by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com
“It was originally called the Drugzr4loozas, like Lollapalooza. It was about 350 people its first year and got up to 550 in the last year, so we moved to a bigger venue to see what we could do.”
When people questioned him about whether or not the festival was a way get money for drugs, the festival’s founder, Orlino, decided to call it The Big Pineapple Music Festival, after his record label Pineapple Records.
“I pick a charity each year to donate to. The first year we did it for the victims of hurricane Katrina, last year it was for The Light and the Word, and this year it is Grove House.”
Grove House is an organization that is committed to helping the mentally disabled prepare themselves for independence and the workplace. The annual event features underexposed artists from all over the country. Fueled largely by networking on MySpace, Orlino has managed to get a very diverse collection of bands from every genre to play at Fuel Coffeehouse. With help from “local” sponsors such as Edwin Watts, Zaxby’s, Tropical Smoothie, and Embassy Suites putting up the out-of-town bands, the festival involves the community, although most of the expenses come out of Orlino’s pocket.
“You would be amazed at how many musicians there are in this town that get no exposure. From heavy rockers, rappers, and rock bands to folk artists that want to get together for a good cause, everyone’s gotten on the bandwagon, which feels good.”
What motivates Orlino to put this festival together year after year?
“Some of the things I’ve been through, I shouldn’t even be here. To go through some of the stuff I put myself through, accidents, DUIs, addiction, abuse, I’m lucky to have my wits about me and this second chance gives me an opportunity to give back.”
There is also the fact that his own band Body of Def gets to perform in front of a sizeable crowd of music fans. Other than this festival, Body of Def is a regular at an odd assortment of events and venues.
“I play halfway houses, rehab centers, City Rescue Mission, and I’ll play motivational music to help people get back on their feet and find a better way of life.”
In addition to raising money for a charity and spreading his music to a broader fan base, Orlino takes pride in helping musicians that are trapped in their everyday work lives and providing a venue for them to play their original music.
“Most of our musicians work their regular 9 to 5 and they play in church bands on the weekends, then they have these secret lives when they rock out and get creative. In my opinion, music is the most powerful thing. My dad was abusive, and when I would lock my door and blast my music, it got me out of where I was.”
Orlino doesn’t see his own experience as isolated.
“There are a lot of kids out there that are swimming against the current. We have a ringside seat and we are watching the fall of society as we know it, but music has the power to change it all, it always has.”
Whether you go for Body of Def’s “realistic trip-hop” or the positive thrash metal of Risen to Fall, tickets are only $20 and the festival will go all evening on April 20th and 21st. Visit myspace.com/pinapplerecords2004 for more details.
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