‘Hometown’ rock
Island Park might not have been able to hold everyone Tuesday if it was really an island.
More than 1,000 students, city residents and others from across the state showed up throughout the day for the second annual Hometown Music Festival.
The 10-hour free music festival, which included 11 bands in all, rocked the park with some of the best performances by “Mindspeed,” “The Fear Between us All” and local band “White Noise.”
“White Noise” originally organized the Hometown Music Festival to promote and network its band.
“We did it mainly to get together local bands,” said Bill Ketchum, “White Noise” guitarist and Mount Pleasant resident. “There is not a lot of collaboration among bands ... there is competition.”
He said Mount Pleasant’s music scene needs some added kick to help local talent – his reasoning for starting the festival.
Ketchum and CMU alumnus John McEvers, lead vocalist of “White Noise,” both said Mount Pleasant is a small market for musical talent.
Although several successful acts have come out of the town, both want to put Mount Pleasant on the map musically.
“I feel like I’m adding something to my own community,” McEvers said.
Mount Pleasant resident Scott Sexton said the festival is helpful for local people to show off their talent, and Summer sophomore Kent Billingham, of the band “Strum Bums,” agreed.
“There’s never really any festivals for us to play,” Billingham said. “It gives a chance for people to come out and listen.”
Ketchum said he hopes future music festivals can be used as a fundraiser to help build a new venue for local music.
This year, however, served as a way to get to know talented people and hopefully create some connections professionally, he said.
