OPEN HIGHWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Featuring the most exciting names across a wide range of roots-oriented genres, the Open Highway Music Festival continues to provide the St. Louis area with a homegrown experience featuring world-class entertainment.
The Event:
Blank Slate served as overall Production Manager and handled main stage management for the 2023 Open Highway Music Festival. A great opportunity to work with other passionate local promoters, and featuring a great range of local and national talent, this festival was right up our alley!
The Challenges:
With Open Highway being a smaller, regional festival (only in its second year since moving to the Chesterfield Amphitheater), Blank Slate was trusted to help manage the event as the caliber of artists it attracts continues to increase. As with any festival atmosphere, Blank Slate had to work directly with a lot of different types of people and personalities–from local acts to the polished touring outfits of Blackbery Smoke and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
Keeping multiple bands happy, keeping the shows running on time and total management of the back of house of a music festival is always a challenge, but less so for us, thanks to our deep experience running these types of shows!
The Blank Slate Solutions:
We were able to offer smart logistics and organization for the event, working as a highly involved partner with the key festival organizers and the venue from start to finish.
Blank Slate facilitated communication between artists, front and back of house, throughout the day. Because of our familiarity with festival atmospheres and ability to manage a tidy production schedule, we ensured the main touring acts and local bands alike were met with top-notch support and professionalism.
We were also in charge of hospitality for all talent–which is a job that can range from setting up refreshments and a cool down room to providing a full-time runner to assist personnel of major touring artists while in town.
THE RESULTS:
Blank Slate’s communication and production management skills ensured the Open Highway Music Festival ran smoothly from start to finish.
Hiring Blank Slate for Open Highway was the smartest decision and hire we’ve made. Blank Slate were incredibly well organized, professional and understood how to work well with a wide range of artists. The Blank Slate team was great to work with and made our festival run smoothly and happily. We could not have been more pleased with their work, attitude and professionalism.
John Henry
Founder Open Highway Music Festival