Annapolis Music Fest

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds

June 15, 2002

By: Roxanne Reyes 

Ticket prices for the Annapolis Fest cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. With gates opening at 11 a.m., kids, teens, and parents were able to relax outdoors while listening to some of the area’s biggest musical talents. Although the morning drizzle created a gloomy atmosphere, the afternoon clouds gradually disappeared to give way to the bright sunlight.

Next up was the Maryland band, Margret Heater, who within the past few years, have created a respectable name for themselves in the region. In late May, the harder/metal band performed in the Washington D.C. area’s largest concert event, the HFStival, where they released their latest album, Frankenrecord. Fronted by an amazing vocalist and screamer in Brandon Fogle, Margret Heater gives off a solid sound in all their songs. Although together for only four years, the concrete blend of music created by Fogle, Jasan Stepp (guitar/cello), Greg Plummer (bass/screams), and Mike Sipple (drums) give listeners the impression that they have been a group for much longer. Highlights of their 30-minute performance include “Samtron vs. Quasar,” “Not A Hit,” and the new single “Chin Up.” In addition, Margret Heater threw in a more modern and very impressive cover of the Depeche Mode song, “Enjoy the Silence.”

Perhaps the best thing about the Annapolis Music Fest is its ability to combine several musical genres into one affordable show. For instance, following the metal group Heater were the rock bands Fade and West Memphis Three, as well as the hip-hop influenced Written Prisms, and the slow rock trio, Army of Me. Written Prisms effectively re-energized the crowd with fluid rap backed by guitar, drums and keyboard, while Army of Me served to relax the audience as the day began to wind down. In addition to their first few singles such as “Sally” and  “Bloodshot Room,” Army of Me performed some new material, including some with a livelier pop sound. At one point, bassist John Hutchins lost connection to the speakers, and lead singer Vince Schuerman was forced to adlib an impromptu song aptly titled, “It’s A Lovely Day In Annapolis.”

As dusk came, Funkstarr began presentation of its two biggest area bands, Power Movement Project (PMP) and Jepetto. Led by Brook Maynard on the mic along with female singer Monique Vieras, PMP definitely stood out from the other performers. Reminiscent of the Fugees or City High, the soulful vocals blends evenly with the hip hop funk and rock backdrop.

Due to a late finish on the small stage, the headlining act Jepetto was not able to take the main stage until 9:15 p.m. However, the energy-inducing band made up for lost time by completing an hour-long set, generating the largest crowd of the day. In addition to old hits like “Drip,” “Groove Juice,” and “One Way,” Jepetto performed songs from their new album to be released under Fowl Records on July 4.

Overall, the First Annual Annapolis Music Fest was a success. For the most part, the line-up ran on time, and a significant amount of Naptown natives showed up to enjoy the music and crafts. However, to improve upon the festivals still to come, Funkstarr might want to consider disallowing re-entry to the concert area. Because audience members were allowed to come and go as they pleased, the size of the crowd dwindled throughout the day. Furthermore, it wouldn’t hurt to reduce the number of performers at the Annapolis Music Fest. By doing so, bands could play longer sets, and the alternating schedule of acts on each stage would go smoother.

LINE-UP:

Stage 1
1230 - 1             Industry Overflow
130-2                Rude Buddha
230 -3               Margret Heater
330 - 4             Fade
430 - 5             West Memphis Three
530 - 6             Written Prisms
630-7                Army of Me (formerly Cactus Patch)
730-8                Power Movement Project
830-930             Jepetto