You may know Rob Azevedo from his weekly radio show, Granite State of Mind, on WNHN 94.7 FM in Concord, a show that nearly went global one fall evening a year or so ago when the Insider staff was a featured interview (slight exaggeration possible in previous sentence). But he is also intricately involved in the SNOB Festival this year, showing his own short film, Candles in Paradise, while also helping coordinate live music at three different venues throughout the festivities. We caught up with Rob to get all the deets.
You have a short film at the festival, Candles in Paradise. Can you tell us a little bit about what it’s about?
Sure. It’s a story about a young girl’s journey to the “other side” where she meets two friends from her family’s distant past on her first day in Paradise. In short, it’s about probing one’s faith while suffering through the darkest of hours.
How long did it take to make Candles? Where did you get the idea for the movie?
The entire summer. The movie is based off a column I wrote with the same title. I knew all the characters in the film because they came from my hometown, Melrose, Mass.
What do you think about the idea of blending local music and local beer into the movie festival?
It was an outstanding idea on Jay Doherty’s part. Anytime you can mix in different kinds of art – be it brewing suds or playing music or shooting film – well then you got yourself a party on top of a party on top of another party. Expect it to be an electric weekend.
What has been the best/most exciting or interesting part about organizing the music side of the event?
I’m lucky enough to have a radio show on Thursday nights out of Concord on WNHN 94.7 FM called “Granite State of Mind.” We have local musicians come in and play live each week. And let me tell you, all these musicians can deliver a raucous night of rock and roll. They all were great to agree to play, and the venues were cool enough to make this happen.
What should people be most excited about, musically, at this year’s festival?
People should buckle up for some fun because that’s what all the bands we booked are all about. Fun, but with some good spit on it . . . From the Rippin E Brakes to Dusty Gray to the gorgeous voices of Lauren Hurley and Rachel Vogelzang. Brimming with talent, all of them. And more!
What kind of music will be offered? What are the various venues?
We have a great duo called the Complete Unknowns that lean heavy on the harp and acoustic guitar. Tuna Fish Discrepancy is an all-out party bathed in humor. Dusty Gray Band are true pros in country rock and ready to take it to the next level. Then you have the strings and banjos and the Tooky vibe in the E Brakes. And the venues are all outstanding spots with different feels, from the grittiness of Penuches to The True Brew that is developing into a premiere spot downtown. And then the Barley House, which is, well, the Barley House – top notch.
Any tips for festival-goers to get the most satisfying musical experience?
Sure, Youtube some of these bands and check them out before you head out so you know what you are getting into. But, like SNOB, put your creative caps on and feel free to swim in some unfamiliar waters. Try them all out, the bands, the bars, the beers, all of it. This is a weekend to be whoever you want to be. Just like in the movies.
Does order of operations matter at the festival? Should it go: movie, music, beer, or does putting beer first enhance the other two activities?
Try some of these awesome brewed beers before seeing a block of movies. Have a beer during the movies, then a beer on the way to the shows. Then have a couple more beers dancing around at the show. And it’s downtown Concord, so park your ride and hit the bricks, literally. They don’t play that game around here.
Any truth to the rumor that Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z are playing the festival this year?
100 percent true! Timby is opening for Lauren Hurley (heard he’s got a thing for her) at the Brew and Jay Z wanted to headline over the Rippin E Brakes but the fellas told him to beat it so now he’s just lugging gear and singing backup.
Hidden talent?
Of mine? Interviewing.
Guilty pleasure?
Being interviewed.
