Interview: Jeff Conley - Naukabout Festival

We’ve only got a few days to go before picking a winner of our Naukabout Festival giveaway, so be sure to get your entry in before 11:59PM on Tuesday night for a free pair of tickets to see Rusted Root, Pete Francis featuring Barefoot Truth, the Old Silver Band, the Ryan Montbleau Band and all of the other bands that are on the lineup for this year’s fest.

We recently spoke with Jeff Conley, one of the founding members of Naukabout and Executive Festival Coordinator about how the festival came to be, what we can expect at the Fairgrounds on August 8 and more…

Hidden Track: Last year was the first year of the festival, what lessons did you learn that will make this year’s festival even better?

Jeff Conley: Logistics, logistics, logistics. Having a plan in place for every possible scenario and an answer for every question. That is not to say we didn’t have a plan for last year’s festival, but one year older is one year wiser. When the planning began for this year’s festival, the first thing we did was look back at 2008 and figure out what needed to change and/or improve to make 2009 even better, and I think we have done that. With a solid framework to build upon from last year, we focused more on the details this year, which will help maximize the experience for both the attendees and the artists.

HT: There are all sorts of ways to market your brand, why a music festival?

JC: Naukabout is an Afterwear company; those casual, comfortable clothes you wear after work or sport, which derived from when my father used to come home from work, change into his “knock-abouts” and go outside and play ball with my brothers and me. As a whole, we also strive to provide opportunities for everyone to build amazing memories with friends and family and that is where the music festival comes in.

READ ON for more of Scotty’s interview with Jeff Conley…

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.

• Previously on HT: HT Giveaway - Naukabout Festival