By Stephanie Rogers, current marketing professional, former AVLtoday intern.
This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.
Hi Asheville, Stephanie here. 👋 One of my favorite things about living in Asheville is the thriving music community. We have so many great venues (the Grey Eagle, the Orange Peel, and the Mothlight, just to name a few), recording studios, and musicians. But I gotta say, nothing beats a good music festival.
Today, we’re diving into RADFest, an annual music festival happening on September 14-15 at the Grey Eagle. Here are five things to know about RADFest.⬇️
🎶 It was founded by two Ashevillians who wanted to book a diverse group of musicians.
Emma Hutchens and Andrew Vasco created RADfest in 2018 because they wanted a festival that focused on all kinds of music from a diverse group of musicians. “The idea for RADfest came up because we wanted to throw a party that our friends would go to and feel welcome, safe, and represented at,” explains Emma. “Asheville isn’t an all white, straight, cisgendered city, so the music scene doesn’t have to be that way either.
This sentiment is reflected in the lineup, which highlights queer musicians, musicians of color, and all-female groups.
🎶 Multi-genre bands from all over the country will play.
It’s a national thing, y’all. 🇺🇸 Boston-based indie rock trio Palehound and Philly-based artist Ivy Sole will headline. Filling out the rest of the lineup roster are indie, electronic, and experimental bands from all corners of the U.S., like Seattle, Austin and Atlanta. Plenty of Asheville bands will play too.
Check out the full lineup here.
🎶 It’s a safe space for everyone.
Harassment in the music community is a real thing – both onstage and off. Not at RADfest. The safety of performers and festival-goers is a top priority, which is why RADfest is open about their rules: no homophobia, no racism, no groping or unwanted sexual remarks, or threatening language. There is a zero-tolerance policy for this kind of behavior.
Volunteers are present at all times to monitor the crowd and ensure that everyone is comfortable. The volunteers will wear colored shirts, and attendees are encouraged to make them aware of any possible issues.
🎶 A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Our VOICE
RADFest is partnering with Our VOICE for the second year in a row to support the work that they do in the community. If you don’t already know, Our VOICE is a nonprofit that serves victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Wanna know more about what Our VOICE does in the community? Check out their informational booth at the fest.
🎶 You could win goodies in the RADFest raffle.
Prizes include goodies from District Wine Bar, East Fork Pottery, Old World Levain, Flying Bike Tours, and other big names around town. Stop by The Wedge on Friday, September 13 to pick up a raffle ticket.
All that being said, the best thing about RADFest is how budget-friendly it is. At $20 a pop for one day or $30 for the whole weekend, we’re thinking this event will be hot. Grab tickets for day one and day two ahead of time, or buy at the door.
See you there, Asheville.
