At the last Folk Fest hosted in Athens, DIY style and music created a place of music and artistic expression.
As many people know, the last Folk Fest happened the weekend of Oct. 17. With a preshow Friday and a show Saturday, the event brought many people and their individual styles from all over to one backyard on Smith Street.
The DIY fest began six years ago in Columbus, but has since moved to Athens, where it became a staple of the fall music scene. The fest celebrates “artistic comradery” (sic) and fosters community and acceptance, according to the event’s Facebook page.
I was happy to go for the first time, and while there, I noticed the eclectic variety of outfits worn by the audience and by the performers. From head to toe, there were so many different tastes in personal decoration that I was impressed by. Head and hair jewelry on performers, the different boots and shoes worn by attendees and the way they kicked their feet to the rhythm of the music all caught my eye.
One of my favorite accessories that I saw was a beautiful gold head chain that draped bejeweled circles over a performer’s forehead. One of her bandmates wore a similar accessory but in a different color and slightly different style.
Everyone’s individual DIY style showed through the mix of flannels and scarves, with patches on jean jackets, colorfully dyed hair, fun-patterned fleece jackets and even a kilt. As I meandered through the crowd, enjoying bands from far and wide, I noticed everyone having fun and dancing or swaying to the music.
Although it was my first time attending Folk Fest, I’m glad to say that everyone there had an attitude that did indeed foster a sense of community, acceptance and free artistic expression, and I hope that Athens can come up with another event to fill the vacuum left behind.
Courtney Mihocik is a junior studying journalism. Did you go to Fall Fest? Tweet her @CourtneyMiho or email her at cm674912@ohio.edu.
