Pre-sale Tickets = Free Music!
Hello everyone,
This week’s blog is simple … YOU SHOULD BUY PRE-SALE TICKETS! Trust us, it’s a good idea. You’ll save money AND get free music.  Advantages -$10 off your ticket ($30 pre-sale, $40 at the gate) -A free download of some of last year’s best Mike Aid tunes, recorded live and mastered just for you How it Works First, follow this link to the Mike Aid Festival Store and click “buy tickets” After you buy your ticket(s) we’ll send you an email with a link to download all sorts of free music from Mike Aid … Ten Years After. **Pre-sale tickets must be purchased before noon on August 24** Also, if you’ve already purchased pre-sale tickets we haven’t forgotten about you. You too will be getting the link in your inbox to download free music! See you all on the mountain! Mike Aid 3 artists performing this weekend Allen Thompson Band 8/11 – Puckett’s Grocery Nashville, TN Former Champions 8/11 – City Dogs (in the Fan) Richmond, VA 8/13 – Jewish Mother Virginia Beach, VA Lazy Man Dub Band 8/12 – Martin’s Downtown Roanoke, VA 8/13 – Microfestivus (4-6) Roanoke, VA Sam Fochtman & Tobacco Apache 8/12 – Blue’s BBQ Roanoke, VA Vendors, Vendors, Vendors!!!
It’s August! Only a matter of days until Mike Aid … or weeks if you wanna be a stick about it.
We can almost hear the music already, but did you know Mike Aid isn’t all about music? Yea, we know … art is important too. That’s why we have a whole gaggle of great artists coming to sell you everything from toys to clothes and jewlery. Here’s some info on some them.  Lolene CreationsLolene is the love child of Laura Idema and Colleen Thompson, two easily inspired Nashvillians who love to feel the groove. We love to create original pieces, as well as share our vintage finds and recycle old pieces with new renditions.. Lolene at ETSY Lolene at MySpace Lolene at Facebook  Little House ThreadsLittle House Threads~ keeping you patchy one stitch at a time Little House Threads at Facebook Soulshine  Soulshine is now open for business!! We are your friendly neighborhood "hippie" store, with lots of clothing, tapestries, posters, incense, knick-knacks, consignment from local artisans, etc...1902 Memorial Ave Suite A, Roanoke, VA 24015 540-400-8828 Soulshine at Facebook Jada Bean Art  My name is Jada Schmidt! i am the owner of jada bean art! i have two stores that carry my line of jewelry and clothing. they are halfmoon and kosmic khameleon and both are located in Virginia beach. this page is were i sell and show the items that the other stores carry. i do everything from wraps, hemp, beaded, tie dye, patchwork clothing but my fav thing to do is to make thing out of old band shirt and turn them into dress and hoodies. i do alot of hand embroidery on the jackets. alot of the jewelry is made out of old pieces that i take apart. i just found out that this is called upcycling!(757) 394-5583 greeneyedjada@gmail.com Jada Bean Art at Facebook  Smith River Adventure Outfitters and Nature FreaksSmith River Outfitters is located near the South Martinsville canoe access on Tensbury ln. and we rent kayaks, canoes and soon to be inner tubes. We also give lessons, beginner and advanced. We offer Nature classes as well, such as: Nature hikes and wilderness survival classes. "Rock on! and can't wait to meet you ALL!..." Smith River Adv. Outfitters: 276-252-0701  Ellziopscilly ToysPlay with toys.... Blow more bubbles..... And you shall not grow old! Ellziopscilly at Facebook  Eternal Autumn Jewelry and AccessoriesFrom Gothic Couture to Rockabilly Chic ~ and more! Eternal Autumn at ETSY Russ Helgren  TIE DYE!Ress at Facebook Mike Aid artists performing this weekend Allen Thompson Band 8/6 – The 5 Spot Nashville, TN Harwell Grice Band 8/6 – Virginia Highlands Festival Abingdon, VA The Atkinsons 8/7 – Carytown Watermelon Festival/ Babe’s (2:15pm) Richmond, VA Groova 8/6 – Village Grill MusicFest Roanoke, VA Fire!
There will be a Caribbean pirate juggling fire at Mike Aid 3.
{Wait, what did that say?} Go ahead, you can read it again if you would like. OK, he’s not a real pirate, but it sounded just too tantalizing for us to pass up saying.  Chris Bailey of the US Virgin Islands does sometimes play a pirate, but you’re more likely to find the fire performer captivating audiences around the country at music festivals. Mike Aid 3 included.His performances include Poi (balls attached to a rope), staffs, rope darts, meteors, juggling, contact juggling, flow wand hoops and much more … all engulfed in flames, of coarse. “If an object can be spun, juggled or manipulated I can find something to do with it,” Chris said in an email this week. He began spinning Poi about 9 years ago and has periodically expanded to the additional props over the years.  “Originally, I taught myself over the internet via text and a few grainy videos,” Chris explained. “Then, as time went on I started connecting with other spinners, and by posting videos online I became recognized as an exceptional performer. Next thing I knew I started traveling to teach workshops and to perform at different events.”Of all those events, one stands out in Chris’s memory. “One of the most memorable shows was definitely spinning fire at Mountain Jam, 2007,” he said. “I got to spin fire on the side of a mountain while Phil and Friends were playing Fire on the Mountain. I mean does it really get any better then that?” Mike Aid 3 will, Chris! Well … maybe close.  Whether at Mountain Jam or Blue Mountain, we can all expect to see a very exciting performance from Chris.“When I am out in front of an audience I come alive in a very different way,” he said. “The passion and fun that comes forth when I am in front of an audience is one of the big things that sets me apart from other performers.” Chris also thrives off the music. “Whenever I perform to a live band I think of what I am doing as a visual interpretation of what is happening on stage. The same thing goes for recorded music. You base your movements on the feelings and beat of the music being played,” he said. He added that it isn’t solely the audience, the music or anything else that keeps him going. His motivation is collective. “My favorite part is really the whole experience. I love the practice; I love traveling all over the country. I have met more amazing people than I can count and it's just all around been great. I wouldn't be the person that I am today if it wasn't for finding these arts.” And Mike Aid 3 will be better for having Chris, so we thank him, we look forward to his fire wheel burning in the air, and we will see you all there August 26. Arrghhhhhh!!!! You can watch videos of Chris in action at sunset on a beach or at Mountain Jam 2009 If you would like to contact Chris, email him at chrisrovo@yahoo.com. Mike Aid 3 artists performing this weekend Allen Thompson 7/30 – Floyd Fest X Floyd, VA 7/31 – Floyd Fest X Floyd, VA Former Champions 7/28 – Nomadic Roots Festival Gore, VA Shorefire 7/30 – Allsports Café Salem, VA The Muckrakes 7/29 – The Weekend Pub Newport News, VA Blue Mule 7/28 – Floyd Fest X Floyd, VA 7/29 – Floyd Fest X Floyd, VA 7/31 – Floyd Fest X Floyd, VA Bring Your Lights and Lighting Ideas! We told you a couple weeks ago about the silent disco at Mike Aid 3, but we didn’t tell you much about the decoration plans for The Island, which is where we’ll be hosting the soundless shindig.First of all, it takes a short stroll through the woods and crossing a bridge to get to The Island. The thing is though, it gets REALLY dark up on Blue Mountain and we don’t want anyone twisting an ankle, spraining a funny bone or winding up knee-deep in the creek. Enter our favorite fiddler Amanda Glover … She suggested all sorts of neat ways to keep people on track as they trek toward the silent disco. “Instead of lighting the bridge,” she said. “Let’s light the water under the bridge with multi-colored submersible lights.” Great idea, Amanda! What else you got? “Lets illuminate the forest on The Island," she said. "I’m thinking we will have some paper lanterns and other lighting on the trees, as well as rope lights, moving lights and some interactive things." And we're afraid that’s about as much as we can disclose at this juncture. The rest will be a surprise. But here's a great idea ... why don’t YOU help us by being part of the surprise!?!  “Its really an open forum for creativity, so people should feel free to contribute any visual art they would like,” Amanda said. “This would be a great spot for some late night hooping, poi, costumes, glow paint (just not on the trees please!)...whatever!”“I’m also looking for help gathering materials like black lights, glow sticks, paper lanterns, LED lights, or any type of flameless lights,” she continued. “This would be a really fun task for those wishing to volunteer their time Thursday night, possibly Friday day. It will also be really great to have as much help as possible on Sunday, making sure we leave Blue Mountain like we found it.” Please contact Amanda at gloveram@mymail.vcu.edu with your ideas, lights and decorations. We look forward to seeing what you all have to contribute! Until then, have a BIG day!! P.S. We will be doing a food drive for Coalition Against Hunger, and food will go to a nearby foodbank. There will be a collection box in the illuminated forest silent disco area. So bring yo beans!!! Mike Aid Artists Performing This week Former Champions 7/22 – Grand Lake Motorcycle Club Mendon, OH Half Moon 7/22 – Awful Arthur’s Downtown Roanoke, VA The Muckrakes 7/23 – The Hampton Taphouse Hampton, VA Emily Stewart and Baby Teeth 7/27 – The Blind Tiger Greensboro, NC What is Mike Aid Aiding?
Greetings!!
This week we’ll be sharing with you some information about why exactly we’re throwing this big ol’ party, and what exactly it is you’ll be helping when you come hang out with us in the midst of music the last weekend of August. In celebrating the life of Michael H. Calhoon, Mike Aid raises money for the Michael H. Calhoon Memorial Scholarship Fund. All proceeds from Mike Aid go directly into the fund, which provides one student every year with a college scholarship.  Rick and Ann Calhoon, Mike’s parents, came up with the idea for the scholarship after Mike passed away as a result of Leukemia in 2001. “We wanted to keep Mike's memory alive and this was one way to do it,” Ann said recently. Rick and Ann also created the requirements for the scholarship. They decided recipients would share some things in common with Mike, which include earning average grades, attending Northside High School and having an interest in music (Mike was superb drummer/musician). “We didn't want to restrict it to music majors only,” Ann explained. “The reason for this is Mike made average grades and he also was interested in other things. Besides music, Mike was a very talented artist. Also, there might be a year where the applicants aren't planning on majoring in music.”  Mike Aid 3 will be the scholarship fund’s third fundraiser. The first was a golf tournament at Smith Mountain Lake’s Mariner’s Landing, the second was last year’s Mike Aid (“Mike Aid … Ten Years After”).Fundraisers were also held to pay for medical expenses while Mike was alive; they too included a golf tournament as well as the first Mike Aid in 2000. “There were so many people whom we knew, and a lot that we didn't, that just were ready to support us in anyway,” Ann said. “We had financial support to help with the medical bills and we had so many thoughts and prayers to help us. The scholarship is one way that Rick and I can give a little something back. We were and still are amazed at all of the love from friends and strangers alike.” We can’t wait to see you August 26 at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds showing your love, helping increase the scholarship fund and keeping Mike’s memory dancing in the streets!!! Click here to make a donation to Mike Aid 3 or to buy Mike Aid 3 tickets online. Click the logo below to learn about how you can help cure Leukemia and improve quality of life for patients and their families.  Mike Aid 3 Artists Performing this Weekend (7/14 - 7/18) Allen Thompson Band 7/14 – Old Hickory Tap Room Hickory, NC 7/16 – Lincoln Theater Marion, VA 7/18 – 12th & Porter Nashville, TN Former champions 7/14 – City Dogs in the Fan Richmond, VA 7/18 – Hoss’s Deli Newport News, VA Relacksachian 7/15 – Dogtown Roadhouse at Sun Music Hall Floyd, VA 7/16 – Machiavelli’s Bristol, TN The Muckrakes 7/16 – The Country Grill Yorktown, VA Silent Disco!
One of the most exciting new directions we're taking this year has to do with the late night entertainment, and trust us, this is one new direction you won't
 want to miss.It's the Mike Aid 3 Silent Disco! Yes, we said it ... S-i-l-e-n-t D-i-s-c-o. If you know what a Silent Disco is, chances are you're pretty excited right now, and if you don't know what a Silent Disco is, chances are you're pretty confused and/or interested right now.  It works like this: First, a DJ sets up his/her equipment and plugs into a FM transmitter rather than speakers. Next, whomever or whatever wants to participate throws on a set of wireless headphones. The headphones pick right up on what the DJ is throwing down, and what you get is a mob of hippies dancing in relative silence!"I came up with the idea while trying to figure out how to keep the show going for those who weren't quite ready to go to sleep yet and to let those folks who'd like to grab some winks get their beauty rest," said Mike Aid Organizer Terry Peters. "I had seen the silent disco at Bonnaroo and originally had the idea to get a transmitter and just tell people to bring headphones, but then I found Silent Storm Sound System on the Internet." Silent Storm Sound System will be the silent disco experience provider at Mike Aid 3. "I sent [Silent Storm Sound System] a message and they got right back to me and we were able to work it all out," Terry continued. "We're proud to be partnered with them and very happy they're an official Mike Aid 3 Sponsor." The soundless nightspot will be on what has come to be known to Blue Mountain Fesitval Ground campers as the Island, so right around 2 a.m. when you're ready to power through for a few more hours, just find a few like-minded folks, dock at the Island and boogie on reggae woman .... silently. Mike Aid 3 Silent Disco provided by Silent Storm Sound System Who: The music will be provided by Spark Arrester, everyone's invited! When: Both nights at Mike Aid 3 (August 26 & 27) 2 a.m. - ? Where: The Island (don't worry, you'll find it) What you'll need: $5 and an I.D. for each headset Mike Aid 3 Artists performing this weekend (Friday 7/8 & Saturday 7/9) Former Champions Friday & Saturday Pattersonville, NY @ Indian Lookout Country Club Blue Mule Friday Durham, NC @ Broad Street Cafe Saturday (4pm-5pm) CAllaway, VA @ Unbridled Change Benefit Show Saturday (7:30pm) Floyd, VA @ Oak Grove Pavillion Atkinsons Saturday Richmond, VA @ Cafe Diem _________________________________________________________________________________ Pre Sale Tickets, Volunteering and Vending
Hello All !
 The time to celebrate at Mike Aid 3 is drawing nearer and nearer every day, and we're getting so derned excited about it that we need a way to release some of the pressure (you be the pin, we'll be the balloon). So please, help us and yourself .... stop by every week, poke around, read band interviews and Mike Aid history, find Mike Aid artists' show dates/locations, and follow the latest Mike Aid 3 news. This week we want to load you up with information … sweet, sweaty, juicy, fantastic information. We ask that you take it with you and distribute it accordingly among your contemporaries. If they’re coming to Mike Aid 3, tell ‘em. If they’re not coming to Mike Aid 3, tell ‘em. Tickets: GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!!!! Follow this advice, you'll save a sawbuck. The cost is $30 in advance and $40 at the gate. To purchase tickets in advance go to www.mikeaidfestival.com and find the 'Get Tickets' link. You can also purchase tickets at these fine retailers: Woodall's Music 2163 Virginia Avenue Collinsville, VA 24078 Edible Vibe 315 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151 Riverview Music Danville, VA Volunteers: If you’re interested in volunteering, we’re interested in having you volunteer. Not only will you be attracting all sorts of fuzzy little Karma bunnies by helping Mike Aid organizers, Mike Aid attendees and the Michael H. Calhoon Memorial Scholarship Fund, but you’ll also be helping yourself by earning a FREE TICKET! Volunteer positions include anything and everything. If you think we’ll need help with it, we do. Heck, maybe we don’t even know we'll need help with it yet. Come bearing suggestions! Email mikeaidfestival@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. Vendors: We're getting very close to full, but will continue to accept vendor applications for a short period of time. Email mikeaidfestival@gmail.com for more information Mike Aid Artists Performing This Weekend Rocky Mount, Va. Hollow Springs Band at Rocky Mount Rotary Club Independence Day Festival -Friday 5:30pm Roanoke, Va. Relacksachian at Blues BBQ -Friday 10pm Floyd, Va. Blue Mule at Floyd Fandango -Saturday & Sunday On the Telly Sam Fochtman & Tobacco Apache on WSLS's "Our Blue Ridge" -Monday, high noon Happy 4th! Be independent! |
