Review: Music fans rejoice at Firefly

The 2012 Firefly Music Festival in Dover got off to a soggy start July 20, but rain didn’t dampen the excitement. Thousands of music fans showed up in Dover throughout the weekend to witness a first in the First State.

Produced by Chicago-based Red Frog Events, Firefly featured acts including Jack White, John Legend, The Killers, The Black Keys, Cake, Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie. Rehoboth’s own Lower Case Blues also earned a coveted spot, performing an early set July 22.

Concertgoers began pouring into the campgrounds at The Woodlands at Dover Downs when gates opened, clamoring to set up a home base for the weekend. By 2 p.m. Friday, when the grounds officially opened, people were ready with raincoats.

Walking into the concert area, I was impressed by the expansive grounds. After I walked under a giant Firefly marquee, the concert field opened to two stages and a host of fun activities as well as food and water stations. Past the stages was The Vineyard, with its dreamy hanging lights, and beyond that, a wooded area that led to another concert area.

Beyond the woods in that second concert ground was the main stage for the biggest acts, and another smaller stage where the Dogfish Head brew tent and hammock hangout offered concertgoers some rest and refreshment.

The scene was idyllic, nestled in the woods beyond the racetrack that I barely knew existed before my Friday arrival. It was poised for a great weekend. Glancing at the schedule, I saw there was a lot to see and do.

The weekend unfolded, revealing a lineup of music for everyone - from the romantic sounds of John Legend to the intense electronic sounds of Bassnectar to an inspirational, feel-good set from Michael Franti & Spearhead and the creative British feel of Bombay Bicycle Club. The diversity of the lineup fostered an eclectic group of concert goers, both young and old, hippie to hipster.

With so much music to see, it was hard to get to everything, but we really did try our best. The Wallflowers fulfilled all my '90s dreams when they played “One Headlight,” proving that they still have the chops to play to a current crowd. The set from Cake was easily one of the best of the weekend, bringing out a vivacious crowd. Ra Ra Riot was highly entertaining and featured a female fiddler who brought a great energy; the group's drumming thumped like the beating of a heart. The Killers brought a great show, ending with pyrotechnics and fireworks.

As for the other facets of entertainment at the festival: The arcade held a myriad of free games including classic pinball machines, foosball tables and even a tent with Skee ball. There were old-fashioned photo booths on site where friends could have their pictures taken and made into flip-books. Jack Daniels offered a short tour of its whiskey-making process, which came with a complimentary photo at the end. All were very fun activities and a chance to get out of the heat into air conditioning.

The highly anticipated Dogfish Head Firefly Ale was an amazing beer, and the setup and brew tent were well done.

Firefly merchandise was taken to another level with a live T-shirt printing station.

Charity was also a cornerstone of the weekend, manifested in artwork. In one area, two artists created live pastel drawings that were auctioned in a silent auction to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Concertgoers could purchase a pair of Toms shoes and have them painted by an artist on site. A portion of the proceeds will help children around the world, part of Toms' One for One Movement.

There were a few points on which Red Frog Productions will need to improve for next year’s festival. For instance, the food was basically cafeteria-style, run by a single company despite its boasting of a “different” festival culinary experience. By the third day, I was practically begging for something else to eat. The hallmark of festivals - the diversity of food vendors - was simply missing, creating a huge opportunity for the future.

Other than the band and festival merchandise (mostly T-shirts and posters), there was little else to buy…no camping supplies except ice, no glow stick vendors, no cool festival swag that brings a certain atmosphere to the scene. Hot air balloon rides were also offered ($20) at the festival, but they didn’t quite reach the sky, leaving some of the participants deflated.

All in all, Red Frog Productions deserves praise for its inaugural large-scale Delaware festival. It was a successful, fun weekend with awesome entertainment and a great group of people. Red Frog’s staff was prompt and clean, and the police and security were accommodating.

Firefly to repeat in 2013
Coming off the success of its inaugural event, Dover International Speedway and Red Frog Events have renewed a partnership that will bring the Firefly Music Festival back to Delaware in 2013.

Presale tickets for the 2013 Firefly Music Festival were available July 25 and may be purchased at fireflyfestival.com.

Drawing guests from 48 states, Firefly made significant contributions to the Delaware economy throughout its three days in the First State. Hotel rooms were at capacity and all camping spots at the speedway sold out to the friendly, good-natured crowd.

“The event was wildly successful, and we’ve found our home on the East Coast. We’re excited to be amongst the leading festivals in the country,” said Greg Bostrom, Firefly director.

“The first-ever Firefly Music Festival was a resounding success for Red Frog, Dover International Speedway, our city, state and region, and helped put our property on the map as the host of a premier musical event, in addition to our solid reputation in the sporting world,” said Michael Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports Inc.