Harvesting the Fam Fest comes back to Windsor

By: Victoria M. Parent

Arts, Festival, Local

Local artists, filmmakers and bands will be showing off their talents at the annual Harvesting the Fam Fest that runs until Oct. 11.

Phog Lounge, Milk Coffee Bar, and other bars and lounges in downtown Windsor will be hosting various artists for the eighth annual Harvesting the Fam Fest.

Murad Erzincliouglu, 30, has been running the festival since Jan. 2007. Erzincliouglu sets up art galleries, brings bands together and is in charge of planning the festival.

“This year is showing up to be our best to date,” said Erzicliouglu. “Fam Fest is designed to create a space and opportunity for any medium or genre of artist.”

 Fam Fest will  feature a wide variety of bands including The Lovliest Skies, Lee Gaul and Two For The Cascade. Fam Fest will also host art galleries, fashion shows and movie nights, all provided by local talents.

“Turnout’s been pretty nice,” said Tom Lucier, manager of Phog Lounge. “If you offer something unique, people will participate.” Phog Lounge has been supporting Fam Fest since its beginning.

 

“Because of the way Fam Fest is structured financially, it links the success of the event to the venue,” said Lucier. “Hopefully I can sell booze and food. That’s the way I benefit.”

 

Local bands that come to perform at Phog Lounge get a percentage from food, drinks and merchandise sold.

 Fam Fest is not just about showcasing the artists. People who come to watch the live shows can also view other businesses in the downtown area.

 

“I just hope Murad sticks around,” said Lucier. “He is doing something really important for everyone that makes art.”

 Fam Fest will continue until Oct. 11 and will have more events at various places around Windsor including Venue Music Hall, Villains Beastro and The Windsor Beer Exchange.