Last year Heather Yenawine, also known as, HAY DJ, and her co-producers, Stephanie Lindsay (Artistic Director), Sydney O'Bryan (Marketing), and Sarah Teeple (Music Coordinator) were so successful at recreating Wes Anderson's worlds for the night, that The New Vintage sold out before 11:00. Wes Fest is a "one-night experience that people can immerse themselves in and let their inner kid out to play", says Yenawine, and here are the 5 reasons you should be attending this year:
1. You'll help raise money for FEVA.
According to Yenawine Wes Fest is a fundraiser for non-profit organization, Fair Event Vendors Alliance (FEVA). The organization aims to "connect the LGBT community with wedding professionals who welcome them as clients and believe in their equality and fair treatment."
FEVA has over 45 members and a majority of these members are bridging Wes Fest and FEVA by providing the resources for the party "in a very artistic out of the box sort of way."
All proceeds raised via Wes Fest will help push FEVA through the final phase of becoming an established non-profit organization and develop workshops for their members and wedding vendors who want to learn more about how to better serve the LGBT community.
2. Wes Fest will feature live music from all 8 films.
"To get bands to play covers and dress in costume, the have to be passionate about it [Wes Anderson and FEVA]", says Yenawine. This won't be any last minute Halloween costume either. The bands will have their hair and make-up professionally done by FEVA member, Focus Salon and Spa.
Oscar Parsons and The Picket Line will serve as the house band for the evening and also as characters from Fantastic Mr. Fox. According to Yenawine it will be a kind of "Hee Haw style" with Oscar Parsons introducing each band, telling a colorful story about them, and playing Hank Williams in between.
Nellie Pearl will be doubling as the cast from The Royal Tenenbaums and play music by Nico, Elliott Smith, and David Bowie.
Juanita is a "really cool punk-rock band that will add a garage sound", says Yenawine. They will be covering artists like, Devo, Love and Bobby Fuller, and Iggy Pop. They will be dressed as the birds from Moonrise Kingdom.
Appalatin will bring the Latin feel from Bottle Rocket to the party. They will be dressed as the cast and also performing music stretching from The Faces to Simon Garfunkel. A potential highlight according to Yenawine will be a cover of "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard".
"Quiet Hollers played last year and absolutely tore the roof down", says Yenawine, "we will be featuring them predominately" dressed as The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and covering John Lennon, The Kinks, The Ramones, and The Proclaimers.
Amongst this all-star line-up look out for special guests throughout the evening too!
3. Mercury Ballroom will be wall-to-wall Wes Anderson décor.
"We want to make sure you feel the different movies throughout the event", says Yenawine. The Mercury Ballroom will be living world of Wes Anderson's films designed by Stephanie Lindsay, Artistic Director. Some of the installations for the event include, moving trams, video installations by Muvtek, gondolas crossing the balconies, a giant gingerbread replication of The Grand Budapest Hotel by Sugar Mamas Bakeshop (another FEVA member), a ten-foot jaguar shark, and three dioramas featuring the films Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums created by Phil Yenawine.
4. A Wes Anderson themed costume contest with prizes!
Yes, that's right, if being surrounded by Anderson décor all night wasn't enough, characters from his films are encourage to join
the party. There will be first, second, and third place winners that will receive custom Wes Anderson fine art prizes.
Just in case you need help finding a costume for the event, local businesses can provide endless possibilities and even discounts. The Nitty Gritty is offering a 10% discount to anyone in search of the Anderson inspired outfit. New FEVA member, Block Party Handmade Boutique, can also provide you with custom Wes Anderson masks and a generous 15% discount when you use the promotion code WESTFEST15.
5. Vendors will feature custom Wes Anderson artwork.
Start saving a portion of your paycheck folks because the vendors this year are going to provide unique, handcrafted Anderson artwork. Michelle Littell, owner of Wustitch, will be selling movie inspired pieces. Nick Baute from Hound Dog Press will be selling a limited number of his custom made Darjeeling Limited poster. There will be a host of other vendors providing all the Wes Anderson memorabilia to please even the slightest of Wes Anderson fans.
Wes Fest 2015 will be Saturday, March 7th at Mercury Ballroom. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. They are on sale now and can be purchased here!
Photos courtesy of Wes Fest
