Battle Candle Festival at Wickham Lake attracts 33 area bands

WARWICK — Thirty-three young area bands played their hearts out at the first Battle Candle Music Festival at Wickham Lake Park in Warwick on Saturday, Aug. 4.
After a night of heavy rain, the sun shone and there were just enough puddles for the crowds to dance in.
The audience moved between the meadow, lawn and lakeside stages catching the fresh, exciting sounds.
In between sets, folks were able to browse local vendors, food trucks and interactive making stations, all set against the stunning backdrop of Wickham Lake.
"Bringing musicians and makers together in a natural setting goes a long way in reimagining the possibilities for a former prison," said Jamie Munkatchy, Warwick resident and mother.
This is the first event of its kind to be held at the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility and the young crowd came from all over the Tri-State area.
The event was organized by the members of Interactive Noise Collective, a group of local musicians, artists and promoters, and sponsored by Wickham Works, a non-profit committed to building community through the arts.
Gabriel Jasmin, Battle Candle co-creator and member of Interactive Noise Collective says,
“Battle Candle is a testament to what ordinary people can create when they come together with a strong vision," said Gabriel Jasmin, Battle Candle co-creator and member of Interactive Noise Collective. "Planning this event showed us what a desire there is for connection through the arts.”