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Videos, Pictures and Highlights From The Werk Out 2012

: By Ryan Neeley, Courtney Abbott and Chaz Goble; Published on October 04, 2012

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Due in part to the recent oversaturation of the “weekend camping music festival” market, there are a select few “must-see” festivals east of the Mississippi throughout the camping season. Up-and-coming Ohio livetronica supergroup The Werks festival, rightly called The Werk Out has quickly become the final “must-have” wristband of the year.

Festival organizers Alchemy House and Funky Bean Productions did a fantastic job weaving the lineup into a weekend filled with a little bit of something for everyone in a way that was smooth and seamless, something that can be quite difficult with the recent marriage of dubstep/electronic music with guitar-rich jam bands on the festival circuit.

Photo Credit: Courtney Abbott

This weekend would include livetronica legends EOTO, Papadosio and Lotus alongside newer groups such as Zoogma at Legend Valley. Rounding out the weekend were performances by rock veterans Ekoostik Hookah, Rusted Root and Greensky Bluegrass for those fans craving a more traditional set.

Although it was a bit cold at night, the weather cooperated, an astonishing fact considering major part of Columbus, the closest large city, was without power.

“This is how good of people The Werks are,” proclaimed Todd Stoops, keyboardist for Kung Fu. “I was in the production trailer with the stage manager and there was a storm cell heading straight for the site. It turned right before it got to us, went 20 miles north, and then turned and just missed us. Now that’s karma.”

The staff of volunteer “farmhands,” artists, vendors and performers transformed the site into a smorgasbord of art, food, culture, music and a bit of shopping that was pleasing to all five senses.

With stations set up for artists to create masterpieces during the band’s set, fire dancers, hula-hoopers, stilt walkers and a number of other visual treats, the entire production was both eclectic and interesting.

“This was a perfect way for Ohio to send The Werks out into the country on their first major tour across America,” a festival patron that goes by the name “Tour Bus” stated. “Plus they killed it this weekend.”

Well said, Tour Bus. Well said.

-- Ryan Neeley

Photo Credit: Courtney Abbott

Despite the cold, wet and windy days in Thornville, Ohio, The Werk Out brought an eclectic group of people together who raged regardless of the inclement weather. The performers followed and delivered incredible performances.

People from all ages, edges of society, professions and states brought a positive energy to a gloomy weekend. There were professional artists alongside financial planners – quite amazing. With the weather becoming very cold at night, the festival took on a very family-like quality with everyone grouping together for warmth and camaraderie. People helped each other when tents blew away, and there was a general atmosphere of friendliness.

Photo Credit: Courtney Abbott

The festival provided a sober family camp on one hand, for those that brought their kids, and then, on the other hand, there was the wake and rage grounds where there was always a group of people about, sitting around the fire, smacking a bag of cheap wine or just plain partying. The layout of the two campsites created a happy atmosphere for all walks of life. Kudos to the event planners.

The concert site, Legend Valley, is one of the most historic venues in Ohio featuring countless classic acts over its long and storied past. The property is absolutely beautiful, with plenty of room for camping, music and activities. The main stage area was only a five-minute walk to any of the other stages throughout the campgrounds. The sound, light, and stage crew did an immensely professional job from a production standpoint. Act transitions were smooth, and the music just sounded so clean.

The Music

The Werks indulged the audience with an incredibly moving performance each night. As the namesake of the festival, the crowd came out big for these guys. The festival proved an excellent kick-off for their fall U.S. tour. Each performance gave the audience a diverse view of these incredibly dedicated performers. Although it looked like rain throughout the festival, in the words of The Werks, “All of everyone’s positive energy pushed the bad weather away.” It was wonderful to see an act so connected to their fans.

Photo Credit: Courtney Abbott

Lotus also drew an immense crowd of loyal followers. Everyone was incredibly excited to hear Lotus the entire festival. Their music escapes conventional description. The tones were soothing and the beats worked so smoothly. It was a sensory overload in all the best ways. They represent an incredible culture and fusion of styles, and their crowd truly showed this diversity. It was impossible to stop dancing, which is always a hallmark of a great act.

EOTO was unlike anything that could have been expected. This was a hugely pleasant surprise, and they put on a truly unique show. Encased in a stage of flower petals, the music and visuals flowed together seamlessly and beautifully.

This act also takes the prize for best cover of the festival, with an incredibly effective cover of Busta Rhymes' “Break Ya Neck." It was executed with EOTO’s signature groove.

Another notable group of stand-out musical talent at this festival was the Wear the Party Stage on Friday night. Thunder St. Clair, Magua, Evasion and Bang~Bang (Jason Hann of EOTO) created a sound that kept the party going 'tll the sun came up. Each one of these artists had a distinctive style that made the music fresh and enjoyable. This was a true example that if there is good music people will come dance despite the late-night weather conditions that make most people want to snuggle up in their cozy tents.

The Visual

The artists that exhibited at this show were nothing less than amazing. Each artist was very different, and that again went along with the range and variety that occurred at this show. Personally, the stand-out artist at this event was Andrew Wagner. His colorful paintings consist of a variety of animals and people that are detailed, colorful and just super cool. He was an incredibly friendly entrepreneur who was glad to answer questions.

Final Thoughts

Despite the blustering winds and overall chill weather this festival still brought the heat. The music, art, food and vendors all had something special to make this Werk Out memorable.