Camping is a big deal to a lot of folks. It helps you unplug, connect with nature, and show off your campfire skills. 

Whatever the case was for the local band Sum Morz, they ended up turning an annual camping trip into a full-fledged music festival. 

Andy Fest is a multi-genre festival that came about from annual camping trips members of the band would take together. Attendees of those trips eventually dwindled over time with one even passing away, guitarist Chad Hiatt’s brother, Andy, who happened to be one of their biggest fans. 

Eventually, the band decided to reenergize their trips and open the invite to all with a festival at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola in Andy’s honor. 

The seventh installment of the festival returns Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 3-4, with an array of local bands. Along with music, there will be vendors and food. All this for $10 a day or $15 for a two-day pass. As an added bonus, you can even camp out at Buck Lake for $25.

With each passing year, the festival continues to grow, and it’s now known as Sum Morz Andy Music Fest.

“It’s simply about getting folks together,” Sum Morz frontwoman Crystal “C-Note” Clouse told Whatzup. “It has never been about making money, but celebrating music with friends.” 

No shortage of performers

Buck Lake is one of the oldest concert venues in the United States, having been developed in 1947. All the big country stars used to play Buck Lake back in the day. It was even referred to as the Nashville of the North. Among performers to stop by the venue were Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, June Carter, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Elvis Presley. 

So, to hold a festival at a place of such high stature is a big deal. 

“Buck Lake was known as a place all the big names would play early in their careers,” owner Marvin Baker said. “We hope that new artists will follow those same traditions, and Andy Fest is the perfect event to do so.

“The festival is important to us, and we hope it continues to grow and hopefully kickstart the career of a local act.” 

New this year will be a Hangover Brunch Show on Sunday morning featuring breakfast and a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Perfect after that long night by the campfire. 

As for the music, performing Saturday on the Legends Stage will be The High Freqs, Gandalf Slick, Pop n’ Fresh, Alt Dizzy, Saric the Majestic Fuzzbeast, The Toasted Coconuts, Sum Morz, and Juniper Pass. 

Sunday’s performances will be held in the big red barn and will include Hot House, Mo Turner, C-Note, and Pop n’ Fresh. 

For those keeping count, that’s a good amount of Clouse’s family members. Remember, she’s a part of the Brown family that includes sisters Dusty of Alt Dizzy and Sarah of Saric the Majestic Fuzzbeast, and parents, Ted and Pamela, and brother, Travis, of Pop n’ Fresh. 

Another important note about this year’s fest, it will be the first performance for Sum Morz since the passing of longtime guitarist Craig Stephan, making it even more special. It’s also the debut of new guitarist Jeff Cottle. 

Chance to hang with friends

One band excited to return to the fest are The Toasted Coconuts. 

“This will be our second time performing at the event, and we’re very honored to play on Buck Lake Ranch’s historical stage in the same place as so many legendary country artists of the past,” drummer Jeremy Sells said. “Personally for me, it’s very much a family reunion. I’ve been a life-long friend of the Brown musical family and was the drummer for Pop n’ Fresh for 20 years before moving to Indianapolis. Watching all the musical members of the family grow up has been part of the fabric for my life. 

“I love getting together with my old friends and look forward to the concert as well as the camping, swimming, grilling, fellowship, and music around the campfire that make Andy Fest one of the highlights of my year.”

If you’ve never been to Andy Fest, it’s a great first-time festival to attend and bring your family and friends for a smorgasbord of sounds spanning country, rock, blues, and soul. 

Just bring your sunscreen and get ready to boogie.