By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune Managing Editor
A rainbow provided the perfect backdrop for the large crowd that turned out Friday night to support the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home and hear some great local music.
The first night of the DCCH Music Fest featured two stages of live music, a craft beer garden, spirits in the Bourbon Barn and food from a host of local vendors.
The Menus highlighted Friday’s Music Fest lineup
The event takes place at the 83-acre DCCH campus on Orphanage Road in Fort Mitchell and popular local band, The Menus highlighted Friday’s program.
DCCH Center has served Northern Kentucky children and families for more than 160 years and provides a variety of services, including a 40-bed residential facility for emotionally and behaviorally challenged children.
Bob Wilson, DCCH director, said this was the first year the facility transitioned to a traditional music festival and he was pleased with the results.
Cheri Gerrein and her son, Carson, 6, dance at the DCCH Music Fest as Chris and Charli Gerrein, 8, watch.
“We have a great lineup of bands this year, and everybody has really pitched in,” Wilson said. “The food vendors paid us for the opportunity to come out and sell their menu items and the beer vendors were very generous as well.”
Shannon and Tim Steffen, owners of the Dixie Club Café were selling lots of Hanky Panky and pretzels at their stand.
“This is the first time we’ve been here and we’re almost out of food,” Shannon Steffen said. “I didn’t know they did this but one of our regulars mentioned it to me and we had to be a part of it.”
The new format attracted a lot of first-time visitors, including Betsy Cunningham of Cincinnati and Sally Hochman of Fort Mitchell.
Betsy Cunningham of Cincinnati and Sally Hochman of Fort Mitchell wait for The Menus to take the stage at Music Fest
“This is the coolest event and we love the way it is set up,” Cunningham said. “We heard about it on WNKU and we are big fans of The Menus.”
Ken Hanes of WNKU hosted the program and said the station has been promoting the event for some time.
“This year they concentrated on the food, the drink and the music and those three things will sell itself,” Hanes said. “It’s also the first year they have charged admission and the attendance looks as good as it was last year.”
Casey Williams looks on as his dog, Chief, tries to figure out how to get out of a lawn chair.
The Music Fest continues Saturday at 6 p.m. with a lineup that includes Jamison Road and the Carter New Band. Admission is $5.
