The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mayhem 2018 music festival slated for May 12
As part of its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Lakeland Community College in Kirtland is bringing back a popular old attraction: the spring music festival known as Mayhem.
The event debuted in 1971 and had its last run in 1989 and originated as a way to laud spring’s arrival, according to a Lakeland news release.
“Lakeland’s original spring music festival was held from 1971 to 1989 and featured many well-known bands on the Cleveland music scene including Michael Stanley, Wild Horses and Beau Coup,” the release reads.
The school reports the event went through a series of incarnations — and names — as it evolved into a full-blown band-powered blast.
“The student sponsored event began as Spring Fling and was renamed Spring Happening, Mayhem and Springfest,” the news release states. “Held in May to celebrate the change of seasons, the festival featured music, food and beverages, movies, contests, games, sports, magicians and other fun activities.”
Linda Daly, Administrative Assistant in Lakeland’s Administrative Services Department, said in a May 9 e-mail exchange that college administrators thought May 12 was the perfect opportunity to bring back the event because that’s the same day as the Lakeland’s 51st annual commencement, for which the school sets up a massive tent capable of seating thousands.
“We have been erecting a beautiful, big tent that seats over 3,000 people for our commencement ceremonies for 14 years, as the number of graduates and their guests has continually increased and there isn’t an indoor space on campus large enough to accommodate them,” writes Daly, who was on a committee to promote works of art and music for the school’s year of birthday festivities. “I’ve always though we should utilize the tent for additional activities, and with the 50th birthday of the college being celebrated in 2017-2018,
The event is set to include a variety of food trucks on location, including The Wild Spork, Stewart’s Smokin’ Backyard BBQ, Jackpot Chicken, Kettle Korn and Funnel Cakes.
it seemed like the perfect time and venue for a new version of MAYHEM.”
So, Daly said she proposed the idea of a free concert with three bands, “all with diverse music styles.”
Mayhem 2018’s lineup includes Faction Cleveland, Pieces of Eight featuring the Lakeside Brass and the Chardon Polka Band.
“Each band will play rotating sets of 30 minutes each beginning at 7 p.m. with the idea that, the minute one group ends, the next one starts,” she said. “At 11:30 p.m., all three bands will play together for a 30-minute jam session and will surprise us with their set list.”
She said organizers expect at least 1,000 Mayhem 2018 attendees. The event is set to include a variety of food trucks on location, including The Wild Spork, Stewart’s Smokin’ Backyard BBQ, Jackpot Chicken, Kettle Korn and Funnel Cakes.
“Volunteers affiliated with the college will be selling beer and wine and conducting a 50/50 raffle with all proceeds benefitting Lakeland student scholarships.”
No outside alcohol is permitted and parking is free.
The free outdoor music festival will be held Saturday, May 12, from 7 p.m. to midnight on the Lakeland campus, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland.
For more information, visit Lakeland’s news-release page.
When asked whether folks around campus seem excited about Mayhem’s reincarnation, Daly replied: “Yes - lots of excitement! I’ve been receiving lots of calls and inquiries. Students, staff, faculty and community members have embraced the idea and are looking forward to a great night of food, drink, music and dancing.”
Daly said she’s uncertain whether it will become a recurring event.
“We will wait and see how things go,” she writes. “I would love to see it become an annual event!”