EarthFest 2011 Family Fun!
On May 21, 2011, tens of thousands of people attended the 18th annual EarthFest in Boston. Amazingly, the weather was perfect! There were two straight weeks of rain or overcast clouds preceding this event, but bright sunshine prevailed for this popular celebration. Two hours after the EarthFest had ended, fog rolled in and the rain returned, so literally the Earth greatly accommodated the 2011 festival.
This year's line up on the main stage included Atomic Tom, Sponge, OK Go, and Ed Kowalczyk (formerly of Live). The performers at the Kid's Planet stage included Sarah Wheeler & Little Groove, RhymeZweLL, Vanessa Trien & the Jumping Monkeys, and Zumix Artists.
The lawn was packed with concert goers, with standing room only in the front, and picnic-style blankets dotting the grassy areas along the Esplanade. The EarthFest started at about 10:00, with sponsor tents open for business, and early performances at the Kid's Planet stage. On the Esplanade island, vendor tents lined a broad path on both sides, with the Kid's Planet stage set up at one end. Gaggles of children dotted the green spaces, with many families sitting on blankets in front of the Kid's Planet stage enjoying the music.
What was cool about 2011's EarthFest was the bands interacting with the crowd. The lead singer from Sponge literally interacted with a group of people at the rail fence on the lawn, OK Go had the audience chant the chorus of This Too Shall Pass, and Tom Kowalzyk had the crowd sing the full chorus of Lighting Crashes.
Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge walked across the speakers like a runway to get closer to the crowd. He went over to the front barrier and climbed up on the rail to sing a song. The crowd loves such interaction. He asked a man for his name and he said "Joe." Joe asked if he could back up the band, and said his name was "Joe Only." The exchange was really funny, and Vinnie joked that Joe could warm up for Sponge at their next gig.
The lead singer of OK Go actually walked almost to the center of the Hatch Shell lawn, set up his microphone, sang Last Leaf, and got the crowd to sing along with him.
Tom Kowalzyk was interviewed before his performance. He talked about his three daughters and new solo career after leaving Live. His current band is a trio that really belted out songs. He sang newer singles including Grace, as well as Live songs such as I Alone, and Lightning Strikes. Kowalzyk had the audience sing the entire chorus of Lightning Strikes, which was incredible. Many of his lyrics have religious roots, and one could describe his songs as "faithful" which is unique in today's culture.
It was another GREAT EarthFest! The main sponsors of EarthFest are Radio 929, Whole Foods Market, Subaru of New England, MetroPCS, RCN, and Mass DCR. Nantucket Nectars and Vitamin Water are repetitive sponsors, as well as many others.
Main Stage Performers
11:30 am - 11:55 am — From The Ground Up
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm — Atomic Tom
01:15 pm - 02:00 pm — Sponge
02:30 pm - 03:15 pm — Ok Go
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm — Ed Kowalzyk (formerly of Live)
Kids Planet Performers
10:15 am - 4:15 pm
Sarah Wheeler & Little Groove
RhymeZweLL
Vanessa Trien & the Jumping Monkeys
Zumix Performers
Contact Information & Address:
EarthFest 2011
Storrow Drive & Mugar Way, Boston, MA
earthfest.com
