There are international festivals, national and local festivals throughout the US. Some are four-day, two day and then there are the single day ones. The Luau, a single day festival, started in 1997 and has been happening every year with the exception of Covid years. 
The show generally picks up bands that are affiliated with bigger festival tours on their off days, from, say, Welcome to Rockville. One of the stronger selling points is cost. An all-day lawn ticket at an amphitheater could be had for $25.00 (US). Twenty-five bucks for 12 bands at two dollars a band. Not a bad deal!! This festival is set up as most are with various food, beverage and merch vendors, a well thought out layout with two stages. Gates opened at 1:30 PM and started with a local Battle of the Bands winner, One Shot fired opening the festival on the side stage, followed by another local band, Dead Friends. Next up, it was time to go into the amphitheater for the opening of the main stage, with Lilith Czar. The artist formerly known as Juliet Simms, brought her new look and style to the Luau, with hard charging melodies, also adding a tender side. A well-executed performance to set the stage for what was to come. Next up, back on the side stage was Magg Dylan. A local band, right on the cusp of moving to the national tour level, hit the stage charging through their set including their newest video release, Lost My Zen. Back to the main stage for a blues rock education from Ayron Jones. Up next on the main stage was Dirty Honey, bringing their blues rock style to the stage with a definite approval from the audience. At this point, it was time to make one last trip to the side stage for that stages close, Living Colour. Bringing almost 30 year catalog to the stage, guitarist Vernon Reid and Corey Glover brought their jazz/funk inspired rock to the stage to the delight of the audience, closing out their set with infamous hit Cult of Personality. At this point, it was time to head to the main stage for the last two bands of the day, starting out 
The Pretty Reckless. Lead singer Taylor Momsen was in fine form with fellow band members Ben Phillips (guitar), Jamie Perkins (drums) and Mark Damon (bass) providing an awe-inspiring set.
The Pretty Reckless Set List: Loud Love, Since You’re Gone, Only Love Can Save Me Now, Death by Rock and Roll, And So It Went, Make Me Wanna Die, Fucked Up World, Going To Hell, Heaven Knows, Take Me Down.
At this point, at almost 10 o’clock at night, it’s still 86 degrees (F), you’re hot, you’re tired, it’s almost over. Or so you think. Closing out Lunatic Luau 22 was Disturbed. They’ve been in the game for almost 30 years, and know how to get the job done, opening their set with a cover of Deep Purple’s, Highway Star. Their set was energetic with vocalist David Draiman, guitarist Dan Donegan, bassist John Moyer and drummer Mike Wengren in classic form. Their set was energetic, colorful and exciting, as expected.
Disturbed Set List:
Highway Star, Inside the Fire, Stupify, Are You Ready, The Vengeful One, Stricken, Prayer, The Game, The Sound of Silence
Indestructible, The Light, Down With the Sickness.
All in all, it was a fun day, filled with good people and good music. If any of these acts are playing near you, I would recommend adding them to your calendar, for sure you wont be disappointed.
——- FIND FULL PHOTO GALLARY HERE, Including Bad Wolves, Plush ——–
All Photo Credit – Michael Spencer Photography.
