Hutchfest 2024 organizers are hoping attendees or area residents can add one more note to the recent two-day music festival in downtown Columbus.
The event that has gone by the breezy label “beer, brats, beans and bands” attracted 500 people to The Commons for a 21-plus gathering on April 19, which pleased organizers with the Landmark Columbus Foundation and also Ben Wever, who conceived of the idea.
The following night for all ages at The Crump Theatre attracted 175 people, leaving organizers appreciative of support but slightly disappointed, according to an email to foundation supporters.
One significant reason this matters is that a nationally touring group from Nashville, Tennessee, Apple Music’s The Weird Sisters, was the headliner for Saturday. Friday’s bill included area acts, including several that already have a substantial and loyal following.
Because of the second-night attendance dip, organizers are asking people to consider donations to the cause that the fundraiser supported: the foundation, the Crump, and the Miller House and Garden.
“I wonder why we had a much smaller audience on Saturday than Friday,” wrote Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “Why was this?”
There was at least one other big event on Saturday, April 20 — the second annual Mela ‘24 South Asian Gala at The Commons that attracted several hundred guests.
The first Hutchfest last year was one day and attracted about 550 people to The Commons.
That success resulted in a donation of $25,000 to the Crump and the nonprofit Landmark Columbus Foundation.
The foundation, which cares for, celebrates, and advances the cultural heritage of Columbus, has had a track record of substantial attendance success with everything from the Exhibit Columbus architectural exhibitions to its Progressive Preservation series and more.
In recent days, donors have given amounts ranging from $5 to $100 to the cause.
One way to donate
To still help the cause in the wake of Hutchfest 2024: landmarkcolumbus.org
One way to donate
To still help the cause in the wake of Hutchfest 2024: landmarkcolumbus.org
