Nateva ready to rock Maine this weekend

For years New Englanders have pined for a music festival of their own as they have loaded up their cars for long road trips to Bonnaroo or took expensive flights to Chicago for Lollapalooza. Fortunately, this year New Englanders got their wish thanks to Frank Chandler, founder of the Nateva Festival, and his team.

Chandler had been in financial services for years when, like many Americans, he suddenly found himself out of work. He decided to shift his focus towards his passion for music, the inspiration for Nateva. His brainchild was actually the first concert he’s ever promoted and Chandler quickly realized the difficulties involved. 

“Every two minutes there’s a challenge” he tol BMS on the even of the big festival. “Finding a venue, finding the right people to work for me, finding bands, etc. Everything’s a challenge.”

Despite the daunting task of bringing New England it’s own music fest, Chandler and his team have made out just fine with an impressive lineup boasting major national acts like headliners Furthur, The Flaming lips and moe, as well as She & Him, Grizzly Bear, Drive-By Truckers, Umphrey’s McGee, STS9, Jakob Dylan and more. Nateva also features a plethora of local talent with 2009 BMS Band of the Year Passion Pit leading the way alongside other local standouts such as the Adam Ezra Group, Ryan Montbleau Band, Magic Magic and You Can Be A Wesley.

Although he’s put together a lineup that can draws fans from near and far when asked who he was most excited to see, like any good promoter he answered “the fans”. “I’m  just looking forward to everybody getting here, getting here safely, and having a good time this weekend. I’m looking forward to letting the 450 people already standing at our gates inside.”

Confidence exudes Chandler as he preps for the fans arrival. “We have the best venue, the best weather, the best music. We’ll light off some fireworks for the Fourth… it’s a great time to be an American [laughs].”

Fans can be confident as well. When asked what fans should expect this weekend Chandler responded by simply saying “come with a smile and be prepared to have an amazing weekend”.

From what we can tell, the Nateva Festival looks like it will bring a smile to any music fans face.