This was one event that I wished would have been better than the actual outcome. If anyone is planning an outdoor event of any kind from May to September, you know that every day there is that chance of rain and thunderstorms. The festival got started but quickly had to stop due to strong thunderstorms. And their social media sites was very slow, over two hours long, to get the word out to what would happen with the event. In fact, I had to send out information myself.
Over two hours now and still waiting word on the Knox Outdoor Music Festival, still have some lightning strikes here in Anniston.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) May 21, 2017
The event was moved indoors to Classic Too which was across the street from Classic on Noble. And yes, there was plenty of confusion. For about 10 minutes, I was running around because the people in the yellow shirts were telling me the venue was for “VIP” only. Yes, I was almost not allowed to stay at the event, along with other people. It took too long for the festival staff to tell the security people to let anyone with an wristband in.
And let’s admit it, Classic Too is not an great classic venue. I give props to The Dexateens and St. Paul & The Broken Bones for performing in what was a corner in a small room. I also give props to the photographer the festival hired and the lady from the Anniston Star for getting some good photos. As for me, I got some photos but people were pushing their way closer and blocking my shots with their smartphones.
I mean, this is a popular blog with over one million views now, but people had no clue what “Geek Alabama” was and were pushing me back and back some more before I finally gave up. That small room was super hot and stuffy and I went outside where it was raining which was also much cooler! I also chatted with some security people in those yellow shirts about how the festival was not being run like it should.
So, next year I hope the Knox Concert people will learn from this and have a PLAN B! Classic Too is not where concerts with big names should be held. If the weather goes bad again I can think of other facilities like the Anniston City Meeting Center, community centers, or even the Anniston High School where the Knox Concert Series events happen. I guess this is an learning experience for the Knox folks on how to run an outdoor event the right way.
Anyways, here are the few photos I took indoors. I hope the 2018 version of the Knox Outdoor Music Festival is better run. Learn more at: http://www.knoxconcertseries.org/knox-outdoors/
You can also find photos on the Geek Alabama Facebook page, Google Photos, and on Flickr too!
Videos can be found on the Nathan Young (Geek Alabama) YouTube channel and most videos can be found on the Geek Alabama Facebook page too!
