Folk Yeah! was exactly what the doctor ordered. It has been so long since I’ve felt inspired from being around such talented and empathetic musicians. Folk Yeah! is a Music festival for the songwriters from Orlando to come together and play their originals. It was an all day event with two stages: Lil Indies’ Laundry lot and later on that night, inside Will’s Pub. I saw a few acts last night that really caught my eye. I wish I’ve seen Kaleigh Baker perform but I couldn’t get ready early enough to see her (still pretty upset over that).
When I rushed to the Lil Indies Laundry Lot, I was instantly taken back by the stage set. I thought it was adorable that there was a wooden back drop with the words “Folk Yeah!” Written in wood pieces. There was hay in front of the artists performing and white lights hanging above. I was fortunate to hear one last song by Thomas and Olivia Wynn and that song alone was breathtaking. Olivia’s voice was heavenly when she soared to a sustained high note and when they harmonized together it was like warm melted chocolate. They performed with so much soul that no matter what music taste one may have, one can’t help but feel it. So good, so good.
Afterwards, I went inside Will’s Pub and there was a men songwriters circle. I was very surprised to feel the stillness in the bar as everyone listened carefully to the singers. Orlando’s music scene is undeveloped and one of the frustrating things a local artist would face is people talking over the artist. Of course most artists play at bars and breweries, therefore the audience are customers who would attend for a good time. So we have to work extra hard to grab their attention, especially as an acoustic act. Just being in the room while everyone is attentively listening to the singers play their songs reminded me of the things I hear about Nashville and it made me wanted to visit the music city badly. Overall, I loved listening to the men’s originals and hearing their stories.
After I finished listening to the song cycle, I went outside and ran into a girl who helped me pick up a business card I dropped after I clumsily dropped my cup of water on the floor. I had a great conversation with her. She was from Georgia and drove three hours by herself to be there. I told her that after a break up, I’ve made myself go out more by myself. Giving myself flowers, taking myself out to lunch, going to the movies alone, going to bars and events alone, etc. but I’ve never traveled that far alone. We talked how developing that independence is completely freeing and important. I used to have to not do things because my ex would want it to do them with me, but we end up not doing it because of his busy schedule. But now I’m single, I could do whatever I want. Of course, I realize now that I shouldn’t let anyone hold me back from doing the things I want to do. I told her hopefully I’ll be brave like her and travel to another state alone. Man, if I could do that, I really could do anything. I know sound silly but she told me that there are people who can’t even go out alone. Kind of what I did last night, so baby steps. Last night was easy to go out alone because I wanted to see these artists perform.
After we finished talking, she wanted to grab some amazing empanadas from the empanadas food truck and I wanted to see Hannah Harber and the Lionhearts inside Will’s. This was my second time ever seeing Hannah but my first with the band. Oh my God, my breath was taken away. Hannah’s songs had a nice southern kick to them and her band were on her level of high energy. The guitarist. Omg the guitarist. I’m pretty sure he’s new to the band and he found all the right moments to do his little solos and runs. Usually when musicians who are new or sitting in for the night, they normally would hold back because it isn’t easy to gel in with the band. Chemistry takes time to develop between the members but he fitted right in. Once again, so much SOUL. The last two songs that the band played were my favorite. Everyone were receptive and were with the band from the beginning to the end. Hannah is an incredible songwriter and I’m lucky to have come across such talent!
After listening to Thomas’s wife play (where he played the drums for her), I was able to see another Wynn, Heather Wynn. She performed with her and her husband’s band, the Whyte Tigers, which was also a great treat. Heather had an amazing and adorable stage presence. The way she smiled and moved her head back in forth as she strummed her guitar and sang her heart out. It’s refreshing to watch her sing on stage having a good time and it’s a good vibe to pick up on. Listening to the Whyte Tigers confirmed even more how much I love live music. I felt the music grab a hold of my soul and I was in pure bliss.
I did stay for the last band for a couple songs (they were great as well!!)but had to go home because I was feeling tired. Last night was truly amazing and it gave me a spark to keep practicing and pursuing my music endeavors ❤️.
