We recently got to chat with one of the organizers, Adam Lewis, all about the festivities. Here’s what he had to say…
What was the genesis for the festival?
The genesis came from 3Rivers Arts. 3Rivers is built on the nearly four-decade legacy of the former Groton Center for the Arts. 3Rivers Arts, an Ayer, MA-based non-profit regional arts organization, has the stated mission of “engaging the humanities for artful living in central Massachusetts by connecting artists with audiences in a variety of creative forms and expressions” through quality arts education and events. They approached us, Great Northeast Productions, Inc. [because of our] history producing large-scale festivals, including the seminal Phish Millennium show in the Florida Everglades, Lemmonwheel, Clifford Ball, Great Went, It, etc – which provided a blueprint for many of the large festivals today.
What’s your booking process like? How can non-headlining, independent artists get involved?
We made a commitment in the beginning that we would extend an opportunity to regionally-based performers and to emerging artists, wherever they are from. Local, regional, signed or unsigned – we were open to it all. We are partnering with Sonicbids to also allow for artists to apply to perform at the festival. We want this festival to provide opportunities to regional and national acts – and to help nurture developing artists.
What sets the Nines apart from other summer festivals?
I don’t think that there are any that are supporting emerging and independent artists the way the Nines is. Boston Calling and Life is Good are not focused on that. Our slogan is Music, Art, Discovery. There are aspects to The Nines that are not covered by other festivals: art, quality crafts, comedy and a non-profit angle in the future.
Will this be a one-off event or are there plans to make this an annual fest?
There are plans for a 2-day and hopefully 3-day event in the future. We would like to expand the hours, stages and number of artists over time. This is a boutique festival; we’re not trying to be something for 75,000 people. It’s about community and creating something special.
Why did you select this location for the festival?
This is where 3Rivers Arts was invited to consider as a site, because Devens is in a transition from a quasi-town and former military base to a town – so it has these tremendous assets including large and beautiful athletic fields that lend themselves to large scale multi-art venues. This is a fantastic location that is only 35 miles from downtown Boston and is easily accessible and directly off Route 2. It’s a short ride from Worcester and Southern NH – even Providence and Northampton. The area has so much natural beauty and so much to offer in terms of hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts and other activities like hiking, camping, and more – yet it is still all so close to Boston. There are a lot of folks that live in the 495 area that find that going into Boston is a major event. This serves them greatly with an option to see national touring artists.
What part of the event are you most looking forward to?
Really looking forward to the reaction of the audience to this wonderful experience and setting. This is in the country. It’s the breadbasket of New England. To experience this event on grass and not on concrete, like other festivals – I think folks will love the acres and acres of nature and will love seeing the bands in that setting. If the weather is good and the sun is setting behind the stage while the bands play, what could be better than that?
For more info, visit www.theninesfestival.com.