Virgin Territory
I’ve lived in Columbia for a long time. Long enough to remember when “way out South” meant the corner of Providence and Nifong, The District was just called downtown, and Shiloh was a one-room dive bar with dollar pitchers. That is a long time, people. So it is with great shame that I admit that in all these twenty-some years, I have never attended any of Columbia’s legendary festivals. I know, I know. I have no excuse.
Columbia is home to some of the most prominent arts festivals in the country that draw in visitors and artists from around the globe, and yet still I remain uninitiated to some of the best that CoMo has to offer. I have a laundry list of boring reasons why I haven’t jumped in before (kids, money, time, etc.), but they are all just excuses. The real reason I’ve never attended some of these great festivals is that I’ve been intimidated by the unknown. How will I get tickets? Where will I park? Can I take the kids or do I need a sitter? How long will I be gone? How much will it cost? Add to that my inner middle-schooler worries, such as am I even cool enough to attend True/False, cultured enough for Art in the Park or informed enough for Citizen Jane? OMG–what do people even wear to these things? And in no time, I’m hiding in my house with a bucket of chicken and a Redbox DVD.
My personal neuroses aside, the more I talked to other people the more I realized I am not the only festival virgin out there. Turns out, lots of people have been hesitant for one reason or another about diving head first into CoMo’s exciting, but daunting, world of festivals. So I decided to go straight to the sources of five of Columbia’s foremost arts festivals and pull together a first-timer’s guide to everything you need to know before you go. I also have the pleasure of introducing a new event in CoMo’s festival landscape, the Unbound Book Festival, which I love because A.) it celebrates books and writers, and B.) since it hasn’t happened yet, everyone is an Unbound virgin, not just me.
Unbound Book Festival
www.unboundbookfestival.com
What is it? Columbia’s newest festival, Unbound, will be a daylong event where nationally recognized and bestselling authors come to discuss their work and participate in a variety of interactive programs.
When is it? Inaugural festival is April 23, 2016 (Shakespeare’s birthday–love that.)
Where is it? Various venues on the Stephens College campus
How much will it cost you? Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. This festival is completely free and open to the public. But you will want to bring your wallet because books from festival authors will be sold on site (you can even get them signed), and food will be available for purchase through Stephens College campus vendors.
Why you should go: This festival is for you if you love books, writers and/or interesting conversations. There will be authors from each of four different book categories: Fiction, Non Fiction, Poetry and Children’s lit (author list on website). Festival director and local author, Alex George, says, “It’s an opportunity to get unique perspectives that you can’t get from just reading the books themselves.” But this isn’t going to be your professor’s hoity-toity literary festival, so there will be no boring lectures here. Panels will be interactive with authors interviewing other authors, audience participation and lots of Q & A. Alex emphasizes that as the only literary festival of its scope in Missouri, Unbound will appeal to a wide base of readers. “Columbia is a hyper-literate community full of avid readers and accomplished writers. Books are a part of who we are, and so it seems only right that we should have a festival that celebrates literature and encourages a love of reading in all ages.”
What you need to know before you go: Programming will be scheduled throughout the day on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are not necessary. A schedule of panels is posted on the website but will also be handed out on site the day of the festival. The children’s literature programming will have musicians and storytellers, in addition to picture book through YA authors. There will be four to five author talks going on simultaneously, so it is best to go to the website and decide in advance what you want to attend. Down time can be spent in Kimball Ballroom where authors will be selling and signing their books. Parking is limited around Stephens College.
Why this is good for CoMo: Unbound is expecting to draw visitors from every county in Missouri, and with authors coming in from all over the country, you can bet there will be plenty of dollars spent in our local hotels, restaurants and shops. On a feel-good note, Alex says, “Unbound will raise awareness of the literary arts, celebrate books and encourage a love of reading for all ages throughout the community. In addition to putting on the festival, Unbound will be working to promote literacy initiatives throughout the state.”
Citizen Jane Film Festival
www.citizenjanefilmfestival.org
What is it? Citizen Jane is an internationally known film festival featuring independent films made by women filmmakers. CJ usually shows between 12 and 15 feature films and 65 short films. This year will be the festival’s ninth year in CoMo.
When is it? November 3 – 6, 2016.
Where is it? Stephens College campus and various venues downtown.
How much will it cost you? About $8 per film (discounts for students and seniors available) if you buy individual tickets. Passes are available that allow for greater access, flexibility and entry to special parties, receptions and filmmaker events. Last year, the Plain Jane pass was $60. Insane Jane, the full access pass, was $100.
Why you should go: Because it is a seriously cool festival with films handpicked for our community. Director of Programming Kerri Yost says the small size and structure of the event is set up to encourage interaction amongst and between filmmakers and attendees. “Festivals are on the rise for a reason,” Kerri says. “Even though we can access nearly everything on our own from our computer, you can’t get community on your own. Experiencing films with other people, sharing ideas that matter and walking away with something to talk about is worth something.” Another important fact I learned about Citizen Jane is that it is absolutely not just for women. The films are directed by women but not exclusively about women’s issues. And that’s kind of the whole point. Kerri says, “Until we get past the stereotype that a female-directed film isn’t for a wide audience, we haven’t done our job.” And it is core to the mission of Citizen Jane to counterbalance the gross lack of female representation in Hollywood filmmaking.
What you need to know before you go: Film festivals require some planning, but don’t be overwhelmed. You can buy one of two passes, which will gain you access to all the films throughout the weekend, or you can purchase individual tickets. The higher-level pass includes entry to several parties, including a private brunch with filmmakers. The film lineup will be announced prior to the festival as will ticket packages and prices. For up-to-date information visit citizenjanefilmfestival.org as the festival gets closer. Longtime attendee and now Volunteer Coordinator Ann Briedenbach advises those who are thinking about attending Citizen Jane to dive in. “Immerse yourself in the experience. Buy a pass, so you have the chance to see as many films as you want. Go to the pre-festival happenings on Stephens campus and become part of the larger conversation about women and film.”
Why this is good for CoMo: “Citizen Jane brings people to our thriving, evolving downtown and injects us with energy,” Kerri says. In addition to adding a deeper layer to CoMo’s arts community, this festival creates business for our local restaurants, shops and hotels. Citizen Jane also has an educational outreach component called Camp Citizen Jane, which is a collaboration between Stephens College and Columbia Public Schools. Camp CJ provides girls ages 12-18 access to the tools of filmmaking during two-week camp sessions.
Roots N Blues N BBQ
www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com
What is it? A three-day festival celebrating music, food and culture. Related events include a half marathon and Sunday gospel celebration.
When is it? September 30 – October 3, 2016
Where is it? Stephens Lake Park
Why you should go? Now in its 10th year, Roots N Blues N BBQ is one of the finest music festivals in the country. Featuring more than 30 stellar acts in the genres of roots, blues, gospel, country, folk, bluegrass, rock and soul, RNBNBBQ is a unique opportunity to see a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming musical acts during one awesome weekend-long party. Dwight Yoakam, Brandi Carlile and G. Love and Special Sauce are among those who performed last year, which drew fans from a wide and varied base. Add to that the mouthwatering BBQ from local and regional vendors that can be sampled throughout the festival grounds, and you’ve got yourself more than enough reasons to head downtown for the weekend.
What you need to know before you go? You will need to give some thought to how you want to attend the festival as there are several ticketing options ranging in price from $45-$550. Kids under 12 are free, but be advised some events are more family friendly than others. Festival Director Julie King says, “We usually announce the lineup in late April and the stage schedule in July.” So, after you check out the lineup and do a little research on the musical acts, you can visit their website to get the details on ticketing options. Early bird pricing is available February 1 – May 15, 2016. And if you have any questions, Julie encourages you to call the office. “We can definitely help anyone who calls by answering questions and helping them figure out the best option for them.” Kay Crouse of Columbia has attended the festival all but one year since it began. “I’d advise newbies to research the musical groups ahead of time so that they can get their scheduled figured out based on who they must see.” Do bring lawn chairs, empty refillable water bottles and blankets. Don’t bring outside food and beverages, pets or professional recording equipment. You can park at any of the downtown parking garages and a festival shuttle will transport you at no charge to the park. In addition, COMO Connect is running free service from stops all over the city. Bikes are encouraged (they even have valet bike parking)! Rylan Adams, co-owner of Synergy Sports, says he would suggest arriving well in advance because parking and taking the shuttle does take a little extra time.
Why it is good for CoMo? RNBNBBQ has been called “one of the most prominent music festivals in the country” by American Blues Scene Magazine. It brings a huge amount of revenue to CoMo, both in taxes and tourism-related earnings, plus it has solidified Columbia as a legit part of the music scene. “Roots N Blues is a really cool event for local people, but it also brings in people from across the country— and beyond— who might not otherwise come to Columbia.” ?? (who said this?)In addition, the festival has spawned the Roots N Blues N BBQ Foundation, which brings music education to thousands of children in central Missouri through their Blues in the School program. This inventive program gives students the opportunity to write and perform with award-winning guest musicians and internationally recognized music educators right in their own classrooms.
True/False Film Fest
www.truefalse.org
What is it? A four-day film festival of national and international renown, which features creative non-fiction films (documentaries, for the lay person). T/F will show between 35 and 40 feature length films and 20-30 short films.
When is it? March 3-6, 2016
Where is it? Various venues throughout downtown Columbia.
Why you should go? It is an incredible opportunity to not only get an advance look at some of the best work being done in documentary film making today but to interact with the people behind the films. Someone from every film attends the festival to talk with audience members after their showing. Arin Liberman, programming and communication director, says, “Part of our mission is to reimagine reality by challenging the old interpretation of documentaries. Our films expose artistic truth– this is not journalism. So naturally, the films spark interesting conversations.” Longtime Columbia resident Melinda Jenne has attended T/F every year since it began. “It really is the most fun event in Columbia,” Melinda says. “And it isn’t just the movies that are fun. It’s the entire experience.” Another longtime festival attendee Nicky Schedit says, “The process of getting tickets and passes can be a little intimidating at first but very rewarding in the end. We started with a Simple Pass and now we’re buying the Lux Pass because it is more convenient and there is just so much we don’t want to miss.”
What you need to know before you go? A lot. I’m not going to lie, ticketing can be confusing. I had big aspirations of being able to whittle down the whole process into a few well-thought-out bullet points. No such luck. But while figuring out how to attend T/F might not be simple, it is definitely well organized. Passes come in four different levels ranging from $40-$800. Passes, depending on the level you purchase, allow you access to multiple films. The higher level pass, the greater the access and convenience. Some passes get you into the myriad parties and musical events associated with the festival and some do not. If you don’t buy a pass, you can also purchase tickets to individual films by visiting the T/F box office at 1020 Broadway or at the venue before show time, if available. A very good explanation of the passes and ticketing procedures can be found on their website under the “Attend” tab. I can tell you that even after a lengthy discussion with Arin, I became convinced the best thing to do is visit the website, then email or call the box office with specific questions. She agreed. “We are there to help people navigate this process because we know it can be confusing,” Arin says. “Please just call if you have questions and someone can point you in the right direction. We want to help.”
Why it is good for CoMo? True/False is a big deal in the film festival world, often mentioned alongside other well-known festivals such as Sundance and SXSW. People travel from all over the world to attend, and all we have to do is drive downtown…pretty cool. Financially, T/F is a huge boom for CoMo as well. Last year, the festival sold more 43,000 tickets, and you can imagine how much drinking, eating, shopping and spending those ticket holders are doing in between shows. T/F also has a comprehensive education and outreach component for local and national students, which offers year round screenings, educational tickets, curated tracks through the festival, filmmaker and artist class visits and more. For a more detailed description of the ways T/F gives back to CoMo (and beyond), visit their website and click on the “Educate” tab.