When it comes to the former Summer Camp Music Festival, the name has changed-- though much will remain the same. While still anchored by three nights of entertainment across several stages featuring dozens of musical artists led by jam bands moe. and Umphrey’s McGee, Ian Goldberg’s new “Solshine Music and Arts Reverie” promises to expand the festival’s mission to “make a difference” in society while celebrating music, arts and life.
According to Solshine Reverie founder Ian Goldberg, the festival will remain at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe and, like Summer Camp, will be held on Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26, 2024).
“We decided to launch a new concept. The SolShine tent and area was always a part of Summer Camp, an area that was really what I considered to be the soul of the festival. It was here we had our Make A Difference workshop on living sustainably and social justice, and where our nonprofits were located. It was always a very important part of the festival,” said Goldberg.
“We decided to make SolShine the focus of the whole festival. Reverie is a word that has always appealed to me; the Google definition is of a kind of a daydream that is usually (accompanied) with intention or meditation. We really wanted to elevate the intention of the festival so people can get more out of the festival, and leave with the intention of working that into their lives,” he added.
In addition to the festival’s new direction, Goldberg is excited to announce the addition of renowned jam-grass band String Cheese Incident to the lineup, as well as up and coming national acts Goose and EDM mix sensation John Summit. Deadmau5 and Slander will also be making their debut, as will regional favorite Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes.
As festival bloomed, so did relationship with Chillicothe
Goldberg is also excited to renew the festival’s relationship with the community of Chillicothe (pop. 6,100), which swells to numbers up to three times that of its usual citizenry each Memorial Day weekend.
“I would say (the relationship) is excellent,” he said. ‘We’re very happy to have Chillicothe as our home, and the residents have become wonderful neighbors. They’ve worked with us in several different ways that we’ve needed help and have always been very supportive. The Chamber of Commerce always brings their members to come see what we’re doing, and we are happy to see the benefits that they receive with all the stores, restaurants and bars doing huge business. It’s a great symbiotic relationship, and we’re glad to be a part of it.”
Chillicothe-area nonprofits and groups have benefited from Summer Camp’s Community Contribution Fund, and will continue to enjoy those spoils through revenue from Solshine Reverie’s Make a Difference program, according to its founder.
“We take a portion of the local ticket sales and give it back to groups that are not-for-profit. We have a local community board that oversees the program and makes the decisions on who gets the money and how much,” said Goldberg, adding that in the past the festival has donated funds to the Chillicothe 4th of July committee, wrestling club, high school band and other community groups and endeavors.
In a separate interview with WCBU, Chillicothe Mayor Mike Hughes said he looks forward to attending the festival each year and will continue to support its presence in the community.
“I love going out there, and I go out there every year. I love being around the younger adults, and the older ones. They come from all over the U.S. and the world, and they behave themselves really well. There are only a handful that don’t,” said Hughes.
The mayor added that in addition to a percentage of ticket sales revenue, he’s extremely grateful for the contributions festival organizers have made to a number of good causes in the area. Hughes recalled the early reluctance of city leaders to embrace the presence of Summer Camp and the thousands of outsiders it brought into the tight-knit, largely conservative community.
“At first it was hard, but then the chief of police started bringing (city leaders and others) out on tours during the festival to see what it was all about. Everyone figured it was a big drug fest, but it’s not. It took a while, but we are really happy with (the festival),” said Hughes.
If you go…
Summer Camp Music Festival’s first event, held in 2001, brought together around 1,000 music lovers to enjoy over 15 bands on two stages during the 2-day event at Three Sisters Park. The event has evolved to require multiple stages over more than three days. According to the event’s website, Summer Camp was the most-attended event in the Midwest every Memorial Day weekend. “We’re looking forward to another good year (in 2024),” said Goldberg.
Event information, including ticket prices, pre-party and camping information, may be found on the festival website, www.solshinereverie.com.
