LORM (LOCAL ORIGINAL ROCK MUSIC) FESTIVAL 2023

On 6/11/23 Livio Gravini and Lisa G Greenia hosted the 2023 LORM (Local Original Rock Music) Festival at Joanna’s in Somers,CT. The LORM Festival is the ultimate showcase for the original music scene throughout the Northeast. The main objective of the festival is to highlight the diverse nature and great musicianship of original artists in the area. As most people know, there is a limited amount of venues willing to host musicians and bands willing to create something innovative and fresh. Most smaller clubs and bars tend to gravitate towards cover and tribute acts feeling they will draw the larger audiences. It leaves original music to take a backseat even though these artists are exposing crowds to daring and thought provoking new sounds.

Livio Gravini and Lisa G have succeeded in accomplishing an amazing feat. With the help of friends, volunteers, awesome talent and a venue willing to take a risk, they staged a small music festival that gives local artists a voice. LORM is not an easy exploit. There is a ton of planning, scheduling and logistics that goes into an event like this. I commend Livio and Lisa G for taking on such a massive endeavor. I wouldn’t want to do it. It shows the sheer amount of determination these two have towards fostering a vibrant music scene.

This years lineup featured a varied amount of incredible talent. No matter what genre of music you were into, there was an artist that represented. Metal, hard rock, indie, singer/songwriter and Americana/folk were just a few of the genres that flourished at this event. There were two indoor stages and a tented outdoor stage. Indoors fronted the rock and indie acts and a separate stage for the singer/songwriter/acoustic artists. Outside seemed to carry the heavier sounds. The timing was a little hectic but all the artists had ample attendance to their performances.

The several acts I personally viewed (similar to other festivals, I couldn’t catch them all), were spirited and seemed to enjoy the artistic ambiance. Alice Loves Alien rocked the house. As did the Jimi Bell & Livio Gravini set. Once Were Kings powered through with brazen metal as well as Heavy America. Lee Totten and Chris Phoenix were melodic and determined on the acoustic stage. This is just a few of the bold acts that performed. I missed personal friends Cardboard Dream House and Renegade Cartel which was a shame. But all in all, the LORM Festival was a huge success.

Lisa G were kind enough to answer a few questions about LORM.

AMP: What was the impetus for starting the LORM Festival?

LISA G: Well, being with Livio for so many years as his manager/promoter, I was increasingly frustrated at the lack of venues that were interested in, or accommodating to original music. Livio has put out 3 amazing CD’s in the last 6 years and it was getting more difficult to find places for his band to play and I realized that frustration is probably shared by many musicians in our community. We have a musical family within in our local community that is saturated with amazing talent that no one ever gets to hear!

One day I woke up and decided I was going to create a festival with all original music only! I was very excited when I could actually envision what a wonderful day this would be! I took a couple of days and thought about the format and what I would call it. So, I came up with the L.O.R.M. and launched the first one August 12, 2018 at the Waterfront Tavern in Holyoke MA with 7 bands! And with the wonderful expert advice, assistance and support from Livio, it was a huge success!

Photos Lea Caffrey

That is when I decided it should definitely be an annual event. The following year we celebrated the second LORM Festival on October 6th at Club One in Feeding Hills, MA, which had more than doubled in size and popularity with 20 bands! The following year, unfortunately, we were in the midst of a pandemic and had to put things on hold for a few years. Finally, in February 2023, I decided to kickstart it again!

AMP: How many artists submitted requests and how did you select the ones that were featured this year?

LISA G: Before I even promoted it publicly, with word of mouth within the community, I had a list of local bands that would be taken part, once I went public, I had over 40 bands submit requests sending in audition tapes from all over New England. I even had an original band in California that reached out! I felt with three stages I could successfully have 27 bands this year. The roster filled up within three days, basically with first come first serve and a wait list of over 20 bands. I sooooo wish every single original artist could be included!

AMP: Do you feel the staging and venue worked for all the performers?

LISA G: Joanna’s in Somers, CT staff and management went above and beyond to accommodate this year‘s festival!! I am extremely grateful for all the work owner, Jeffery Lipton did to help make that day as successful as it was! There were some technical challenges and issues that were learning curves for me this year. I will be sure to have them ironed out for the next one! And I’m beyond grateful for the many friends who volunteered to help things run smoothly that day… I could not have done it without them! Its a true collaboration of community effort!,

AMP: What was the feedback from the acts that participated?

LISA G: All positive feedback from all participating bands with, of course, having to work through some of those technical issues… every band has already requested to take part in the next festival!

AMP: Will there be another Festival in the future and if so, do you feel any changes need to be made?

LISA G: Yes! There will definitely be another festival next year! I’ve already started navigating some ideas. My biggest obstacle now is trying to figure out how to accommodate even more bands! Lol! I also will, of course, make sure that all technical concerns will be addressed well in advance! This festival is not profitable financially for anyone, but the camaraderies, mutual respect, and friendships that are made, along with the opportunity to share one’s art…its worth a million dollars!

Truly! It’s a lot of work to organize, but I think of it as kind of like a benefit just for musicians! They have an opportunity to share their art, talent, sell their merch, network, and make new friends! And I must say, my love and life partner, Livio has always been a HUGE support and advocate of all my wild ideas and I truly couldn’t do this without him!

AMP: How does one register for future Festivals and events?

LISA G: I suggest to all bands that are interested in taking part in next year’s festival to just “Follow” The LORM Festival page on Facebook and Instagram and there will be an announcement when they can submit interest. Having a band page, photos and a video or two is a bonus! All genres of Original Rock music are welcomed to audition!

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