Bonus Episode: Something About Behind the Scenes at AROTR

On this special bonus episode of Something Will Happen Melissa talks to Derrick the Site Manager at Abbey Road on the River. Throughout their discussion, they talk about many of the work that happens behind the scenes to create the festival. They also touch on the timelessness of the Beatles and their hopes for the future of AROTR.

Derrick tells of how he started at AROTR in a team doing backline work of set-up/ tear-down. He had his own production company as well and worked on other events in the area including Forecastle, Waterfront Wednesdays, and more. At many of those events, he worked with Bar Manager Mendy (featured in last week’s bonus episode: The Women of AROTR). Mendy recommended Derrick to Gary for the open position of Production Manager, and over the years his role has grown from there.

Derrick talks about some of the projects he handles on site. As a guest, many of us just enjoy the festival and don’t think of all the little jobs and decisions that need to be made to create the experience. Stage and tent set-up, placing of the bars and vendors, mapping and putting up the fencing around the site, running the electricity throughout the site are all part of the hundreds of small decisions that go into bringing together the festival. While you’re at AROTR, you can thank Derrick for many of those decisions!

They discuss some of the logistical differences of production between Louisville and Jeffersonville. Derrick spends some time to highlight the many different people that help make this festival happen. Some core members of the group, the Jeffersonville PD and Fire, the security team, and many others that aren’t often thanked for the hard work they do to make Abbey Road on the River what it is. 

The conversation leads into how the festival has impacted his life personally. He tells a story of his parents coming to the festival and being able to watch and meet the Beach Boys. He points out that particular memory as a core piece of coming into his own as an adult and building on the relationship with his parents in a new light. Derrick also talks about how his children have grown up in and around the festival. His daughters personally know many of the band members and security staff. He jokes that they have become spoiled by thinking he can get them backstage at any concert they go to!

Melissa and Derrick wrap up their conversation by discussing the timelessness of the Beatles and how the content and choices made by the Beatles management have helped to keep the music alive and aligned with the original message and values. They discuss their hopes for the future of AROTR and the many years to come. Derrick shares a story of his first year working at the festival. After a long day, he stumbled across the string section playing Eleanor Rigby. He talks of how there was just something about that performance that touched him. Melissa points out how one of the credits to AROTR is how the many different bands and performances provide the opportunity to hear the music of the Beatles in a new way and have an emotional response to songs you have heard time and again.

Producers: Gary Jacob, Melissa Brumm

Editor: Emily Clopton

Theme Music: King Mixer

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Melissa Brumm