iMatter Festival

Let me just start by saying that iMatter Fest is such an incredible foundation! For years I had never heard of this festival, but I am beyond grateful to have heard the foundation’s message and learn  why the festival began. iMatter is a free festival that was established in 2008 and has featured heavier rock bands including ones that are local and national. The purpose behind this event is to make sure that people realize their importance and that they are not alone when dealing with depression, suicide and self-harm. Scott Lowmaster simply wanted to give people hope. He created the foundation to help others that are in a day-to-day battle with themselves and their own emotions. iMatter actively participates in partnering with different communities and businesses as well. There are many different ways that iMatter  gives back to communities and benefits hundreds of individuals such as; an iMatter house which houses young adults and teens so they have a safe environment to live in,  speaking at school assemblies, hosting community banquets, conducting leadership training programs and also by offering senior care. As enjoyable as the festival is, there is a much deeper meaning behind why it occurs every year and is free to attend.

This years iMatter Festival occurred on August 12th at the Chemung County Fairgrounds in Horseheads, NY. Underoath and August Burns Red were two of the headlining bands that many people know and love. Other bands such as Impending Doom, ’68, RIVALS, Belmont, Can’t Swim, etc. were also featured and every single band put on an amazing show. During the festival a meet and greet was also held for Underoath and August Burns Red. The directors of iMatter, Dave King and Adam Bunce, also had a Q&A that people were able to attend and ask questions regarding the festival as well as explaining what they are all about and how they help different communities. iMatter was hands down one of the most important festivals that I have attended and I am so honored that I was able to photograph the different bands who performed that day.

If you are interested in learning more about iMatter and how you can contribute to the organization, please visit https://www.imatterfoundation.org/. Keep an eye out for next years iMatter fest by staying up to date with their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/iMatterFestival/. I highly recommend making the trip to support such an amazing organization as well as seeing a handful of awesome bands perform.