Smile Politely

WEFT Fest 2023: The annual community radio celebration

Derrick Philips
A stage with a red background hosts two musicians. One is engaged with a set of conga drums, while the other strums an electric guitar. Both are seated on stools, with music stands before them. A microphone stand graces the right side of the stage. The floor beneath them is wooden.
Sean Kutzko’s Broadmoor Bunch

On Sunday, October 1st, WEFT Fest 2023 will unfold as a day-long event that serves multiple purposes for the community of East Central Illinois. This gathering is not just an ordinary festival; it’s a cornerstone event for WEFT, a listener-supported, volunteer-operated radio station that has been a staple in the community since 1981.

WEFT first began broadcasting on September 25, 1981, and has since been a platform for diverse voices and eclectic musical tastes. The station has a tradition of celebrating its birthday each year with the community, and WEFT Fest is the embodiment of this tradition. The event also doubles as the kickoff for the station’s Fall 2023 Pledge Drive, an essential fundraising period that sustains the station’s operations.

The festivities will take place at Seven Saints. The venue will be sharing its patio space for the event, and their staff will be on hand to offer a selection of food and beverages. The choice of Seven Saints as the venue adds a layer of local flavor to the event, reinforcing WEFT’s community-centric ethos.

A poster for a music festival named “WEFT fest 43”, scheduled for October 1, 2023, from 2-6pm. The poster’s background is yellow and features a cartoon character with a black top hat. It also showcases three photos of bands performing at the festival, including a rock band, a man playing guitar, and a group playing acoustic instruments. The text on the poster reads “Fall into WEFT Fest 43” and “Listen Local!”. Additional details about the festival are provided, such as location, performing bands, and amenities like food, merchandise, and a beer garden. Logos of the festival’s sponsors are also displayed.
WEFT Fest 43

WEFT Fest 2023 will feature a variety of activities beyond live music. For those interested in expanding their music collection, there will be CDs featuring a range of genres available with a donation. Additionally, raffle prizes are being sourced from local businesses and organizations. And in keeping with tradition, free cake will be available to all attendees, serving as a sweet reminder of the station’s birthday celebration.

The event will also showcase a diverse array of performers, each bringing their unique musical stylings to the stage:

  • Kayla Brown
  • Sean Kutzko’s Broadmoor Bunch
  • Bandoneon Massacre
  • The K-Tels

WEFT Fest 2023 is more than a festival; it’s a multifaceted event that celebrates community radio, local talent, and the collective spirit of East Central Illinois. Whether you’re a long-time listener of WEFT or simply interested in a day of diverse musical experiences, this event will offer something for everyone.

WEFT Fest 43
Seven Saints
Champaign
Su October 1st, 2 p.m.
Free

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