Interview: Jeff Conley – Naukabout Festival

Really, music is the great equalizer – it brings together all different types of people. It allows us to spread our message to multiple target audiences while being consistent to our story. Life is full of things you have to do…you need to find a healthy balance of things you want to do…this is a fun, friends-and-family type of event that people want to go to during the summer on Cape Cod.

HT: Can you tell us a little bit about the venue where the festival takes place?

JC: The Naukabout is held at The Barnstable County Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, MA; about one hour south of Boston, just over the Bourne Bridge on Cape Cod. The fairgrounds itself is a place we grew up going to every summer for the Barnstable County Fair… A place from our childhood, definitely a place of Naukabout memories.

Logistically, it just makes sense because the venue is already set up to host outdoor events like a music festival. It has a main stage, ticket gate, ample power, fencing, parking & a beautiful grassy hill perfect for lounging & listening.

Also, there are no outdoor, grass field music festivals on Cape Cod. There are a few street festivals, but no traditional outdoor music festivals that bring together a great musicians, attendees & sponsors/vendors to one setting. The Cape is such a great destination for so many people… it was a no brainer, not to mention that we are huge music lovers and were born here…

HT:  How did you decide what bands to put on the lineup?

JC: We decided on the 09’ line-up for many reasons… First of all, Rusted Root is one of our favorite bands… everyone knows who they are, and they don’t often play in the area. We wanted to bring them back; and since they are on the road touring in support of their new album the timing was perfect. The 9 other bands on the bill, are just great local and regional bands with strong draws and that all fall into a similar genre of acoustic folk, reggae rock. We’re really fortunate to have them all on the bill.

HT: What time does the music start and what time is the curfew?

JC: The gates open at 12:00PM with music beginning at 12:30PM. The music must be finished by 9:30pm, but there are a few nearby after-party shows that will keep the music going into the night with some other great bands.

HT: Why did you decide on the Fresh Air Fund as the recipient of proceeds from the event?

JC: I really all translates back to what drove the creation of Naukabout & The Camp Naukabout Scholarship Fund. Finding that balance between hard work and relaxation is a key to being happy.

Growing up we were able to go to summer camp here on Cape Cod. We all have so many great naukabout moments from our summer camp days, but many children don’t get that chance. So we want to provide that opportunity for kids in need to create their own naukabout moments. On behalf of The Camp Naukabout Scholarship Fund, we decided that The Fresh Air Fund was a great fit because they provide kids from inner cities an opportunity to go to camp or host families for the summer and experience something new and exciting. It’s an absolutely amazing organization and program that truly provides opportunity for not only the kids involved but all who participate. Everyone who touches the program wins.

Actually, my brother Adam (one of the Naukabout founders) & his wife are a Fresh Air host family this summer. So really the mission of the Fresh Air Fund is something we hold close to our hearts both personally & on the Naukabout level.

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