The cries over the dearth of live music opportunities can be laid aside — at least for this weekend since the Compass Taichung International Food and Music Festival is set to take place at the Art Museum Parkway.
Four years after a deadly nightclub fire led to the shutting down of numerous restaurants, bars and live music venues, the city has yet to completely regain its musical footing.
Paul Davis, whose band DM4 will play over the weekend, says that the scene is just starting to make a comeback. Launched in 2004 as a one-day event with a few bands and a dozen vendors, this year’s festival is expected to attract upward of 20,000 people. In addition, the festival will have more than 60 booths representing Taichung’s restaurants, bars, artists and non-profit organizations.
Photo Courtesy of Basil Hall
Nearly 20 bands will take the stage, offering up a spectrum of music from reggae to rock to jazz. Dread Rider, Dr Reniculous Lipz & the Skallyunz, Peaks and Reider Band are a few of the popular musical groups to perform.
Davis, who’s better known in the local music scene as Boston Paul, adds that “with the food, music and art, it’s worth coming out for.”
Aside from showcasing central Taiwan’s musical, culinary and artistic talent, the festival also serves as a birthday party of sorts. Compass Magazine, which is sponsoring the festival, is celebrating 12 years of promoting Taichung’s cultural scene.
“We try to make the event a microcosm of what Taichung has to offer,” said Douglas Habecker, copublisher of Compass Magazine.
New this year is a taiko drum performance by teenagers from Huludun Smile. The Taichung-based drum troupe recently placed third in a taiko competition in Japan.
“We’re not limited to the typical rock ‘n’ roll bands,” Habecker said.
In addition to live music, the festival provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their wares, such as silkscreen T-shirts and handcrafted jewelry.
Moreover, the festival provides a chance for artists and musicians to network with each other.
“It’s great for exposure, but the connections you make are even more important,” said Jon Renzella, a Taichung-based artist who specializes in woodblock printing.
Rain or shine, festival-goers can expect to revel in good music, food and art this weekend.
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