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  Wounded Warrior Project gets helping hand at WyldFest July 2nd, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  It never ceases to amaze me how people can come together in caring and take the art we have been blessed with, whole-heartedly giving something back by collectively sharing it. That is what happened at the Dive last night with our all-day WyldFest music festival. And what went on inside those walls truly something to cherish. We are Americans. We are loud. We are proud. And we…rock. That is what we set out to do…and we surpassed every expectation. When we initially lost our original benefactor, with him also went our radio advertising. However, that is all that was lost. The fiery giving spirit we had as a group remaining victoriously strong, together we overcame small obstacles and charged forward to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Now, with creativity and passion lighting our way, we were even more dedicated then ever to see our mission through to a very climatic end. The weather threatened our success. Tornado warnings keeping away many who planned to attend. However, those that braved it were fortunate enough to be a part of a much more raging storm: one that was focused on helping others and joining the local music community together for one of the first times in Lowcountry history. Bands and artists -together as one- after years, miles, and yes even artistic rifts had threatened to intervene. But in the grand scheme of things, the love of the music"and this Country—brought triumph. Friends & brothers were reunited…new bonds of friendship & respect formed…and the result was one that gave a feeling so good it is almost in descriptive by mere words. However, out of the immense respect I have found for every single artist and music lover gathered in that room, I am sure gonna try: The day kicked off with Charleston"s best Classic Rock Lords, On The Hunt. Beginning the fest with utmost class, that is the task OTH was handed—-and that they effortlessly achieved. Bodies began to sway to the smooth groove of Classic and Southern Rock, band chemistry flaring high and vocals reaching a blend of perfection. The brothers of OTH worked that room in style, moving bodies to their fine music and all the while, lifting spirits simply by the smiles pasted happily on their rockin" faces. Following them, was the sole reason for my trip to confession: the boys of Sin County up next…were, in my opinion, so sinfully talented that those of us drawn to their lure, felt the need to repent. Sin County threw into the mix a cool vibe of Outlaw Country, Southern Rock and just an overall unique sound. There isn"t another band in this town like them. They are truly different and I feel so blessed to have had them onboard with us. Lighting up the night was the brainchild of two men. The Spaced Invaders provided us a light and graphics show on the big screens behind each band. Psychedelic spinning icons, band logos and even cute rockin" cartoons added a superb personal touch to the stage setting. Spaced Invaders provide something much more then a "support network" to the show—-they own it. The big surprise of the night was given to us through the brand new Party Rock band NRG. I believe they chose the name precisely right. People in the room were buzzing about these new strangers, the collaboration of several global performers joined to form this one very powerful group. They simply blew people away with their driving force of energetic stage presence, excellent drums, and a fantastic selection of rockin" feel-good songs. It was brand new experience to this writer…for it was my first NRG show. But certainly not my last. Not long after the dust settled, my favorite "lit stick of smoking dynamite" took stage center. Chris Sullivan was perhaps one of the most anticipated act on the bill, (according to talk among the crowd). People were waiting for hours to see him perform. And when they finally got their due, Sullivan, true to his art, never once let that crowd down. The gifted singer-songwriter entertained in a way that is all his own and one that this show could not have succeeded without. My very first music friend came through for me once again and I think the crowd will agree, his show was flawless. Half-way through the day, we ran a 50-50 drawing for the cause. Info on the Wounded Warrior Project can be found via their website at www.woundedwarriorproject. org. Considering the venue"s location on the Naval Weapons Station, it provided us the opportunity to speak with the military students there and to be able to give them our personal thanks. The true hero of the night comes in the shape of a beautiful & petite little spitfire of a woman: Cindi Tesseniar, vocalist of Second Hand Rose. Cindi, who frequently jumped onstage to join in vocally, was the big winner of the 50/50. When her name was announced, she refused her prize and gave 100% back to the Wounded Warriors. It was so nice to see her, along with former members of the Sound Dogs and several others jumping into loan their talents onstage. Thanx Cindi. As the night went on, the IMPOSSIBLE happened: the already volatile charge in the air became even more electric. As the clouds rolled in and the thunder outside continued to rumble, the metal rockers prepared to take over the night. Hard rockin" Virus was yet another delightful first for me. The lights became a little brighter, the music a little louder, and the excitement only mounting, wyldFEST was here and we were lovin" every minute. People got half-naked…(nice tattoo Eric). Bodies were grinding. Smiles and fists in the air were a-plenty. As Eric and Brian had promised me before the show, the crowd became hopelessly engulfed in the flame and petulant rage that is Virus, sooo damn contagious, the afflicted were pleased to a point of no return…No cure neccesary. Next up was popular super-metal act Numb 909, who provided yet another surprise to the crowd. In a (seemingly overnight"") change, gone was wiry frontman Dan (the recognizable first glance of Numb 909 in"apparently—days past) and in his place, none other then Nick (former lead singer of Swyrl) proceeded to rock the stage. What they gave was their all and the crowd ate it up. When Headliners Control Freak took the stage, the night was finally complete. For their first show in over 6 months, it was as if these brothers had never even parted. When fate handed out the card that bassist Randy (a Dept of Defense contractor) was sent to Iraq to work his ass off, Control Freak took a temporary well-earned rest while they waited for their brother"s safe return. Randy is back and it was evident last night, with more fight and drive in him then ever before!!! It was so good to see him back there roaring and growling like no time had passed at all. Add to the mix, new guitarist Pete "the Shredder" White and you have what he later aptly described as "finally home". Mike banged out one of the most powerfully moving drum solos I ever did hear! With every clash of his energy, I found myself thinking how very much we had missed our freaks while they were away"and how very glad we are to have them back. Of course, we cannot forget my very favorite King of the Freaks, Shane Meyer. He who teasingly granted me the title of "Mistress" of the Fest showed who was in ABSOLUTE & TOTAL charge as he mightily commanded the freak-sprit of every person in the room. Once Control Freak took the stage, the crowd knew it had hit its most satisfying body-shuttering climax, ending the night off with one hell of an intense bang….and none of us wanted it to end. The crowd was left wanting more"and now that Control Freak is back, they are certain to reign supreme in delivery of the most amazing shows out there. The crowd was ravenously hungry and so with all the music of these 7 wonderfully bad-ass bands, I am quite certain everyone left fully sustained and satisfied. WHAT FUN we all had!!!! This, which has been called by others my "little Rock & Roll show", was a flat-out success, thanks to all of the artists and music lovers in that room. We left with a feeling of astonishment…but what overshadows even that feeling is this: We have started something really good and there is not an end in sight. Tonight as I reflect back on BOTH of the most excellent events of our First Annual WyldFest, I am dumbstruck and humbled to only ONE simple word: "WOW " And just think, this was ONLY…just….the beginning. This news report was brought to you by Jaden Wylder.

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  Hunter Wilson

  Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts

  Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.

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