Singing in the rain

The Sun

There are many who'd consider Fresh Air Festival's chief executive officer Vinij Lertratanachai crazy for even thinking of organising a music festival slap in the middle of the rainy season. But Vinij thinks it's a brilliant idea and so Thailand's first ever "Rainy Music Festival" is going ahead at the Royal Initiated Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam in Nakhon Nayok on August 8. And as it runs from noon to 2am, there's lot of time for seasonal showers.

"To tell you the truth, at first I also thought it would be impossible," admits the CEO. "After all, we have to give priority to the security of all artists and musicians as well as to protecting the musical instruments and the equipment."

The festival, which features one stage, a host activities, food and refreshment, a tent camp and parking, is being held on the 60,000-square-metre plus airfield-like area of the largest roller-compacted concrete dam in Thailand. The budget is more than Bt15 million.

"The dam's fence and the sole entrance and exit make is easy to control security and discipline," says Vinij.

As winter festivals traditionally feature contemporary and easy-listening sounds, while summer events tend to focus bossa and ska/reggae, Vinij has opted for hip-hop and rock and roll for the rains. Artists taking part include Clash, Silly Fool, Paradox, Slot Machine, Flure, Hangman, Blackhead, The Sun, Black Vinilla, The Papers, Art Floor, Jay Jetrin, Buddha Bless, Joey Boy, and Noi Pru.

"Rain would cool down the rockheads," he laughs. "And the artists will be as wet as the audience. And even if it isn't raining, there'll be artificial rain taken from the dam. The audience will get to see guitarists and drummers playing their solos in the falling rain. And I'm taking the utmost care to ensure that no accidents will happen at this festival."

Apart from the music performances, they'll be a parade of 100 Fino motorcycles in formation on the dam ridge.

"It's the first time that any country is deliberately hosting a music festival in the rainy season," he says.

XTRA

When the clouds burst

>> Tickets are Bt800 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com >> Some 5,000 raincoats will be on sale at the festival.

>> Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam was completed in 2004 and is the longest reinforced concrete dam in the world.