As First Fridays are a chance to socialize, eat, drink, enjoy art and shop at the Hatch, Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company and other Fountain corridor retailers, it’s formed a community according to Hatch’s Rod Hatfield. He wanted to continue the First Friday spirit in light of the governor’s stay-at-home order preventing coming together in person.
READ: Springfield, New Carlisle restaurants introduce new chicken sandwich
“We were hoping we could do this in person but we’re going to do another virtual offering for the community,” he said. “With spring, everything comes alive again and we enjoy living. We need connecting now more than ever.”
Live music will be the centerpiece. Thaddeus Williams of local band The American Landscape, will host and play. Hatfield calls the Americana, indie folk performer the space’s music curator.
When he’s not playing in town, Williams puts out a calling card to other performers and audiences to check out Springfield’s scene. Answering the call this time is Lou Fran, a Columbus-based singer and songwriter who Hatfield describes as a lyrical storyteller with folk-inspired guitar riffs, similar to a young Bob Dylan, who will also perform.
Hatfield mentioned Williams and Fran are both inspired by Springfield singer/songwriter Griffin House, who has done several virtual concerts including one earlier this week to support local food relief efforts.
Virtual First Friday will entertain and connect as works from Hatch artists will be displayed.
CORONAVIRUS: Ohio’s stay-at-home order extended to May 29, with exceptions
“Our artists are creating and on First Fridays meeting the community and in turn developing relationships and clients which helps pay the rent,” he said. “This is a reminder we have a ton of creative people.”
Kinetic video illuminations on the building will create an immersive environment showing off the artists’ work.
Another highlight will be a video Hatfield is particularly proud of for the song “Heart of Ohio (I am the City),” written by Williams and shot and edited by Hatfield’s company Hatch New Media.
Hatfield calls it a love song to the spirit of Springfield and is particularly reflective of the community’s resiliency during the pandemic.
“This is a way to humbly remind everyone we love and miss them and they do not have to sit at home and be bored but optimistic,” he said.
About the Author