Winter Fest rained out as storm whips area
It started as a spritz of rain, then it became a deluge, and then the real hard stuff came.
That was enough for the Arts Miracle of SWFL to bring a stop to its first Winter Fest at the Shell Factory on Saturday after just two bands had performed.
Jimmy Palone, executive director of the alliance, called things off once the rain got too hard for people to enjoy the outdoor show. He said he didn’t know when or if the show would be rescheduled.
He did say there was a silver lining in the cloud that poured down so much rain.
“Rain sucks and so does cancer, but that’s bad luck on our part. The good thing is that the alliance now has a national face on it with Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola of Godsmack,” Palone said. “Just for that, that was worth this.”
Palone had advertised the show for weeks in print and on Facebook and 95.3 FM The River and also did a live remote. The thinking was that during season, surely there would be no rain.
The event was to raise money for musicians and artists in need – whether it be for medical reasons or anything else that sets them back.
“We want the community to get behind these things because artists are also called to do free shows to raise money. Well, they do this for a living and they need to be paid as well,” Palone said.
“It’s a hurricane stricken area and people have damaged instruments and can’t make a living, and not a great living once you pay expenses,” said Kenny Cox of the Kapo Kings. “I went through health issues a few years ago for a kidney transplant and my insurance company made me come up with $50,000 to go forward with it. It would’ve been great to have this at that time.”
The show started on time with Stringtown, but even as they hit the stage the skies behind them showed signs of gloom, which kept many potential fans away.
Comedian Brian Corrion tried to keep the gathering occupied with a comedy routine between acts although darkening skies loomed.
Meanwhile, Palone, aka the “Master of Chaos” remained confident they would get the show off.
“It’s not going to rain. I won’t let it,” Palone said. “There will be no “R” word.”
Screamin’ and Cryin’ performed as the rain began and steadily got harder as their set ended before Corrion called for a delay to the few remaining in their seats.
Once the downpour became harder, it was apparent there would be no show, so it was called.
Then came the race to get the equipment broken down, which became a futile one once the deluge began. Owner Pam Cronin got the equipment people out of there and into the warehouse for their safety as a tornado warning was issued.
Pallone is undaunted. He said the next event would be at the Dixie Roadhouse, which many of them have promised to do. Though no date has been set, Pallone said he would like to get it done by the end of February.
Pallone added the Shell Factory remains in the queue, since it’s such a great venue and because the people were excellent to work with.
“They’ve been so gracious and helpful and put it out there for us. I will definitely come back and do another show here,” Palone said. “We’ll probably do it in the spring and pray for no rain.”