The FIRE Festival is back in a big way. It supports, celebrates, and empowers women in music, arts, and beyond across New York State. There are many ways to support this incredible cause, so please read on and, better yet, attend one or many of these incredible events.
On Sunday, March 9, the fourth annual F.I.R.E. (females inspire, rock, empower) Festival takes place
at ONCO Fermentations. The event will run from 2-5 p.m. and will feature a wide variety of female artists, musicians, dancers, and business owners.
“This year, we’re happy to host the festival at a venue that presents local musicians all the time,” creator
of the festival Jess Novak says. “I think it’s important to support each other in the community, and I’m
excited for the different energy.”
This year, the festival will feature two stages, one in both the front and back rooms of ONCO. Music will
be continuous from 2-5 p.m. with a jam ending the show. Vendors will be in the back room for the
duration of the fest.
“The jam is going to be incredible,” Novak says. “I love surprising people when someone steps from
behind a vendor booth and hits the stage.”
Vendors/musicians include Jessica Brown, who will be selling her jewelry and is also known as a
singer and instrumentalist with her band, Root Shock. Vocalist Joanna Nix Jewitt will be at the event with
Music for the Mission, a group that feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless throughout Upstate New
York.
Featured vendors include a wide variety of CNY favorites such as Michelle DaRin Jewelry, Colello Creations, Foxxy Bones, Anna with Intention, R.C. Lloyd, ReAwakened Jewelry, Art by Laura Buys, RAS Jacobson Art, Phoenix Creations, Sara Francis, and many more.
The event on March 9 isn’t the only F.I.R.E. show planned for 2025.
On Sunday, March 16, Amanda Rogers and Chloe Danes will perform at Pink Rock Culture Co-Op in Syracuse from 4-7 p.m. with Black Whisker Vintage Vending. Another event will take place at Lunkenheimer Brewing in Weedsport on Sunday, September 28.
“The goal has always been to present more women in more places,” Novak says. “I can’t always do a
huge festival, but I like the idea of smaller events to feature different women and vendors in
atmospheres appropriate for each of them and attendees. Amanda and Chloe are the types of
songwriters who need to be quiet and listen to every word. I wanted to create an event where
they will shine as they are and be heard.”
However, the big festival on Sunday, March 9, will be a loud one with a long list of vendors, several solo
acts and one band jam to end the festival with multiple singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters.
“I’ve been proud of every festival we’ve put on, but I wanted to make this one a little rowdy,” Novak says. “I look forward to songwriter showcases, but I also love a good rock show.”
Tickets for March 9 and 16 are available on Eventbrite. Tickets for both events are $10 pre-sale and $20 day-of.
All ages are welcome at all events, but ID will be required at the door of ONCO Fermentations on March
9; and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Doors open at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.
Photos available upon request.
Schedule for Sunday, March 9:
- Jessie Elizabeth – 2 p.m.
- Amanda Ashley – 2:30 p.m.
- SPEAKDANCE CNY performance 3 p.m.
- Ashley Cox – 3 p.m.
- Claire Byrne (from Driftwood) – 3:30 p.m.
- Jam with Jess Novak, Ashley Cox, Amanda Ashley, Jessica Brown, Andrea Canale, Joanna Nix
Jewett, Caitlin Barry and more starting at 4:15 p.m.
The vendor list includes:
Foxxy Bones
R.C. Lloyd
Sara Francis
Anna With Intention
Artisan Elements
Phoenix Creations
RAS Jacobson Art
Essential Soulcrafting
Pink Rock Culture Co-op
Music For the Mission
Michelle DaRin
ReAwakened Jewelry
Wildebeest Publishing
Chocko Sisters Creations
Art By Laura Buys
Slit Weave
Valerie Rene’ Creations
Colello Creations
