By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
You couldn’t ask any more of a closer for Saturday at Black Swamp Arts Festival than what the Dirty Dozen Brass delivered.
The New Orleans had a beat that wouldn’t quit, driven by founding member Kirk Joseph’s sousaphone.
And though with half the numbers its name would suggest, the ensemble roared with full-throated horn lines that set up solos. The raw raucous rides by trombonist TJ Norris especially drew shouts of approval from listeners.
“The community supports it with the crowds that come out to volunteer, the crowds that come out for the art. We’re just so thankful that the community keeps supporting this event. We feel so lucky to be doing it.”
Amy Craft Ahrens, festival committee member
And there was audience participation, clapping, singing, and even some guests pulled from the crowd to dance with charter member Roger Lewis, an avowed “dirty old man.”
And as if that wasn’t enough, hometown favorite Mike Williams on sax joined the band on two numbers.
That capped a long day for Williams who was the opening act on the stage almost 12 hours before.
Still on Sunday Williams and festivalgoers and the legions of volunteers who keep the event going were back at it. Williams was selling merchandise for Moths in the Attic bandmate and friend Zack Fletcher at the Community Stage. Williams was still buzzing from the night before. The appearance was suggested by a band member after Williams loaned them a microphone.
For his part, Fletcher was showcasing his newest endeavor, Zack Fletcher + Strings.
Also, up and working was Amy Craft Ahrens, a long-time member of the festival committee and chair of concessions.
She reported that as of Sunday morning, the festival had already taken in more money than last year.
This was the best festival ever from a monetary point of view, she said, later Sunday as country singer Cole Chaney was squeezing in one last song, and the BGSU rugby team was making quick work of folding and stacking tables and chairs.
Kim Colglazier, the proprietor of the JnK Steak Tips said the popular concession had its best year in the16 it’s been serving up beef, mushrooms, and potatoes to festivalgoers.
The art show also experienced those crowds.
Best of show winning artist Said Oladejo-Lawal said he saw a lot of familiar and new faces. People who had bought paintings before came back, looking for smaller items.
This was his third year, and second best of show ribbon.
“It’s always a good community around here and the people who come in from the surrounding area,” he said. “It’s always fun.”
[RELATED: Nigerian-born painter Said Oladejo-Lawal wins top Black Swamp Fest art award for second time]
Rachel McFarlane David, who won the new emerging artist award, said that “the crowd has been big and consistent which a lot of smaller cities don’t have. … The turnout was especially good.”
A volunteer in artist hospitality reported that Saturday afternoon, artists were foregoing taking breaks because business was so brisk that they didn’t want to risk losing any sales.
Those crowds came from just a few blocks or 200 miles.
Standing in line in front of Belleville’s waiting to get a pork-a-lean sandwich, Pat Lorei said that for about 15 years he’s been traveling to BG for the festival from his home in Erie, Pennsylvania.
They learned about the festival about 20 years ago from friends who lived in the area, and when those friends moved to Erie, they all started making it an annual pilgrimage.
He loves the variety of art and activities. “It’s just fabulous.”
Sara Arnett grew up in Bowling Green attending the festival, but she hasn’t been back for it since graduating high school.
Now with her 20th high school reunion being held festival weekend, she was sharing the experience with her own children Hudson, 7, and Hunter, 9.
“It’s a weekend people to look forward to every year,” said Fletcher, also a BG High graduate, during his set on the Community stage.
“We’re already planning for next year,” Craft Ahrens said. “We make notes all weekend long. “
The committee, all volunteers, has managed to keep the continuity even as some members leave, and others come on board. “It’s organic,” she said.
“Even when it isn’t 100 percent the best festival ever, it’s still an amazing event, and the community supports it with the crowds that come out to volunteer, the crowds that come out for the art. We’re just so thankful that the community keeps supporting this event. We feel so lucky to be doing it.”
