Sol Fest Launches Successful, Meaningful First-Year Memorial Event In Loving Celebration of Life

Stacie Parsons could spend lifetimes writing about her late son, Quentin ‘Sol’ Rupp. He was her everything. Just weeks before his sudden and tragic passing in June 2021, the two held a mother-son heart-to-heart about death, pondering what happens when our irreplaceable lives come to an inevitable end. Stacie recalls Quentin – the beloved individual after whom the inaugural Sol Fest is named – imagined death like a light going out, a seamless parting of ways with the body in this cosmos where love, like matter and energy, is never truly gone.

“The conversation led to what we would do if we lost one another. I am an only child and so was Quentin, so losing him has been devastating to our tiny close family,” says Stacie. “We were extremely close to the point he called me almost daily. There is no one in the world that has ever made me laugh, love, and cry more than him.”

A Mother's Infinite Love

Quentin, described by many as an exuberant, compassionate, protective, and fiercely loyal person, had an immeasurably profound impact on all who knew him. Stacie recalls how Quentin would effortlessly unite multiple communities; the seamless ways he cultivated friendships, expressed heartfelt empathy, and stood up for those in need.

Much like his mother, who chaperoned him to 80+ Phish shows and similar jam events throughout his youth, Quentin carried a deep appreciation for live music and artistic expression. He loved traveling with friends to music events around the country, immersing himself in the present moment and savoring the beauties of being alive. Quentin’s larger-than-life presence seemed to sweep into any space; his rich array of emotions always on display; his pure kindness capable of making any person feel like the only one in the room.

“It’s like looking through a kaleidoscope of memories when I think of him – cascading moments of Quentin at all different ages blend together to give me a spectrum of feelings,” says Stacie.

It’s no surprise that Quentin’s community of friends launched a multi-day commemorative event – Sol Fest Music & Arts Festival – in his loving memory. The promising freshman festival – themed around processing grief, cherishing experiences, and celebrating life – proved a major success in May 2022, marking the first of many milestones.

“I honestly can’t think of anything else Quentin would have wanted. Our family is truly humbled, as he would be too, that his loss has been the impetus of the outpouring of so much love – a sort of awakening to how fleeting life can be,” says Stacie. “Sol Fest has really put a positive spin on our collective grief. It’s not just a celebration of his life. It’s a celebration of life, all of ours, and how precious our connections to each other truly are.”

Stars Align With Stunning Location

Sol Fest packed a memorable punch on multiple fronts. Few first-year festivals exceed expectations the way Sol Fest managed to do, let alone with a production team under immense pressure. A last-minute location change left the team in shock less than a week before the event. But in the spirit of their dear friend Quentin’s fierce perseverance, the Sol Fest crew pivoted with style and ease.

“A challenging and unfortunate set of circumstances beyond our control led our team to one of the most renowned outdoor entertainment & recreational spaces in the U.S.,” the Sol Fest team shared in a press release.

Bama Slam Water Park in New Brockton, Alabama, made for a magically immersive and exquisitely subtropical haven in which attendees visibly thrived. The venue’s front-end consists of a generously wide-open field conducive to spacious car camping. A broad dirt path leads into a denser and more shaded foliage, presenting a pocket of land that houses the smallest of three stages: the ‘Mind Stage.’ This mobile spectacle, equipped with a Funktion One soundsystem, is curated by the DeBussy Bus renegade crew. Surrounding this attraction was an artsy hub teeming with booths and activities.

Strolling further along the forest trail revealed a remarkably vivid lake expanse, foregrounded by a village of vendors selling food, art and more. Beyond this bustling space unfolded the primary focal point of Sol Fest: a joyfully beachy environment with an impressive mainstage ablaze in the distance.

Numerous natural features comprised the festival’s central music area. An azure blue lake sits idly in immediate view, surrounded by a sea of finely-grained sand paired with a wooden network of walkways and platforms available for thrilling waterpark adventures. Lush green palms line the lakeside edges. Adjacent to this playground and tucked within the grassy mid-field sits the Bama Slam Saloon, home to the indoor ‘Body Stage.’ A much larger lake is seen to the right (facing the mainstage). This vast body of water is met by a cozy beach with palms, volleyball nets, and ‘Slam Island,’ an engaging obstacle course right on the water. This dreamy leisure space lends itself to hammock lounging, resulting in a radiant layout reminiscent of sweet summer serenity.

And finally, the grand spectacle of Sol Fest: its bold and riveting mainstage, up close and personal. Powered by Double A Productions, the ‘Sol Stage’ provided a high-end music experience that audiophiles, thrill-seekers, and music fans were all bound to love. The soundsystem boasted a set of L’Acoustics audio line array rigs, paired with 160+ moving lights, robust pyrotechnics, and 3D projection mapping. Such a brilliant arrangement of audiovisual excellence paved the way for music artists to shine brightly beneath the Alabamian sun.

Unleashing a Talent-Packed Lineup

The lineup featured an ensemble of established and emerging producers from across the U.S. bass music scene. Headlining sets included a magnificently funk-infused power-hour from Manic Focus, a jam-packed journey with the masterfully versatile Minnesota, a crisply creative sequence by technical wizard Mr. Bill, and two mesmerizing sets from Yheti – a fun and wacky Friday-night function followed by one of his highly sought-after sunrise shows. These headline acts were prefaced by refined performances from two OG electronic innovators – Antennae and ill.Gates – during the Thursday night pre-party.

Two special guests, Kursa and Luzcid, graced the Sol Stage with enchanting sets for the books. The former delivered a gloriously satisfying glitch-hop performance, with the latter taking Sol Fest’s crowd on a multilayered journey through audiovisual spacetime.

Notably, Zen Selekta and NotLö represented the divinely feminine energy of the lineup. The Atlanta-based Zen Selekta rang in the Saturday evening sunset with sonic ruptures and sacred frequencies, resulting in a low-end dubstep extravaganza with undertones of world. Later in the evening, Denver-based NotLö ignited the audience with her relentlessly grisly arsenal of bassline grooves. These two femmes continue showing they are talented forces to be reckoned with in a male-dominated music scene. As Sol Fest inevitably renews and expands, it will be imperative for the team to continue booking women, queer folks, and femme artists across various intersections and lived experiences.

Upbeat and uplifting sets from Ahee, MeSo, Toadface, Eazybaked, and Ravenscoon had fans getting down on the dancefloor during Friday and Saturday showcases at the Sol Stage. On the downtempo side of things, Benji Robot – of the Mean Mug Music collective – reminded fans that he is an artist to watch, striking a tastefully atmospheric chord. Meanwhile, over at the saloon’s Body Stage, rowdy late-night sets from K.L.O (composed of Kursa, Lone Drum, and Osmetic) and Integrate (feat. VCTRE and Black Carl!) transformed festival-goers into creatures-of-the-night, scratching that collective itch for glitchy goodness.

Saturday afternoon was also an exhilarating time in the saloon with Mean Mug throwing a 4-hour drum ‘n’ bass (DnB) takeover on the Body Stage. This daytime DnB affair was a delightful way for the Mean Mug crew – who contributed to the development and success of Sol Fest – to showcase their talent-packed roster.

On Sunday evening, the beloved ATYYA rocked and soothed fans with his spiritually-reflective discography, while The Sponges made for a spectacular pallet-cleanser with a range of refreshingly funky house.

“The Sol Fest team enjoys a wide variety of music but one thing we all love is bass music,” says Justin Kulkusky, a co-founder of Sol Fest. “We wanted to create a festival that highlights these niche bass artists with full production because they are under-appreciated at most festivals.”

Quentin personally knew at least eight musicians on this year’s bill: Hippy Chris, Zeplinn, Cut Rugs, Kirby Bright, Murkury, Patches, Engix, and Maroc. Each of these artists held meaningful friendships with Quentin and dedicated part of their performances to honor his lasting legacy. Dillion Michael, a Sol Fest team member in charge of layout design, recalls how he, Quentin, and Hippy Chris referred to themselves as ‘the three amigos.’ His favorite moments with Quentin were when they experienced live music together.

“Many of us created bonds with Sol through festivals. He was the type of person to get out on the dance floor and shake his hair, get lost in the music,” says Dillion, who is Quentin’s best friend. “Sol Fest gives us a tangible thing by which to remember him in such a bright way, and we wanted to create that space for anyone else who may be grieving.”

Ripple Effect of Community & Friendship

To ground its focus on commemorating life, Sol Fest’s captivating trio of core values is yet another way the young event is setting itself apart. “Connection, lifelong friendship, and unforgettable memories” comprise the ethos of Sol Fest. The festival’s open-hearted sense of community, intimate and inviting atmosphere, honest affinity for honoring memory, and clear reverence for liberatory expression were all evident from day one. During a decade in which smaller and more niche festivals are on the rise, Sol Fest’s unique set of tenets is sure to keep the team focused on what they value most.

“Music festivals are an outlet for people to express themselves openly and freely,” says Justin. “We wanted to offer a place for people to connect and make friendships and memories that hopefully they will never forget.”

Justin reflects fondly on one of many memories with Quentin that he will cherish forever. Shortly before New Year’s Eve in December 2020, Justin lost his best friend, Britton. In Sol’s fiercely loyal fashion, he spontaneously drove seven hours to spend quality time with Justin for the holiday and help his friend process the pain. Unfortunately, this would be their final New Year’s together, but Justin will reflect warmly on that night for the rest of his life.

“Quentin showered me with love and told me that he would rather be with me for New Year’s than anyone else. That meant a lot to me – he had so many friends but always gave full attention to whomever he was with,” says Justin. “I broke down several times over the weekend and Quentin was always there, comforting me and coaching me through the grief. It helped me more than he realized.”

Such pure memories seemed to permeate the sacred fabric of Sol Fest. Prior to the festival, folks were invited to send in photos of loved ones who have passed. Many attendees came together on Sunday afternoon to view a commemorative slideshow of these heartfelt images. This meaningful gathering to mourn loss and celebrate life was perhaps one of the most powerfully defining moments of Sol Fest, underpinning the event’s unique mission and the undying spirit of Sol.

Quentin’s mother is especially moved by the astounding ripple effect her son had in and beyond the electronic music scene.

“It’s been so comforting to discover that my son inspired so many people. As a parent, you live for seeing your kid make good choices in life, and to know he inspired so many people to the point that they started a festival makes me exude gratitude,” says Stacie. “It’s comforting that others may have had opportunities for some healing from Sol Fest, because the event is for all of us who are processing loss.”

A Family Reflects Through Art & Memory

One family in particular spent their Sol Fest celebrating the life of Britton Thorne, who was co-founder Justin’s best friend. Britton’s little sister, Starr, sculpted ‘The Squid’ from scratch. This tall structure, located near the lakeside beach, was a squid-shaped art installment that invited people to place stickers and notes on its surface.

Sol Fest marked the first of several new experiences for Starr, a three-dimensional artist focused on smaller ceramics and sculpture; this was her first music festival, and The Squid is outside of her usual artistic medium. She chose blue as The Squid’s primary tone because it reminds Starr of her late big brother, with whom she shares a birthday, a childhood love for Guitar Hero, and an insatiable knack for imagination.

“We’re experiencing what Britton loved to do, so it’s nice to get to be here and experience what he did. As far as making The Squid, it feels like even though he’s gone, he’s still giving me opportunities to put my name out there and show people what I can do,” says Starr. “Even when he left us, it still felt like he was there. It doesn’t feel like Britton is gone – he’s still around me all the time.”

Starr was accompanied by Britton’s mother, Tanya, and Britton’s partner, Robin, while showcasing at Sol Fest. During the event, Tanya reflected on raising Britton to embrace limitless creativity and radical self-expression. She admired the steadfast way her son, much like Quentin, stayed true to his beliefs and questioned the status quo.

“Britton made you think outside the box. Like, ‘why is this accepted as normal?’ There wasn’t even a box that existed in his mind in the first place,” says Tanya. “Anyone who is experiencing the energy spread throughout this festival – I think that’s a really good way to describe Britton. Everybody is expressing themselves to their heart’s content – whatever you feel inside is what you’re letting out, and that’s what I really like about it here.”

Likewise, Robin spent Sol Fest continuing to navigate her grief as Britton’s partner. She shared insights around his outgoing personality, his endless curiosity, and the wisdom he imparted on those in his communities. Robin remembers the sheer awe she felt during Britton’s memorial service; many of his friends showed up to express gratitude and collectively honor his life. As Quentin and Stacie had spoken about in their heart-to-heart, Britton, too, held onto how matter and energy – and therefore living beings – never truly go away.

“Britton was a beautiful combination of knowing the world and then also being otherworldly,” says Robin. “He taught me a lot about life – and living.”

Women Leading the Way 

Visual art proved a central avenue in which Sol Fest brought its celebratory spirit into full fruition. Throughout the grounds, a range of talented creatives displayed their artwork. Numerous live painters lined the midfield and back-side of Sol Stage’s wide-open field. One expressive hub in particular stood out: a series of wall canvases by the beach. This vibrant hub was designed for graffiti artists and spray-paint wizards to thrive. Whitney Rice, the art coordinator for Sol Fest, curated this compelling and innovative gallery, among several art-related initiatives.

Throughout the event, Whitney ensured all visual artists were cared for and that all art installments were in optimal shape. As part of the crew that pivoted venues amidst an unforeseen emergency, Whitney adapted to new installation protocols, addressed concerns from artists as inquiries arose, helped maintain team morale, and worked with a music journalist to form a timely press release in response to the rapid location change. She is grateful for the way these last-minute challenges transpired for the best – and now holds the transformative power of Sol Fest closer to her heart than ever before.

“I’m so blissful right now – words cannot describe this surreal feeling,” says Whitney in reflection of the festival’s success. <ADD MORE QUOTE>

Working closely with Whitney was Mackenzie Halley, the Sol Fest vendor coordinator. Mackenzie played a key role in bringing the festival together from its inception. As the founder and owner of One Stop Soul Shop – her small-business dedicated to handcrafted pieces with dreamlike themes – Mackenzie has spent 6+ years vending alongside many of the artists and merchants she oversaw during Sol Fest. This event was her first time serving in a vendor coordination capacity. She is grateful for the experience of learning to switch gears from one location to another on such short notice, all while embracing the brighter sides of life.

“Sol Fest was a very special weekend for me and the team. The venue change was stressful and almost heartbreaking, but it was a blessing in disguise that we all needed,” says Mackenzie, whose shop gracefully lined the entrance to the waterpark and main festival hub. “The power, drive, and passion within us all manifested the most beautiful tribute to the ones we’ve lost.”

Another femme force behind Sol Fest was co-founder Alexus Williams. She oversaw multiple aspects of the festival’s development and financial operations, from budgeting, talent scouting, and digital marketing, to venue coordination and artist relations. In an industry that is systemically dominated by men and plagued with unaddressed structural misogyny, Alexus – alongside Whitney, Mackenzie, and her female peers – demonstrates a vital fact: women are, have always been, and will always be on the frontlines of event management, festival operations, and so much more… despite not always receiving credit where it is long past due. Alexus is honored to be a core part of the inaugural Sol Fest team and is joyful for the opportunity to celebrate the life of her dear friend, Quentin.

<QUOTE BY ALEXUS>

Intimate, Interactive, Engaging

Sol Fest also curated a standout ensemble of group activities, delicious cuisine, and flow performances. The event included a variety of healing-themed and community-building workshops. Just a few of these activities included breathwork, ecstatic dance, Kundalini yoga, human design, flow arts practices, shamanic sound baths, and group discussions, among other sessions.

When attendees got hungry, a tasteful array of food vendors – all highly-renowned across the east and midwestern festival circuit – were available in the vendor village: Asian Sensation, Festi Bowl, Grilled Cheese Incident, Homeslice Pizza, and Space Fruit. Each of these popular small-businesses offered affordable, allergy-friendly, vegetarian and Vegan options to accommodate the nutritional and financial needs of as many attendees as possible.

Many festival-goers sat with their meals and blow-up furniture on either side of the Sol Stage to witness the breathtaking flow team unleash their expressive movement art. Skeeter, a multi-prop fire- and LED-performer from Denver, expertly coordinated the inaugural Sol Fest’s flow crew. He assembled a multitalented lineup of mesmerizing spinners that gracefully complemented the live music throughout the festival’s multi-day stretch.

Sol Fest’s immersive menu of multi-sensory experiences served to enhance this memorial event, allowing attendees to freely customize the experience as they made meaning of loss and celebrated life.

“When I go to a festival, what separates a good time from a really good time is when I make new friends and engage in interactive activities. It’s more than campgrounds and stages,” says Dillion. “We created special things that set us apart from larger festivals; we want to provide opportunities for attendees to meet new people.”

New Fest, Next Steps

As the Sol Fest team begins planning the 2023 installment, Quentin’s community of friends will continue merging themes of commemoration with celebration. This liberatory formula will help the team keep things in perspective as Sol Fest grows and evolves.

“We all deal with death and grief at some point in our lives and we aim to continue creating a festival that honors those we’ve lost while promoting celebration of life through friendship and music,” says Justin. “We hope attendees gain a new appreciation and excitement for life after Sol Fest.”

Moving into 2023 and beyond, Sol Fest’s talent acquisition team will do well to meaningfully and tastefully expand the ethnic, gender, and ability diversity of this promising festival’s music lineup. Like all entertainment industries today, the bass and soundsystem worlds must be brave enough to reckon with the conscious and unconscious biases that favor able-bodied, cisgender white men both on stage and behind the scenes. Going forward, Sol Fest will have vital opportunities – and an urgent responsibility – to model inclusive excellence by intentionally booking and platforming more women, Black artists and producers of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people with disabilities, among musicians from other historically and presently marginalized groups.

The Sol Fest team also learned invaluable lessons from their emergency location change. They aim to continue partnering with Bama Slam in future years – and are integrating logistical insights from this last-minute hurdle into informed and resilient next steps. Such reflective perseverance remains at the heart of all Sol Fest stands for in loving memory of souls like Quentin, whose infinite matter and energy will illuminate this event for years to come.

“Losing someone isn’t a unique experience, but the way it hits us individually is. It’s not something you ‘get over,’ – one learns to live with it. And having other people to share that with alleviates it just a little,” shares Stacie. “The heartache is still there, and from what I now understand it will take each day of the rest of my life to learn to live with it. This is part of that learning.”

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Excerpt from the obituary of Quentin ‘Sol’ Rupp:

“We all float down the river of existence. At times, we are in calm water, at other times we face rapids and turbulent conditions. As we float on the river, we are surrounded by friends and family that we share the journey with. The current carries us all at different speeds. Quentin was moving along quicker than us and has gone around the bend up ahead. We can no longer see him on the river, but we can feel the wake he left.”

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This article was originally published through Background Noise.