By Nathan Brandon/For The Sentinel
NEW CONCORD – As summer winds down, it is once again time for regional talent to gather for a good cause at the Howl at the Moon 5. Over the course of two days, Aug. 23 and 24, some 20 acts from Murray, Paducah and beyond will make a joyful noise across the fields, forests and creeks in eastern Calloway County to raise money for Murray WATCH Center.
When the gates open at noon Friday, revelers can rally for the best spots to park and camp on-site before browsing the booths of local artisan crafts including t-shirts, jewelry and a highlight this year – custom candle rendering. Concessions are provided by the food truck Eddie’s Lil’ Bit of Everything.
This year the grounds will also feature an art installation sculpted by Cindy White and Matt Oliver, board members for Howling for Hope, Inc., the production company behind the event. In addition to the long list of musical acts, there will be a dance demonstration by Zerdali Dance Company, Axis Bellydance and Kinetics/Hip Collective on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Raffle prizes include custom-made t-shirts, gift certificates for local businesses such as the Murray Art Guild and a swanky Samick guitar donated by Greymare Music Works.
Howl 5 celebrates the return of host Jamal “The Cashier” Gardener as well as concert mainstays DJK and Always and The Sticky Sweet Sugar Beets.
The festival is the endeavor of Murray native Lloyd Walker, known affectionately to his friends as “Squish.” Walker is a profound lover of music and became a fixture at open mic nights around town at venues like Terrapin Station, building connections with other local musicians.
“I just love music,” he said in an interview Thursday, “and I just wanted to have fun playing with other folks. What started as just a few of us has grown to (a two-day event).” It soon became obvious to Walker that he had a network large enough to give back to the community by selling tickets to his previously informal jam sessions.
Although the festival officially started in 2019, there was a trial run the previous year in late summer, and it certainly came with trials. Walker recalls the first performer, unflappably singing a moving rendition of a Bob Seger classic, while he and his crew struggled to affix a quite-flappable tarp as the wind battered it across the young man’s face. With a laugh Walker proudly admits, “We’ve come a long way in a short time.”
The stage utilized this year and last was a major upgrade from the hay wagons of that first outing. Partnering with Freedom Sound Production during a benefit for the Pennyroyal Veterans Center (PVC) of Hopkinsville called “Music Strikes Back,” Walker was able to construct a portable stage that now, itself, serves to generate revenue through rental fees. The funds help to provide furnishings and household appliances for the contingent of previously unhoused veterans assisted by the PVC.
Howl 4 garnered a substantial $500 donation – post-expenses – to Murray WATCH, Inc. Proceeds amassed this weekend will also go to WATCH in memory of long-time WATCH board member Ava Watkins, who passed away earlier this year.
Tickets are $30 for a weekend pass or $25 for Saturday, which includes parking and camping. Children under age 12 as well as WATCH staff and clients get in free.
