It is hard to imagine that five years ago a group of guys talk their friends into helping them host a series of house concerts — all within walking distance of each other — and set out to program them like one would a festival. The rest is history, as they say, because Lamp Light has indeed succeeded against all the ups and downs that hosting a popular festival can entail.
According to its mission statement, Lamp Light seeks “to inspire, educate and empower with programming that includes music, workshops and panel discussions.” And do they ever, with seven unique workshops exploring themes of experimental photographic processes to the joys of caring for your kombucha in a session led by food startup Bloom Ferments.
There is a great vibe at this festival hosted in people’s living rooms and basements, with Lamp Light welcoming 21 acts who will be performing across four houses this weekend.
Familiar and new names like Alexander Lynch, Fauxgrass, Spissy, The Go Rounds, and Allen Karpinski, The Soil and the Sun, and many more will all be performing special sets of music sized perfectly for each venue.
Having attended many of these, from the lazy afternoon sessions to the louder basement acts, I can say that on more than one occasion I have had to pinch myself because I was so moved by the musical experience that Lamp Light provides.
So, while you have a lot to think about before voting on Nov. 8, this weekend, before we cast our votes, be sure to turn off your Facebook newsfeed and tune into a festival that is guaranteed to have you falling in love with your city all over again.
Lamp Light makes you not only feel great about the talent of our region and those who will travel to perform here this weekend, but by being a part of this event you are casting a valuable vote for your city where so many wonderful events like this festival can appear to light our dark days with a bit of hope. (It is also a great spot for a first date if you wanted to impress someone.)
Admission: $15 - 40. See Lamp Light site for details.