Dragonfly Festival – Music and Dragonflies

The-Sea Monks

It was a beautiful California (Summer in Autumn) Day in San Marcos, California at the TERI Campus of Life. I believe this was the first outdoor music festival hosted by TERI live and it proved to be a huge success.

The Dragonfly Festival is the brainchild of Six String Society Producer, Kenneth Rexrode, a few years ago with the first one being in Sedona, Arizona. As always, Ken brings the music to very special places all over San Diego County and abroad. You would have thought it was originally named Dragonfly Festival here in San Marcos—there were literally dragonflies flying around everywhere during the festival. You cannot make this stuff up. It was magical throughout the whole day with great food, outstanding musicians, great crowd, and awesome vendors. I helped out at the BackStage360 booth where we sold merch, met people, did some interviews, and enjoyed the day.

Tri City Rollers

There were two stages–one facing north and the other facing south which made for quick setting up for the next band to perform. There was a large grassy area in the middle between the two stages. It was kind of funny because the people who brought their chairs just faced the direction of the musicians and would turn their chairs around when they changed stages. It was sunny though and people were smart to wear hats or have umbrellas on their chairs. Others found shade along the sides where there was an awning providing shade. There was also a VIP section with tables beautifully set up for those who were presented with an amazing experience of special seating, food and drink choices. The vibe was great all in all. I was glad to see security there who kept an eye on things and did an amazing job as well as the TERI Campus staff. Everything was very clean and beautiful.

There was much anticipation to hear the bands, and they were all on fire. Here’s the lineup:

Mercedes Moore Band

• Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas ~ blending Irish traditional music with American roots rock, bluegrass, country, and classic rock.
• The Sea Monks ~ mix of rockabilly, country, Americana, blues, and funk. (Original)
• Mercedes Moore Band ~ blues, soul, gospel, and vintage R&B
• Monette Marino ~ West African drumming with Latin, Caribbean, and Korean rhythms
• The Sleepwalkers ~ Americana, rockabilly, Tex-Mex, blues, and cumbia
• Tri-City Rollers feat. Stevie Salas ~ classic rock, funk, and blues
• Daring Greatly ~ classic rock, soul, folk, and country (Original)

Each band laid it all out there with their special flavors and there was something for everyone. It seemed like a middle–aged crowd for the most part. I enjoyed a brief snippet interview with young Noah Kapchinske (vocals/guitar) of the The Sea Monks—a brother, father trio that stood out and were very enjoyable. I had been hearing about them for some time, and it was my first time seeing them—surely not the last! He told me they are busy putting out new music every month. You can stream their music on your favorite platform.

I was also looking forward to my favorite local guitarist, Laura Chavez who played in the Mercedes Moore Band, and Stevie Salas of Tri-City Rollers. Both apparent as to why they’ve enjoyed so much deserved success. People were on their feet and dancing throughout the day, and it was great people watching. I enjoyed all the bands thoroughly and Daring Greatly sealed the deal like only they can do! I swear they keep getting better than ever every time I see them, and they have also developed quite the following.

The Sleep Walkers

I wish to take this moment to let everyone know how special this place is. TERI (Training, Education & Resource Institute) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980. TERI Campus is dedicated to transforming lives through performing arts, fine arts, fitness, nutrition, organic agriculture, social gatherings, and so much more.

As I stated earlier, the dragonflies were flitting around everywhere! The Campus spans 20 acres in the Twin Valley Oaks area of San Marcos, California. There are rolling foothills surrounding the campus which give it a nurturing expression of natural beauty. They have created a sacred place here dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. All campus activities and bookings support TERI’s mission to empower the special needs community.

TERI hosts Weddings and Special Events with 10 unique venues for weddings, events, and meetings, including the state-of-the-arts Performing Arts Center. TERI also has a Therapeutic Equestrian Program providing equine-assisted therapy for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. As a horse woman myself, this is very near and dear to my heart.

Daring Greatly

Let’s talk about the New Performing Arts Theater—The Cindy & James Bornemann Theatre affectionately known as The Bornemann Theatre, a 200-seat venue used for both TERI productions and community events. I have been to several concerts here produced by Ken Rexrode Productions The sound system is great, and it gives you a hometown feel where the community can come together to enjoy the show!

We are especially looking forward to Pretending Chrissie on October 25th. Get your tickets here. Lead singer, Rose Gill, helped out at the BackStage360 booth—we laughed a lot and she’s a true gem. People would walk by and do a double take as she looks so much like Chrissie Hynde. For tickets to the show click here.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to please support our local musicians. We live in a community that is beyond rich with talent. Ken Rexrode has done a fabulous job finding epic venues like the TERI Campus of Life where we can enjoy such great music.

Check out the Six String Society website: sixstringsociety.com to show your love and support. There is always a great show just around the corner. You can also donate to the TERI Campus of life here.

I am grateful for BackStage360 to allow me the privilege of supporting our community and musicians that bring us so much joy in such a crazy world. Check out our merch online—we have super cool things. I look forward to the next best ever show!

INTERVIEWS FROM THE DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL