June 26, 2015
This year we teamed up with Red Frog Events for Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware. We’re really excited to partner with Red Frog because they also have a commitment to giving back and impacting the lives of children.
Now that the dust (or should I say “mud”) has settled from Firefly…I asked our H4H Crew member Ricky Robichaud to share some photos and tell us about what it was like.
What were your overall thoughts of the festival?
Firefly promotes itself as the “east coast’s premier music festival” and definitely didn’t disappoint. This incredible celebration of music brought a variety of artists capable of satisfying any music lover’s tastes. What was especially memorable was watching our next generation rock out to The Beatles music on Friday followed by Steve Aoki’s rescheduled Sunday set introducing us “old” folk to his cake-throwing party.
Above all else though, Firefly really exuded enthusiasm and positivity.
Did anything stick out as really unique?
Red Frog did a really great job of providing unique opportunities for their fans. From their private and intimate Treehouse Sessions to the Beercade (a bar/arcade establishment in the middle of the woods) and The Hub. They made sure their fans were kept entertained even when the music stopped.
What was your favorite thing about the festival?
Outside of the music, of course, the venue really made for an amazing experience. Although very muddy due to the rain, the unique characteristics of The Woodlands allowed the festival organizers to create an evolving atmosphere where there was always something fun and new to experience, eat, hear and see.
What was your favorite artist(s) and why?
- Paul McCartney – Must I explain why?
- Walk The Moon – Unbelievable energy that sucked the crowd in and held them entranced through their whole set
- Gary Clark Jr. – Soulful, real music where you could feel his passion and love for everything he played
- Echosmith – Particularly their acoustic set in the CoffeHouse by StubHub. Lead singer took an IV before coming on and proceeded to connect with the crowd and give everything she had in a beautifully simple manner.
Tell us a little about the nonprofit RoomFunding™ project that benefits from this festival.
Red Frog has committed to raising $25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This money will go towards building the “St. Jude Red Frog Events Proton Therapy Center” on the hospital’s campus in Memphis. Proton therapy offers a great benefit for children with brain tumors and other cancers treated with radiation therapy, as it reduces harm to the child’s developing body and lessens the risk of secondary tumors later in life.
Through Hotels for Hope’s RoomFunding platform, $2 from every room night booked for any Red Frog event will be added to help them achieve their overall fundraising goal.
Any advice for anyone attending it next year?
Prepare accordingly. The Woodlands is 150+ acres of land, so knowing who you want to see and where is absolutely essential to making sure you maximize your experience.