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Fountains of Wayne headline 2nd RNR fall festival
October 21, 2005
Tomorrow, don't be surprised to see fountains, fish and a merry prankster wandering about inner West Street in Annapolis.
It's not a scene of a psychedelic movie, but rather the second annual Free Fall Festival, sponsored by local radio station 103.1 WRNR-FM.
Artists slated to perform include headliners Fountains of Wayne as well as Lake Trout, Jarflys, Judd & Maggie, the Palestars and a farewell performance by Mary Prankster.
Other than Fountains of Wayne, the rest of the acts all have their roots in the Chesapeake region, said Bob Waugh,operations manager for the radio station.
Fountains of Wayne got their name from a New Jersey gift shop. They're melodic guitar pop might be best known to wider audiences through the theme song from the Tom Hanks film "That Thing You Do!" and their Top 40 hit "Stacy's Mom," from 2003.
Judd and Maggie are a Baltimore-based folk-rock duo. Their first album, "Subjects," came out in August. Lake Trout also formed in Baltimore, and the quartet has gained a following for its experimental rock. Jarflys are a side-project of Annapolis musician Jimi HaHa, who leads Jimmie's Chicken Shack. The Pale Stars are a spinoff of two other Baltimore
rock bands, Splitsville and Donegal Express.
Mary Prankster is planning farewell shows in the mid-Atlantic region this fall, and this event will be part of that. The Ocean City native might be best known to local radio listeners for her single "Blue Skies Over Dundalk."
Mr. Waugh started planning the first concert last year to celebrate the station's 10th anniversary, after spending years coordinating the HFStival for WHFS.
"We wanted to introduce an event for us that would enable us to give back to our audience ... that would at the same time draw some attention to the newly reopened West Street," Mr. Waugh said.
City spokesman Jan Hardesty said last year's event helped the businesses along West Street that suffered during reconstruction of the road.
Mr. Waugh estimated that close to 5,000 people came out last year and he expects this year's concert to be bigger, if the weather holds. The Free Fall Festival will go on rain or shine. The National Weather Service forecast for Saturday calls for about a 50 percent chance of rain and highs in the mid 50s.
The first block of West Street between Calvert Street and Church Circle will be closed for much of the day Saturday for the event, said Officer Kevin Freeman, a police spokesman.
The music will run from noon to 6 p.m., but with set-up and breakdown for the event, the street will be closed for most of the day. Traffic will be diverted down Calvert Street and around Church Circle.
Ms. Hardesty said the festival comes during a window when the boat shows are over and before the General Assembly is in session, a time for local residents to enjoy the city.
"It's a good time to come and see how gorgeous this part of town has become," she said.
Mr. Waugh said WRNR will be broadcasting from Rams Head Tavern from 10 a.m., with the "sights, sounds and smells of West Street."
Performances start at noon. Mr. Waugh said they would not be simulcast but would be broadcast at a later date.
Source: The Capital
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