Newport to host alternative music festival – Cincinnati Magazine

A unique music festival, the idobi Radio Summer School Tour, is set to take place in Newport this summer, showcasing six emerging artists from across the country. The event aims to provide a platform for young artists with a fresh perspective and a story to tell.

Founded by Eric Tobin, the Executive VP of A&R and Business Development at Hopeless Records, and Michael Kaminsky, the CEO of KMGMT, the Summer School Tour draws inspiration from the iconic Lollapalooza festival. In its second year, the festival will feature independent artists like Rain City Drive, Taylor Acorn, and Charlotte Sands, among others.

The inception of the Summer School Tour dates back to Tobin and Kaminsky’s extensive music industry experience. Kaminsky, who had previously worked on the Warped Tour, noticed a void in the music community when the tour ended in 2019. This realization sparked the idea of creating a new platform for artists to come together and foster a sense of community.

Affordability was a key consideration in the planning of the Summer School Tour. Tobin and Kaminsky aimed to offer a full lineup of artists at a ticket price of $35 or less, making the event accessible to a wide audience. The duo collaborated with partners like Kevin Lyman, the founder of Warped Tour, and the team at idobi radio to ensure that the festival was artist- and fan-centric.

The selection of talent for the tour was done carefully, with a focus on emerging artists in the pop/alternative music scene. Headliners like Charlotte Sands, a pop/rock singer-songwriter with a strong following on Spotify, were chosen for their unique sound and perspective. Sands expressed excitement about the tour, emphasizing the collaborative and supportive environment it fosters among artists.

The Summer School Tour aims to showcase a diverse range of genres and expand the horizons of its audience. By bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds, the festival seeks to break down traditional genre boundaries and celebrate the diversity of the music industry.

As the tour travels to various cities across the U.S., including Newport, Tobin and Kaminsky emphasize the importance of engaging with local music communities. They see cities like Cincinnati as hubs of musical creativity and are excited to connect with audiences who share their passion for alternative music.

In addition to the music performances, the festival will offer a range of amenities, including food vendors, merchandise sellers, and interactive experiences like a photo booth. Representatives from organizations like PETA will also be on-site, providing educational resources to attendees.

Reflecting on the success of the Summer School Tour’s first year, Kaminsky looks ahead to the future with optimism. He envisions expanding the roster of artists and showcasing a broader spectrum of music to resonate with diverse audiences. Ultimately, the festival aims to empower artists to connect with their fans and make an impact through their music.

The Summer School Tour at Newport’s MegaCorp Pavilion promises to be a captivating experience, with doors opening at 4 p.m. on July 15. The festival invites music enthusiasts to come together, celebrate emerging talent, and immerse themselves in a day of creativity and community.