Fans jostle around the stage, raising their hands in the air and pumping their fists to the music. Throughout the crowd there are people lifted on their friends’ shoulders, and young and old alike sing along to their favorite songs. No, this isn’t rock and roll — this is beach music.
The Triangle Beach Music Festival in Garner is an annual event that draws people from all around the area. In fact, this party draws in crowds from all over the United States and as far away as the UK, according to Beth Setzer. Setzer and her brother T.G. Rich are the people who started the festival 9 years ago, and they are in charge of running the show.
This small taste of the coast gives party goers time to sit back and unwind, or live it up, and forget about all the work that awaits them on Monday morning.
“I heard about it on the radio and from a couple of friends,” Ericca Starling, a senior in political science, said. “I’ve been to a beach music festival on the coast. It was fun, but I’m really excited about going to this one.”
It’s not just about the music though, according to Setzer — it’s about the party and the event itself. There are always the serious beach music lovers, but Top 40 listeners and people who enjoy country music make up a majority of the crowd. There is a wide range of sponsors that allow the Triangle Beach Music Festival to rival any show put on at Walnut Creek.
“I’ve been hearing about it for years,” said Matt Schrier, who began the Triangle Beach Music Festival Facebook group. “I learned to shag with a friend of mine.”
Setzer said the music, such as bands like Jim Quick and the Coastline and the Chairmen of the Board, are really interactive and have a large pull.
“They have a great following among college students. There are always a lot of people from N.C. State and ECU,” Setzer said. “You look around and the house is electric.”
Starling explained that the festival was something different to do, which makes it more exciting than just heading out to the bar this weekend.
According to Setzer, this festival has turned into a weekend-long event, with a pre-party at Sunnyside in downtown Garner and a post-party on Main Street. This event has brought in a lot of revenue for the Garner area, with people renting out hotels for the entire weekend.
“Even if you get there at midday, you haven’t missed the party,” Setzer said. “The party goes on rain or shine. We couldn’t have bought a better forecast this year.”
Schrier said he is going to the festival to celebrate his 21st birthday, but mostly, because after years of anticipation, it will be nice to partake in this party he has heard so much about.
“It’s such a Carolina thing,” Starling said. “With good music and great food, it just has to be fun.”
