EDGEFEST AT CACTUS PETES IN JACKPOT

Serendipity | noun | : the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. I was able to experience a serendipitous moment the day before Edgefest in Jackpot, Nevada. I’ve been traveling full time in my converted school bus across the country for six months now. This adjustment hasn’t allowed me the opportunity to photograph many shows or festivals since I never know exactly where I’ll be more than a few days out. This particular afternoon I was coming from the Bonneville Salt Flats and decided that Cactus Pete’s Casino would be a good overnight stop before heading up into Idaho. Little did I know I’d run into the band 10 Years in the parking lot. One thing lead to another and I decided to stay the next day so I could photograph the festival they were headlining the following night at the amphitheater at Cactus Pete’s. 

The festival was hosted by Southern Idaho’s Rock Station, 103.1 The Edge. The entire staff was very friendly and welcoming to all of the attendees. I got the impression that this was one of the first live shows back for a lot of the bands since the stringent protocols on the west coast due to COVID. One of my favorite things about photographing in the rock genre would have to be the fact that every band brings their full energy to the stage, no matter the venue, crowd size, or time. Although it was a scorcher, all of the fans in attendance were front and center ready to rock with whoever graced the stage.

The lineup included a variety of rock and alternative acts including 10 years, All Things Good, Messer, Royal Bliss, Blacklight District, Dragged Under, Dead Posey, In The Whale, and Artificial Aliens. It was clear that the artists were glad to be performing again, engaging with the crowd between songs to add sentiments of gratitude to be on stage again doing what they love and sharing it with people. Dead Posey, Messer, Blacklight District, and Royal Bliss even went down to the barricade to get up close and personal with their fans, making the experience that much more connected. 

The festival also featured a variety of tasty food trucks which offered things from tacos, to barbecue, and rolled ice cream. I was thankful they also had a misting station set up with vendors and sponsors that gave away cooling towels to keep attendees ready to rock. I was also surprised to hear from a few of the bands that there isn’t an overly supportive rock station on the west coast that will spin their tracks and host events like this. They all extended their gratitude to 103.1 The Edge for being that supportive outlet for them to share their art. This was a new concept for me since there are several stations on the east coast who fully support the rock/alt scene, but it would stand to reason since this area seems to be dominated by the pop and indie genres. 

Overall I’m glad I was led to Jackpot on a random day in July. I was able to shake the dust off my equipment and get to interact with some amazing humans all connecting over their shared love of music. I discovered new (to me) bands that I will be sure to keep up with and who’ve earned a permanent spot on my playlists.

10 Years

All Things Good

Artificial Aliens

Blacklight District

Dead Posey

Dragged Under

In the Whale

Messer

Royal Bliss