By Val Thorpe, Director of Communications & Membership
Like a fancy Thanksgiving meal, leading up to the 3rd Annual Great Swamp Great Music Festival on August 16th was all about the prep work. But “no” was never an option!In response to the pandemic we established new protocols: registration took place from cars, 15×15-foot squares were marked out on the field for social distancing, and hand sanitizing stations were set up throughout the festival field. On-stage, microphone covers were replaced and shared equipment was sterilized between bands.
As the rain trickled down, enthusiastic volunteers continued to set-up. GSWA Executive Director, Sally Rubin, said, “We’ll just dance in the rain.” And that was obviously everyone’s attitude that morning based on all the smiling faces. Just before start-time, the weather decided to cooperate. Not Enough Jeffs eagerly hit the stage kicking off the festival and setting the tone for an exceptional afternoon of entertainment. A momentary glimpse of the sun gave way to a brief second wave of rain. But our determined festival goers were unphased. They had come prepared, ready to ride out whatever came our way in the name of great music! Lenox Underground took the stage next, followed by 3 bands new to our festival, The Big Fuss, Big Train, and Rosewood. Without a doubt, all five bands brought it! They delivered an outstanding show to our audience that was one for the books.
It was impossible to tell who was more elated, the audience or the band members. Bright smiles could be seen on both sides of the festival. All the day’s performers donated their time and talent in support of GSWA’s mission. Thank you to all our festival goers, staff, volunteers, vendors, band members, and our amazing sound crew. Rain or no rain, the day was a huge success!
Special thanks to our festival sponsors who made this all happen: Atlantic Health Systems, Delta Dental, Adrienne & Dillard Kirby, Peapack-Gladstone Bank and Peapack Private Wealth Management, Senlac Partners, Community Foundation of New Jersey, Matt & Agi Krauser, Pipe Works Homer Services, Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, Reed & Adrienne Auerbach, and RegentAtlantic. Additional heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, and food and merchandise vendors who were all true professionals throughout the day, Rubinetti Disposal, Harding Twp. DPW, Chatham Twp. DPW, and Morris County MUA.