Together with the Go Media team, Finley hatched the Weapons of Mass Creation Festival, a two-day arts, music and film festival from May 22 to 23 at Parish Hall and Church in Cleveland. The ambitious project tapped into Finley's love of the arts, music and film, and his own postive experiences with festivals, including Berea Fest and DIT Fest. "It's a celebration of creative visionaries who defy the hand they're dealt," says Finley. "People who reject the obstacles that get in their way. They do things on their own terms, their own way. They push boundaries, they're kind of underground." (Left: Concert poster by Jeff Finley for his band Parachute Journalists)
Finley has also enlisted the help of numerous volunteers, who are helping to make the festival a reality. "Jeff's energy is absolutely contagious," says Erin Fox, who is volunteering to help organize WMC and writes on her blog, dust sleeve. "But what's more impressive and inspirational than his work ethic is Jeff's fearlessness in turning his ideas into reality."
Finley and company have booked more than a dozen local and national artists and designers, including David Gensler, Sam Kaufman, Brandon Rike and Aaron "Pants" Sechrist to showcase their works and present lectures during the fest; in addition to organizing a lineup of 10 bands, such as David Dondero, The Lighthouse and the Whaler, Saintseneca and Two Hand Fools, and screenings from half a dozen filmmakers, such a Lena Dunham, Ry Russo Young and Jay Delaney.
"I think there are a number of music, film, art, multi-cultural, etc. festivals and events all over Cleveland, all year long," says Fox. "The CIFF was huge this year, Berea Fest is one of the biggest DIY music festivals of the year, TEDXCLE was absolutely inspirational, Made in the 216 is going to be solid this summer, the list goes on and on. But there's something different about WMC Fest to me that feels like it's bringing a young and different kind of energy to our community."
More than highlighting local artists, the WMC Fest promises to further Cleveland's poistive reputation as a city on the move, with an ever expanding creative workforce of younger generations - those that will ultimately shape the city's future.
"The benefit to Cleveland is that this is not only an event for our community to experience and enjoy, but it's going to bring outsiders in as well," says Fox. "I think it's a step towards improving our reputation, and bringing light to what our city has to offer."
Fellow volunteer and Live Nation/House of Blues employee Nicole Giglio agrees with Fox. "I do think it's important to have something like the WMC in Cleveland. I like the concept of bringing creative visionaries in the fields of music, film, and art/design together. It's a great opportunity for the local creative community to come together and embrace the creative spirit."
It's also an opportunity to attract visitors to Cleveland's burgeoning Gordon Square Arts District."Having an event in Gordon Square, which to me is the most interesting neighborhood of Cleveland at the moment, is going to show not only Clevelanders who aren't getting out and seeing what's new in town a fresh perspective, but outsiders as well," says Fox.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
