my ear though. One of those bands was Dorothy. Lead singer Dorothy Martin has a bad-ass voice that reminded me a bit of a cross between Grace Slick & Fiona Apple. Dorothy has a bluesy-rock sound that leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this band. Check out her self-titled EP on iTunes.

The other band that caught my ear was Dirty Heads. They have a cool vibe filled with hip-hop, ska and an upbeat reggae sound. Dirty Heads will be hitting the road with Sublime this summer so if you have a chance to see them… Do it, you won’t be disappointed.

Now onto the one band I was really looking forward to seeing…Bush. Gavin and the boys did not disappoint. The crowd roared with excitement as soon as the first note played. We were about two and a half songs in when security started rushing us out of the pit. Seems Gavin was ready to get closer to the fans so off I went to the next band.

I came back to shoot Chevelle and after my three songs, I noticed Gavin Rosdale from Bush was watching the show from the side of the stage. He looked over my way so I took the chance and waved and said “hello”. Much to my surprise, he waved and said “hello” back!  Next thing I know he is coming down the steps from the stage so I said “Hey, great set!” and he said “Thanks!” One of the other photogs asked for a photo with him and he said sure. I figured what the hell, and asked if he minded taking one with me too. He said “not at all” and scooped me in and I was able to get my pic with him… Highlight of the day.

All in all, the festival was awesome and I look forward to seeing what WJRR has planned for EDBD 24!

The Line Up:

New Years Day

Perego Art Army

Traverser

Fit for Rivals

Dorothy

Bobaflex

Cilver

Escape the Fate

From Ashes to New

Red Sun Rising

Dirty Heads

Trivium

Bush

Halestorm

Chevelle

Breaking Benjamin

311

Photo Gallery

Bush

 

 

Chevelle

Trivium

Breaking Benjamin

311

Halestorm

 Escape the Fate

New Year’s Day

Cilver

Traverser

 

 

Dorothy

Red Sun Rising

Fit For Rivals

Bobaflex

From Ashes to New

Perego Art Army

 

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Lisa Bower

Forest Live Festival – UK

Forest Live Festival – UK