FONDA FEST by SPORTSfonda

Written by: Jason Pressman

Edited by: Gavin Kennedy

Introduction to SPORTSfonda

Long Island, New York – a place not typically known for music artists actively parading to hail from (aside from the great Billy Joel, most just chose to lie and say they’re from NY)- has given rise to an organization looking to change that with the launch of its new music festival. SPORTSfonda was founded by Lucy Rube, Mikey Homan, and Apollo Green, three aspiring artists deeply rooted in the Long Island music scene. The organization’s goal is to provide support to local L.I. artists by backing them with a brand name as they begin to make names for themselves. With this as their primary goal, SPORTSfonda is kicking off their blossoming brand with a one-night event: FONDA FEST.  

Poster from FONDA FEST

What is FONDA FEST?

FONDA FEST is a one-night event with 3 acts, or “nights”: Night One features a more hip-hop and rap focused sound. Night Two is a blend of rap and a lighter, melodic sound. To close out the event, Night Three contains a heavier, rock feel and is more band-centric. All three of the founders of Sports Fonda are featured in various sets—Mikey Homan performs on Night One, while Apollo Green and Lucy Rube take the stage during Night Two.

2/3 founders pictured: Mikey Homan(left) and Apollo Green(right)

Notable Sets

The sets that caught my eye the most when I first arrived at FONDA FEST were AMAC and Mikey Homan, both from Night One. They each had amazing crowd work. With AMAC opening up Night One, they kept the vibes high and set the tone of the festival moving forward. Mikey Homan, who closed out Night One, provided a taste of what was to come on the following night. 

Night Two had acts like JOEY!, Apollo Green, and Lucy Rube, echoing the lax but heartfelt tones. Their sets featured songs that had a calmer tone, tugging at your heartstrings. 

Night Three, serving as the finale, consisted of sets such as Married Knot and Greenhaven. Both bands were incredible and had the crowd jumping and wanting more. 

Image from JOEY!’s Set from FONDA FEST

Community 

FONDA fest offered many things to do while you were there. You could shop for candy, snacks, refreshments, and merch, while a variety of small businesses were set up around the venue, allowing you to shop at between acts or sets.

              Snack vendor(Full Service Exotic Snack Boutique)

Closing thoughts on FONDA fest

FONDA fest was a great time, and I think that this event–which was geared to support local artists-was a massive success. To anyone interested in seeing what Long Island has to offer beyond Billy Joel, I implore you to look no further than FONDA FEST and any other events that SPORTSfonda will have planned in the future. Music is coming back to Long Island and you should listen and watch as it grows to new heights. 

If you want to know more check out the SPORTSfonda image gallery!