HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Full Name
Cari and Jaz

How long have you volunteered for Homegrown?
I have been volunteering off and on for about 10yrs i think (some of those years were long ago), and Jazmyn has always helped with handing out field guides, since she was about 13.

What is your favorite Homegrown memory?
I have sooooo many memories, but definitely taking my uncle, Brad Hoyt- who also volunteered since, to his first Homegrown! He’s been an addict since! But a close second is bringing my cousin to her first Homegrown- and finding the secret TBT show at Luce. That vibe was incredible.

How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far?
For Jazmyn and I, music is our religion. Without concerts, we’ve had a lot of time driving and letting the music play.

Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers?
Future Homegrown volunteers- don’t be afraid of commitment! I’ve had people say they don’t have told but the staff will absolutely find something that fits your schedule! You can commit as little or as much time as you want. Ps. You WILL have fun.

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Full Name
Amanda Prince-Carlblom

How long have you volunteered for Homegrown?
I only formally volunteered for two years but got roped into doing something every year.

What is your favorite Homegrown memory?
I adored when Bratwurst actively protested the existence of Cars and Trucks.

How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far?
If not for my nightly kitchen dance party with my son, I would have run screaming from this country.

Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers?
Best advice: Just do whatever Dereck tell you to do. (He told me to do this survey, for instance)

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Full Name
Theresa Ekblad

How long have you volunteered for Homegrown?
Last year would have been my third year.

What is your favorite Homegrown memory?
There are so many, I’m freezing up when I try to choose – so instead of a memory, I’ll just share the feeling I get when it’s Homegrown time.  It truly is like a holiday for me – I do my best to take time off from work so I can celebrate and contribute as much as possible.  There are many people that I don’t get the opportunity to see outside of the Homegrown week when so many of us are out and about, exploring the great music that happens in our region.  I love the feeling of knowing that I’ll see friends and happy faces, listen and dance to fantastic music, and wish passersby “Happy Homegrown”.

How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far?
I have missed live music so much this year.  A few weeks into the pandemic, you could tell that musicians truly missed that connection too.  It was wonderful to see artists and bands get creative and find ways to share their music and connect with their fans.

Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers?
Every little bit helps!  It’s such a great opportunity to contribute to the local music community and help however you can.  Sign up with a friend and choose what shifts you want to work together!  Being a part of the magic makes me appreciate and enjoy the whole festival just a little bit more.