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What does Music and Art in Wright Park (MAWP) mean to Tacoma? Why did 2,500 people rally last year to support artists, musicians, food and craft vendors?
"All the old punk rockers get to bring their kids to a place that is beautiful and full of what makes them happy - music and art," says Cody Foster, co-director of MAWP and front man of local rockers C.F.A. "And let's not forget, we also have a henna booth."
Two artists, four food trucks, 25 vendors and 14 bands will span the course of the 7-hour day.
Local musician Tony Reed, whose band Mos Generator will play for the second time at MAWP, feels the event is a great way to bring together people of all ages.
"This year, MAWP falls on my mother's birthday (happy birthday Mama Reed!), so she will be out with a bunch of family to enjoy the festival," he said. "That is the spirit of MAWP - entertainment for all."
The family-friendly aspect of the event has expanded even more this year to include kids' activities involving music, and two of the bands have under-agers in them - the all-girl group Fist of Fire and Pig Snout.
"Pig Snout is comprised of local musician Justin Tamminga on guitar and his two children, ages 6 and 9, who switch off between drums and keys," explained Jayme Fisher, sound engineer at The New Frontier Lounge and radio station NWCZ. "Justin had been posting vids on Facebook, and after their first gig, we were so impressed, we had to have them on the bill at MAWP."
Other bands on the bill are the legendary Girl Trouble; Red Hex (hey, another family connection - Red Hex guitarist Sam Olsen is the nephew of Kahuna and Von Wheelie of Girl Trouble); Sleeper Cell; Mico De Noche; Jesus on the Moon; Infinite Flux; Trees and Timber; Bandolier; Shotgun Kitchen; Nitrogen Lion Society and Mechanism.
While rock certainly moves the day along, another important aspect is the art, of course.
Carrie J. Foster and Gilbert Lord are the featured artists, Tacoma's high-tech workshop FabLab has a booth this year, and Cheryl Rux of "Tacoma Gets Smashed" will raffle off a piñata to raise money for next year's event.
"Art events such as MAWP are pretty important culturally because they highlight some of the great art that is created locally," said Rob Zinkevich, art director for MAWP. "They provide a stepping stone for the artists and craftspersons, and they also help inspire a new generation of artists. We sincerely ask people to attend a number of the great art events in Tacoma. ... We are but one of the many opportunities throughout the year to help create Tacoma. ... We just happen to have the best live music as well."
MUSIC AND ART IN WRIGHT PARK, noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, Wright Park, 316 S. G St., Tacoma, donations welcome.
Meet The Bands
Peoples pick by NWCZRADIO.com
FIST OF FIRE
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