On Sunday, March 9, the fourth annual F.I.R.E. (females inspire, rock, empower) Festival will take place at ONCO Fermentations, 397 NY-281 Suite O, Tully, NY. The event will run from 2-5 p.m. and will feature a wide variety of female artists, musicians, dancers and business owners.
“This year we’re happy to host the festival at a venue that presents local musicians all the time,” creator of the festival, Jess Novak, says. “I think it’s important to support each other in the community and I’m excited for the different energy.”
This year, the festival will feature two stages, one in both the front and back rooms of ONCO. Music will be continuous from 2-5 p.m. with a jam ending the show. Vendors will be in the back room for the duration of the fest.
“The jam is going to be incredible,” Novak says. “I love surprising people when someone steps from behind a vendor booth and hits the stage.”
Vendor/musicians will include Jessica Brown, who will be selling her jewelry, but is also known as a singer and instrumentalist with her band, Root Shock. Vocalist Joanna Nix Jewitt will be at the event with Music for the Mission, a group that feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless throughout Upstate New York.
Vendors feature a wide variety of CNY favorites including Michelle DaRinJewelry, Colello Creations, Foxxy Bones, Anna with Intention, R.C. Lloyd, ReAwakened Jewelry, Art by Laura Buys, RAS Jacobson Art, Phoenix Creations, Sara Francis and many more.
But the event on March 9 isn’t the only F.I.R.E. show planned for 2025.
On Sunday, February 16, Jess Novak and Ashley Cox will perform a F.I.R.E. Pre-Party at ONCO Fermentations from 3-5 p.m. with Azure Eyes vending. And on Sunday, March 16, Amanda Rogers and Chloe Danes will perform at Pink Rock Culture Co-Op in Syracuse from 4-7 p.m. with Black Whisker Vintage vending. Another event will take place at Lunkenheimer Brewing in Weedsport on Sunday, September 28.
“The goal has always been to present more women in more places,” Novak says. “I can’t always do a huge festival, but I like the idea of smaller events to feature different women and vendors in atmospheres appropriate for each of them and for attendees. Amanda and Chloe are the type of songwriters where people need to be quiet and listen to every word. I wanted to create an event where they will shine as they are and as they’re meant to be heard.”
However, the big festival on Sunday, March 9 will be a loud one with a long list of vendors, several solo acts and one band jam to end the festival with multiple singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.
“I’ve be proud every festival we’ve put on, but I wanted to make this one a little rowdy,” Novak says. “I look forward to songwriter showcases, but I also love a good rock show.”
FESTIVAL DETAILS:
Tickets for March 9 and 16 are available on Eventbrite.
Tickets for both events are $10 pre-sale and $20 day-of.
The F.I.R.E. Pre-Party on February 16 is free and open to the public.
All ages are welcome at all events, but ID will be required at the door of ONCO Fermentations on March 9 and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Doors open at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.
Photos available upon request.
Musical schedule for Sunday, March 9:
Vendor list includes:
Foxxy Bones
R.C. Lloyd
Sara Francis
Anna With Intention
Artisan Elements
Phoenix Creations
RAS Jacobson Art
Essential Soulcrafting
Pink Rock Culture Co-op
Music For the Mission
Michelle DaRin
ReAwakened Jewelry
Wildebeest Publishing
Chocko Sisters Creations
Art By Laura Buys
Slit Weave
Valerie Rene’ Creations
Colello Creations
The event is sponsored by Ray Brothers Barbeque and CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Culture Engagement.
“This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.”
For more information (or to participate), email Novak at jessrocknroad@gmail.com
Or visit, www.jessrocknovak.com/fire / follow on instagram@firefestivalcny
To get involved as a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, email Novak at jessrocknroad@gmail.com
