MANSFIELD – Hip-hop beats, metal riffs, and alt-rock melodies will once again echo through the hills of Snow Trails as Mansfield Music Fest (MMF) returns Aug. 16 and 17.
The festival is gearing up to deliver a dynamic mix of music, art and community. It will feature nearly 50 performers, including local, regional and national acts.
Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday, with festivities continuing at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available for $50 for a weekend pass, $25 for Friday only and $35 for Saturday only.
Tickets are on sale at mansfieldmusicfest.com.
Why you should attend
If you’ve never attended Mansfield Music Fest, this year is your perfect chance. The festival has something for everyone, with performances spanning indie, alternative, EDM, death metal, hardcore, hip-hop, R&B and more.
This diverse lineup allows attendees to explore new genres and discover new favorite artists.
A 2023 attendee, Ellis Byrd, described the vibe as “high energy and unapologetic” in an interview with Richland Source last year. He noticed a difference between MMF and other local music events.
“When I saw this was coming up, I thought it would be the sort of pub-type bands that you normally get to see around this area — come to find out it was completely different,” he said, after attending Friday night’s sets at MMF last year.
“This is very much an alternative-type scene that we get a lot in California.”
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Beyond the music, the festival features artists and vendors, food trucks and non-profit organizations. The scene is set to the backdrop of the iconic Mt. Mansfield and lodge at Snow Trails ski resort. It’s the perfect atmosphere for making friends and enjoying the local arts scene, even if you aren’t familiar with the bands.
“You have the freedom to walk around the three stages and try different things,” said Jillian Henry, a festival organizer and marketing director at The Renaissance Theatre. “If you’re looking to make friends, meet new people, shop for some new art and listen to nearly 50 performers over the weekend, you are guaranteed to have a great time.”
2024 MMF Spotify playlist 👇
Why this year’s lineup stands out
The inclusion of metal heavyweights like EyeHateGod and Exhorder created a buzz among fans. These renowned acts bring a high level of excitement and draw to MMF.
Founder Austin Moore shared how these bookings came to be, crediting persistence and good timing with a booking agent. “It worked out very well getting EHG and Exhorder,” he said.
Moore’s new band, Aimpoint, is also set to debut at the festival. “The festival will be our first show and we will be opening Day 1 of MMF,” he said. Aimpoint, originally a studio project, features Jerrick Feagin, Tyler McLaughlin, Gage Goodwin, Bobby Krebs and Moore himself.
Other notable acts include No Grave, which will be fresh off playing “This Is Hardcore” festival in Philadelphia.
Last Gasp, from Cleveland, described as “fast paced, in-your-face style hardcore” by New Noise Magazine, always puts on a lively show.
“Every Last Gasp show I have been to has been incredible,” Henry said. “Ryan is such a dynamic vocalist and it’s always so entertaining to watch him.”
Violent Nature, a Columbus hardcore band that just dropped a self-titled record, features Isaac Collins – a barber at Brennan’s in downtown Mansfield.
Like Aimpoint, Oiun [wEn] – a prog metal band from Mansfield, is another project started by former members of Divebomb.
Henry also highlighted the presence of several talented women on the lineup, such as Fleshpile, Slice, Princess, Thuh Koz, Lucky Shot, Park3rboy + JBB and Ill Will. “There are a lot of incredible women on the lineup this year, which always excites me,” she said.
The festival will feature a hardcore showcase on Friday night, sponsored by Henry Screen Printing and a mosh competition, sponsored by Empire Muay Thai from Toledo.
On Saturday, attendees can look forward to the Richland Source Indie & Alt Rock Stage, The Kirsch Properties Death Metal Stage and the Incognito Stage, featuring hip-hop and R&B.
“I am looking forward to having R&B Artists on the fest. I’ll definitely be checking out Amari Moore and B. Suave,” Henry said. “On the death metal stage, this will be the first show for Limb From Limb, a Columbus band consisting of members of Empire of Rats who played in Mansfield over the years.”
Many of the artists in this year’s lineup have also played, or are scheduled to play at Richland Source’s Newsroom After Hours.
They include Thuh Koz, Devy Kay, Jody Odom Jr., Hurricane Ditka, I Told You, Ill Will, Kench, Mod Lit, NewEraCam, Vaundoom, Under Substance, Oddepoxy, Indoor Model and Raven Starr.
Indoor Model, a new project by Ethan Kershner and goth/industrial/edm artist Raven Starr are two up-and-coming locals that Henry recommends checking out.
“Ethan is such a good songwriter, musician, and producer and we are thrilled to have him on the show,” she said. “Raven played their first show at After Hours and we were all blown away by the performance, which felt more like witnessing art in person.
“I can’t wait to dance to Raven’s set at MMF this year.”
Vendors and Atmosphere
This year’s MMF will feature a variety of vendors, including Castle Curiosities, Apearoni’s Art, Incognito The Cannabis Cocktail, Deja Food, Knuckle Dragger Zine and more.
The festival grounds at Snow Trails will be bustling with activity, offering attendees a chance to explore art, enjoy food and engage with non-profit organizations.
The full list of vendors includes:
- Castle Curiosities
- Henry Screen Printing
- Incognito The Cannabis Cocktail
- Terry’s Trendz
- the twisted siren
- Scribblelegs Creations
- SpillProofLiquid
- Joyfish Studios
- Sacred Crown
- Apearoni’s Art
- The Looney Lemon
- Cell Block Cafe
- Deja Food
- Sweet Summertime Lemonade
- Collyde Records
- Empire Thai Boxing
- Knuckle Dragger Zine
- U.P.N.O. Music
“Vendor Alley” will be located between the two outdoor stages, with more vendors scattered throughout the festival grounds.
Attendees will receive wristbands at the entrance and can enjoy drinks at the lodge’s full bar, with the freedom to explore both indoor and outdoor stages. Food trucks and other vendors will be available throughout the event, ensuring a well-rounded festival experience.
Building a stronger team for a better festival
Austin Moore, the mastermind behind MMF, has been orchestrating the event since 2012. This year, he decided it was time to bring in some extra hands to elevate the festival experience.
“The biggest reason for bringing in more people to help plan is so that all of the areas of the event get more attention so that I am not spread thin,” Moore explained.
The new planning team includes Jacob and Jillian Henry, Jamison and Tika Milteer, Derrick Feagan, Ashlea Shaw, Dani Sheridan and April Kirkpatrick. Each brought their unique skills to the table in helping plan and promote the festival.
The addition of a dedicated team has allowed Moore to focus on the festival’s bigger picture while ensuring every detail is attended to.
“I am very happy with the decision to expand the team. It was very much needed to improve the event,” Moore added.
Memories and milestones
For Moore, MMF holds many cherished memories. From the first fest in 2008 to witnessing unforgettable performances, the journey has been a lot of fun for him. “Watching Thuh Koz perform in 2019. The room was so locked in with them and it’s a set I will never forget,” he reminisced.
Henry also shares a personal history with the festival. “I first attended Mansfield Music Fest in 2008 when it was held in a field off of Hanley Road. I had just gotten my driver’s license and I was excited to start going to local shows on my own. In the mosh pit that year I got hit by a man who is now my husband, so the fest has always had a special place in our lives,” she recounted.
Mansfield Music Fest is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of community, creativity and the diverse talent that Mansfield has to offer.
Get tickets today at mansfieldmusicfest.com.
