Lynchstock keeps singing

Lynchstock music festival celebrates fifth year, works around bad weather

Rainy weather could not put a damper on the attendees’ excitement for the fifth Lynchstock music festival that took place at Riverfront Park April 22 in downtown
Lynchburg.

This event showcased local bands and artists on five different stages with performances continuing until the outdoor component of Lynchstock ended early around 3:30 p.m.

Several indoor acts continued performing as scheduled in the Glass House.

Jennifer Hastings attended the event for the second year in a row with no fear of the rain ruining her time.

“I had a lot of fun last year and knew I wanted to come back because listening to all the music is great,” Hastings said.

“I come with all of my friends, and it’s just a great time for us to hang out and relax together.”

Hastings particularly enjoyed seeing her fellow Liberty students perform with their bands during the event.

Clay Finnesand is a member of Liberty’s Worship Collective and played at Lynchstock for the first time this year.

“I’ve been to Lynchstock before, and it’s an amazing event that supports local artists,” Finnesand said.

“I thought it would be an honor to be a part of it.”

Finnesand got the crowd singing and swaying with several songs from his EP “Honest” and a cover of John Mayor’s “Still Feel Like Your Man.”

Hastings enjoyed the performance and getting to see how Finnesand has developed as a musician.

“I’ve watched Clay since freshman year, and I always think he does a great job,” Hastings said.

“It’s really fun watching him perform, especially the songs he writes.”

Finnesand said he has always hoped that his music would be able to reach people with the gospel who wouldn’t necessarily turn to a worship song.

“I hope people will hear my music and be inspired to ask questions, experience joy and hear about hope,” Finnesand said.

In addition to music, the event allowed local food trucks and vendors the opportunity to come and get their businesses involved with the community.

Items from gourmet grilled cheese to tacos and pizza along with shaved ice, coffee and ice cream were all available until the event’s cancellation.

Jessie Biggs is a business owner of Thistle & Lark and attended Lynchstock for the second year in a row as a vendor.

Her business consists of handmade jewelry that she started making in 2012.

“The business started just from a hobby I had,” Biggs said.

“It then evolved into a hobby-gone-rogue.”

Biggs is thankful for the event as a way to meet people and make connections with the rest of the community.

She said it is important for local businesses to get exposure in ways such as this.

“Lynchstock is a great opportunity for the community to come together and support other local businesses,” Biggs said.

Biggs and Finnesand both hope to continue their participation in this event in future years.

They believe Lynchstock will continue to impact the local artists and grow in attendance and popularity.    

“It is very important for the community to support events like this,” Biggs said.

“It’s what keeps local businesses alive.”

WHITTAKER is a feature reporter.