Mansfield Music Fest 2K21 kicks off the weekend event with a bang at Snow Trails

BELLVILLE — Five local bands commanded the stage during the opening night of Mansfield Music Fest 2k21, each showcasing their talents during an evening dubbed “Hip-hop vs. Heavy.”

Nearly 200 attendees packed the lodge at Snow Trails to listen to the multiple performances. Saturday night, at the same venue, marks the second show of this event.

All the bands who took the stage are from Mansfield or the surrounding area. The event is open to all ages, but those under 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Friday night’s shows took place inside the lodge, and each band performed for 30 minutes.

“I’ve been treating Friday as kind of a ‘kick-off night,’” said Austin Moore, manager and booking agent for the Music Fest. “There’s a little bit more of a high energy.

“I’ve labeled tonight as ‘Heavy vs. Hiphop. There are two metal or hardcore punk bands and then there are three hip-hop acts.”

Under Substance opened the festival. This was the trio’s first time performing at the Mansfield Music Fest, but the bandmembers have been affiliated with each other since the sixth grade.

Tyler Knipp, 21, plays lead guitar for Under Substance and spoke of his desire to play at this particular show.

“Since 2018, we’ve been a band that’s trying to rearrange and look for members,” Knipp said. “Now it’s finally working out.

“When we hit March, I knew one show I wanted to play was Mansfield Music Fest.”

Following Under Substance’s hardwood-floor vibrations was a band called Vaundoom. Vaughn Elliott Robinson, lead performer for the group, has been producing music since 2010.

“I’ve originated my own style,” Robinson said. “I always thought it was cool to have a platform for local cats to perform.”

Vaundoom’s biggest inspiration is Wu-Tang Clan. According to Robinson, he is consistently looking to make his lyrics powerful and inspirational.

Alan from the Afrxnts reminisced about his time at Madison Local Schools — where he’d hone his music in the back of the classroom. The Afrxnts originated in 2014 and feature both trumpet and flautist players in their band.

“I’ve always been a big fan of hip-hop,” Alan said. “During freshman year, I decided I wanted to try rapping.

“It’s a lot of fun, especially when you see the crowd’s reaction.”

Divebomb has performed at Mansfield Music Fest for years. Jake Henry, 31, is the lead singer and commended the continued opportunity to perform at Mansfield Music Fest.

“It’s super great,” Henry said. “It’s awesome seeing all of the music community coming together.

“It’s a cool chance to feel like you’re a part of the community that you may not always feel when you’re playing smaller shows.”

The closing act featured Thuh Kôz. This was their first chance to close the show, although they have performed in the previous two Mansfield Music festivals.

Jamison and Tika Milteer have been married for 12 years and inaugurated the band six years post marriage. Tika, who auditioned for American Idol in the past, claimed her biggest inspiration was her mother.

“My mom sings, and she’s always put me through camp, so she’s my biggest inspiration,” Milteer said.

Mansfield Music Fest 2K21 will continue Saturday night beginning at 5 p.m. A multitude of bands will take the stage, including Ill Will, I Told You, Sarah Goff, Jeff Ritz, The Magnavox’s, Fast-Travel (Luke Adkins), Atomadam, Chico’s Brother, The Tough, Oddepoxy, Birdscage, Narrow/Arrow, and Sadhour.

Tickets can be purchased at the Snow Trails lodge door.