By Amy Rosier
Daryl Casey waited around long enough, then talked his way into securing a VIP pass before entering the first Unity Fest at Metropolitan Park. Smiling from ear-to-ear, Casey said he wants to get George Acosta’s audograph with his VIP access. He said he still plans to tough-it through the foul weather that feverishly plagued the festival.
“It’s kind of like survival of the fittest,” Casey said. “See who can stick it out the longest.”
The electronic music-lover said he saw people making the best of the situation. And he was even surprised of the turnout, considering the weather. Casey said he was excited to be at the festival because he considers Jacksonville to be an epi-center of different types of music.
The festival, held Saturday, January 19th, was kicked off by a blend of beats mixed with recordings of speeches by the beloved civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. A marriage ceremony followed, exhibiting the truest form of people coming together. Corey Toffolon, production coordinator of the event, said the goal of the festival is to get people united through different types of music.
“Music is music,” Toffolon said. “That’s one thing that can connect everyone. That’s a great way for people to come together.”
Hip-hop, rock, punk, reggae and electronic dance took the stages, even throughout the rain. As the soggy weather drew on, festival goers packed four enclosed tents that were devoted to DJs spinning and mixing records and beats. DJs and other artists happily handed out copies of their latest CDs and records to eager fans. Some fans even danced in the rain to hear some of their favorite musicians. Everyone seemed to remain optimistic, despite the less-than-desirable outcome in attendance and weather.
Mike McElhattan, who is new to Jacksonville, said he had been looking forward to the festival.
“I’m just here to have a good time,” he said.
McElhattan said he came to see Rabbit in the Moon but was having fun running around listening to all the artists performing.
Toffolon said the great part of this is event is that people can simply go to another tent if they don’t enjoy that particular music.
“You can constantly make circles and hear something different,” she said.
The festival offered some other forms of entertainment in addition to the performers.
What festival would be complete without a fully functioning ‘Party Bus’? Not this one! Interested participants were encouraged to take tours of the charter bus that touts itself as a limobus for any occasion. Drew Brogan, co-owner of Off Da Ric Tours, said the bus promotes itself as a safe alternative for transportation at festivals and parties.
“It’s all about having a good time in a safe way,” said Brogan.
The charter bus, which came from Cocoa Beach, is equipped with a black wrap around leather couch, TVs, a mobile DJ booth and liquor bar.
A wakeboarding exhibition by Asbury Independent Wakeboards also drew small crowds of people. The ramps, built just hours before the exhibition, sent wakeboarders gliding through the air. Some mastered 360 flips that seemed effortless.
Despite the weather, people from all walks of life came to unite and celebrate the teachings inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. through the power of music and friendship.
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