"Salt Fest" by Elena Goodrow

I’ve tried to sit down and write this post a few times now and everytime I try to type out my thoughts, I simply can’t find the words. This might not be the longest post because the immense impact this past weekend had on me can’t possibly be squeezed into a column post, but I shall try.

On June 15th I hosted the 3rd Salt Fest, a nonprofit music festival I started doing in 2019. Four musical acts took the stage to support Breathe Bravely and it was a magical experience. I started hosting Salt Fest because I wanted to find a way to combine my passion for advocacy with my passion for music. I also value community so much and I wanted to be able to create a space for people to connect through music. That is exactly what took place this Saturday.

Our first musician was Max Rampley, a choir director from Atlanta. He also has cystic fibrosis. He performed some country covers along with a few original pieces, and then we sang a duet. (From opposite sides of the stage of course) I wrote a song about the impact of the Breathe Bravely community and I thought there was no one better to sing it with me than Max. He understands the impact of music and community the same as we all do, and he sang the most beautiful harmonies along with me. It was so impactful to sing this song with him at Salt Fest. 

Next up I performed a set of my original music, including a few new songs I had yet shared with any crowds. I felt so confident and powerful on stage, the crowd was so lovely and engaging. It was the most incredible feeling. There is nothing quite like performing at the music festival that you’re hosting… simultaneously amazing and stressful. Event days can be hard, I’ve been hosting events since I was a kid and it’s both exhilarating and exhausting. Between getting there super early to set up, directing everyone on what needs to be done, troubleshooting issues, interacting with the attendees, and much more… I often forget I’m also performing until I’m about to go on stage. Even though the stress definitely gets to me in some moments I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the best kind of rush, putting on an event to allow people to connect with each other whilst enjoying great music.

The show closed off with two different bands from Atlanta: Andovia and Intension. Several of the band members are childhood friends of mine and it’s always so lovely to see them. We’ve all supported each other in our musical endeavors since we were 6 years old doing piano recitals, so being able to give them a platform to share their music is the greatest gift. Something I love about the musicians I invite to Salt Fest is the large variety of genres. I want there to be something for everyone, so this year we had some country, folk, indie, rock, and alternative. It’s a blend of all kinds of music and there is something special to appreciate about each one. 

My favorite part of the night was during my performance, I’m singing some decently vulnerable music and hitting all the notes on stage when the song ends. The crowd claps and I take a moment to look at everyone. All the people that gathered to support the musicians and the cause. All the faces that chose to be here on a Saturday and listen to what I have to say. It’s truly a feeling like no other.

I feel like what I’ve written is so small in comparison to the feelings I have inside me, but I can’t possibly think of any other words to describe what Salt Fest means to me. I hope some of the photos do it justice!