B.O.M.B. Fest 2010, the Bring Our Music Back INC Festival announces the addition of award-winning rock band, 30 Seconds to Mars, to this year’s lineup at the Durham Fairgrounds in Durham, CT on May 30.
Old Lyme, Connecticut. May 3, 2010 – 30 Seconds to Mars stepped in after family obligations led Brand New to pull out of B.O.M.B. Fest 2010,the Memorial Day weekend music extravaganza. The band, scheduled for a World Tour in June, offered to help out after hearing about the mission of Bring Our Music Back INC, to promote healing through music and the arts. The non-profit, which produces the B.O.M.B. Fest concerts gives all net proceeds to select local and national charities. This year’s recipients include The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
30 Seconds to Mars won MTV’s Europe Music Award in 2007, MTV’s Asia Award in 2008 and Los Premios MTV Latinoamerica in 2008. Their latest album is This is War.
Joining 30 Seconds to Mars and Lupe Fiasco are: of Montreal, Girl Talk, Mute Math, The Cool Kids, Jay Electronica, 40oz. to Freedom, Roots of Creation, Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez, Quintron and Miss Pussycat and mynameisjohnmichael and dozens of local headliners. This is Music with Purpose.
Tickets are selling fast through bombfest.com and ticketweb.com. Gates open at 10:30 am at the Durham Fairgrounds in Durham, Connecticut. Fair rides, food and fun will round out the music from noon to 10 pm.
Contact:
Ilene Mitnick 860-638-8568
Bombfest.com
Bringourmusicback.org
It’s a Father and Son BondFEST
Frank Bombaci, Sr. may not be able to turn water into wine, but he does know how to turn it into gold – which he’s now sharing with his son. One of the founding fathers of Vitamin Water, Bombaci, Sr. now filters his passion and expertise for growing a business onto Frank, Jr., an 18 year-old Loyola University freshman, who inspired Bring Our Music Back, Inc., (a.k.a. B.O.M.B.) a non-profit dedicated to the enrichment of life and healing through music.
When he isn’t being the archetypal college student, Bombaci, Jr. is fully engaged as Artistic Director extraordinaire, filling his somewhat limited spare time producing B.O.M.B. Fests – all-day music festivals where local talent shares a voice and venue with national recording artists. The part that’s crystal clear for both Bombacis is giving back to their community – B.O.M.B. donates 70 percent of ticket proceeds to select national and local charities and causes. While Bombaci, Jr. can’t physically be at the heart of where the operation was founded in Old Lyme, CT, he makes up for it in soul and a lot of hard work. And, he has his dad’s full backing. “This kid doesn’t fool around,” says Bombaci, Sr., who perpetually powwows with his son daily via email, text and phone. In an industry full of veterans, this young visionary calls the shots and, poppa Bombaci lets him. “He blows me away with his depth of ideas and his vision,” says Bombaci, Sr., but Frankie’s just doing what daddy told him to do — “Pursue your passion. Do it with intensity. Take and mold a model that will help other people.”
At the heart of their success is the Bombaci bond. Frankie, as his dad calls him, spends more time celebrating his dad’s approval rather than trying to win it. And, he has no plans to unseat his old man, for it’s Frankie who sits up front. The team just seems to make a living and a life sharing a heavy dose of inter-generational reverence. Frank Sr. gives his son the room he needs to bring a vision to life and Bombaci, Jr. in turn, is secure enough to study dad’s lessons at each and every twist.
The father-son duo has spent the last two years building the 501(c)3, constantly thinking of ways to preserve music as an art form, but neither are newcomers to music. As a young boy, his dad’s album covers enamored Frank Jr. and while most kids today don’t even know the word vinyl, Frankie was exposed to his parent’s vinyl collection from before he could walk. “Frankie has re-ignited my passion for music,” says Frank, Sr., “and, now this is something we can naturally share together.”
When it comes to building business success, Bombaci Sr. solemnly vows that besides a great product and a strong brand, passion is key. And, both Franks are insanely passionate about the business. Not only branding it, but also ensuring that every soul they deal with is as intoxicated about the B.O.M.B. brand. Don’t bother knocking on their door or stepping foot onto their stage(s) unless you can sink your own teeth into the indie-techno-color vibe known as bringing the music back.
B.O.M.B. Fest 2010, produced by Bring Our Music Back, Inc., heads to the Durham Fairgrounds on Memorial Weekend – Sunday, May 30 where four stages will hold national and local acts for a ten-hour music festival. Beneficiaries include Hole In The Wall Camps, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and YPI, a children’s camp for artistic development.
Contact:
Leni Herschman/ 646-515-1937
Ilene Mitnick/860-638-8568
First B.O.M.B. Blast!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our first B.O.M.B. Blast fundraiser in Old Lyme on Friday. We raised some much needed funds for B.O.M.B.Fest and The Roots of Music. Our next B.O.M.B. Blast will be April 9th at Lyme Public Hall.
Also, our big Manchester Orchestra/Thrice show is coming up April 16th at Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans. Make sure you grab TICKETS
B.O.M.B.Fest lineup announcements
Updates!
Greetings from New Orleans. Spring is here and B.O.M.B.Fest is running full steam! If you didn’t know already we’ve settled on DURHAM FAIRGROUNDS for our May 30th B.O.M.B.Fest. If you were at our show last year, expect a whole new setup, bigger talent, and an even better atmosphere. Down in New Orleans we’re preparing for our Manchester Orchestra and Thrice show benefitting The Roots of Music at The Howlin Wolf on April 16th. Grab your TIX if you haven’t already and RSVP. We’re also planning a BIG New Orleans event for September so stay tuned for updates!
Changing gears, here’s a couple ways that you guys can stay up to date with us: Follow us on TWITTER or become our FAN ON FACEBOOK.
Rebirth Wrap-Up
Music with a Purpose!
Packed house
Rebirth
Frank Jr. gettin’ down
First off let me just give a huge thanks to everyone involved with our benefit for Roots of Music featuring some of the best artists in the city, including Rebirth Brass Band and a very talented Roots of Music brass band(SEE VIDEO) made up of some of the youngest and most promising musicians in the city. Through all of your generosity, we were able to raise much needed money for The Roots of Music who help at risk youths in New Orleans succeed at music when there might not be many other options for them. Big thanks also to Howlin’ Wolf for all of their help and generosity.
Interview with Frank Jr.
Frank Bombaci, Jr. is everything but an archetypal college student. Or, is he the new archetypal student? Attends classes. Participates in activities on campus. Hangs out with friends. Goes to parties, studies. Sleeps (maybe). And, listens to music – a lot of music.
His last name alone, shortened to “Bomb” and converted to an acronym that stands for “Bring Our Music Back,” lends itself nicely to the name of a music festival – a legacy in the making meant to highlight the pure energy of live music. A year ago, as a senior at Lyme/Old Lyme High School in Connecticut, working on the ostensibly dreaded senior project, Bombaci, masterminded B.O.M.B. Fest, a multistage music concert at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT.
Bombaci’s dream is for music lovers of all types to come together and appreciate the raw and original bits of music that are slowly seeping away from the mainstream music industry. Now in its second iteration, festivals are scheduled in Connecticut and New Orleans, where Bombaci is a freshman at Loyola University. B.O.M.B. Fest aims to help return the focus of music back to the art form from the popular commercialized form, with the added value of donating proceeds to organizations committed to enhancing life through music.
We chatted with Frankie to find out how he’s moving his music outside the confines of his dorm room.
I: The concept behind this all-day music event is ingenious – well, at least for someone your age. What’s behind it?
F: It’s a vision. A dream. Whatever you want to call it. Take a handful of nationally known underground artists and pair them with some local music heroes to celebrate music in its true form. Music has become so corporate. I’m taking a stand for true art, and, giving back at the same time.
I: Is that what your tagline, Music with Purpose is all about?
F: Music has always brought communities together. The positive energy that music creates is amazing. Officially, we’re all about enhancing life and healing through music. We donate proceeds to local and national non-profits who fit our mission. Music is meant to be heard and seen. It’s important to remember why people come to hear good music, especially as festivals become more of a marketing playground for companies. This is just good karma – we’re giving back what we get – dynamic bands; great sound and amazing fans.
I: We get that you’re passionate about music. Where did this passion come from?
F: I was born into it. My parents listened to all kinds of music. I used to go through my dad’s vinyl and all of his album covers. I started listening to music and began to devour it – like a machine. Then, I went to my first concert when I was 12 and still love the experience of a live show.
I: What do you call yourself? Festival evangelist? Break-out band recruiter?
F: I don’t like the word promoter. I do like being known as a producer, creator, organizer and an idea man.
I: And, what does your job entail?
F: I head up the full bill for the festival. That includes a calling for and selection of all the talent, local and national. I also handle operations.
I: How do you find new talent?
F: Recently, local bands have been contacting me through Myspace. For national, we use a middle agency and just hooked up with a booking guy down here (NOLA) who books directly at the venue.
I: Describe the vibe at last year’s B.O.M.B. FEST Connecticut?
F: It was great. Although it rained, nothing dampened the crowd’s energy. The loyal fans hung in and had a great time. I also loved the nice fluid movement from one act to the next.
I: How will the CT B.O.M.B. FEST be different this year?
F: More stages, more local acts, and a much stronger national line up, like Of Montreal, Cool Kids and Mute Math.
I: You’re planning festivals in CT and NOLA. How will they differ?
F: NOLA has a totally different vibe than Connecticut. You could say music has its roots here. Jazz, blues, rock. The legends of music found their way from the south to the world and so many new artists are following in their footsteps right here. It’s a very cool place to be involved in music. We’re sensitive to the local scene, so the festival actually defines the audience, keeping the music true to its origin.
I: What other benefit concerts or festivals inspire you?
F: Neil Young’s annual benefit for children with disabilities. The message is great and, typically, the festival is mostly acoustic and I love acoustic music.
I: Last year, you enlisted the help of your father, Frank Bombaci, Sr. to secure national acts and get corporate sponsors among other tasks. What’s it like working with your dad?
F: I have always wanted to work with my dad. It’s great. I couldn’t ask for more support.
I: Now that we can flex our marketing muscles even more with the internet, how do you see B.O.M.B. Fest going totally viral?
F: The possibilities are endless. We’re going to bust out on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and some music-only sites. We’ve got street teams who will also be rockin’ it out on foot and on-line.
I: Got any tips for other inspiring indie-music-festival producers?
F: Talk to people. Make connections. And, go for it. Also, having a festival with a message is so important.
I: What do kids who attend B.O.M.B. Fest have an appetite for, musically speaking?
F: This isn’t just about kids needing something to do. Variety is key. We encourage acts from all genres of music – reggae, jazz, classical. You know, we had an orchestra open the festival last year – it’s not just about rock and roll. People have different tastes and we try to accommodate them as best we can. It’s really about youth, music, art and the spirit of growing talent.
I: You’re still in school. How do you manage to be as involved as you are in producing the festivals?
F: A lot of emails, phone calls and a great support team at Bring Our Music Back, Inc.
I: Who are your musical influences?
F: The Beatles; The Rolling Stones; Modest Mouse; Gogol Bordello Neutral Milk Hotel. The list goes on and on.
I: What’s your grand plan? How big can this thing get?
F: Big. I want to spread B.O.M.B. Fest to different cities with each festival taking on a very specific vibe to that area. I want to be known for supporting healing through music wherever we go. For me, B.O.M.B. Fest is the perfect vehicle to do that.
I: What keeps you awake at night?
F: Monsters. And, thoughts about new ideas.
Welcome the B.O.M.B.Fest blog!
Greetings from the swamp!
What’s happening B.O.M.B fans! This is Dan in New Orleans checking in. The blog is where you can find updates almost daily about B.O.M.B.Fest lineup additions, ticket information, scheduling, and pretty much anything else related to the festival. Feel free to drop us a comment on here about pretty much anything. Who are the artists that you want to see?
This week we’ll be announcing some of our big names for the Connecticut B.O.M.B.Fest date taking place May 30th at Durham Fairgrounds. We are also looking forward to our FIRST NEW ORLEANS EVENT, a brass band blowout this Saturday, March 6th at the Howlin’ Wolf, all to benefit The Roots of Music. We’ve also got a big show with MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA and THRICE planned April 16th so don’t wait to pick up tickets for that too.
One last thing, if you haven’t become our fan on FACEBOOK or TWITTER, do it! That’s where you’ll see everything posted first + chances for discounts, giveaways and free tickets.
Until next time!
-Dan
