Rockopelli fans dodge the rain to enjoy bands, vendors
In the eight years that the Rockopelli Music Fest has been offered to the public, the weather has always cooperated.
Until this year.
Even though clouds and rain descended on Griffith’s Central Park, resulting in a smaller crowd than usual, the show that was staged to benefit local charities was destined to “go on.”
“This is the first time in eight years that we’ve had to face this,” said Rockopelli founder Joel Ratajack, as he observed the steady drizzle. “But I’ll take those odds any day.”
Optimism was the feeling of the day as organizers, band members, vendors and visitors alike felt attendance would improve when the rain stopped, which it eventually did a few hours before the nineand-a-half-hour event was over.
Music was provided by The Crawpuppies, OHMME, Fay Ray, OBY, Dirtymac and Today’s Trade.
Fay Ray was the first to appear on stage.
“We never miss this music venue; the bands are always a highlight for us,” said Delaney Parker of Chicago, as she and four friends sat close to the stage. “Tonight is even more special than it has ever been because people coming today in the rain are showing that they really care to help the charities that profit from this.”
Twenty-five vendors offered a variety of food choices, home decorations, art, jewelry and other items.
A beer booth and raffles also were on the day’s agenda.
“The crowd is a little thin now, but we’ve had steady business,” said Chris Cavallini, co-owner of Ace Catering, as he loaded more shish kebabs on his grill. “No matter what the weather is, people still need to eat.”
Marcie Pool of Shimmer & Shine was happy with the continual discussions she had with visitors to her booth, in spite of the rain. Her colorful fingernail supplies caught the eye of many passing by her table.
“I’ve never seen nail wraps like this before,” said Gerilyn Martin, of Griffith, as Pool demonstrated the application. “I love coming to events like this where they have such cool things.”
No tickets were sold for the concert, but donations were accepted.
This year’s summer proceeds will benefit Planting Possibilities and Murph’s Gift of Music.
Planting Possibilities provides employment, job skills training and volunteer opportunities for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Northwest Indiana.
The organization provides a nurturing environment where adults with these disabilities can work toward their own goals of building fulfilling lives through work.
Murph’s Gift of Music’s mission is to provide music-related lessons and instruments to children from families that do not have the financial means to provide this opportunity.
The charity is named for Illinois musician Michael Murphy (Murph), who devoted his life to music. A talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Murph played in four bands, including Leave, and taught at the Music School in Oak Lawn. His life and lessons were cut short on June 6, 2008 when he was killed in a hit-and-run crash.
As a benefit concert, Rockopelli has raised approximately $80,000 for local charities since its first show in 2011.
For more information, visit online at rockopellifest.org.