By NATHAN WITT/ Editor-in-Chief
Hundreds of people are going to get together in a secluded pasture late at night to celebrate the sun. Would you like to go?
As peculiar as it may sound, that’s what happened in Dangerfield at this year’s Solar Fest. The music festival and renewable energy conference was hosted by Cowgirl Summer and Texas Solar Panimals.
The set list was studded with “up and coming stars,” according to Event Coordinator Harrison Hall, also known as “H. Rock.”
“Look at all this talent we brought together on one stage. It’s crazy we can do something this big two hours outside of Dallas.”
A complete stage, food trucks, bonfire, VIP tent, bounce house, yard games, and open bar sat between the boundary of two pastures and tucked away down a winding road. Flashing lights illuminated Tyler music artist Levi Monroe as he took the stage in front of a crowd of screaming fans.
“Levi! Levi! Levi!”
Monroe climbed on top of a six-foot-tall speaker to sing the chorus of his newest single and opening song, “Moonlight.”
His clothes were cut and torn, with fake cuts and scars covering his skin. A row of girls at the front of the stage screamed as he closed out the Halloween-inspired song.
“For me, it’s meeting all the people. It’s cool ‘cause normally the artists don’t really hang out at shows, but like H. Rock has kind of kept all the guys together.”
The festival has been an all-day experience- even for the artists. Preparation for their 9 p.m. performance started at 2 p.m. in Dallas. The VIP experience included a “pre-party” with the musicians, where a lavish living room was decorated with speakers, amps, and instruments. Artists jammed to covers and originals as the VIPs mingled. Each musician brought their own influence to the songs, blending genres from rock to jazz.
“I love being around creatives. People are so interesting,” says Monroe.
The purpose of Solar Fest is to promote renewable energy resources. A coalition of energy companies and climate enthusiasts hosts the event. “The bottom line is, it’s better for your billfold,” says Heather Willson, co-owner of Texas Solar Panimals. “Own your energy; don’t rent it.”
The festival initially started as an outreach tool for people interested in solar power but is mainly known for letting music artists shine. “We’re in the sun business. That’s where our bodies get energy. It just makes sense for us to be a part of an event with this much energy.”
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