Woodyfest: The recap from backstage

By Leeshia Lee

Woodyfest, the dream of longtime Charleston-area DJ Woody Woods, was realized earlier this month, as Woods’ plan to bring large-city entertainment infused with local talent to Dunbar’s Shawnee Sports Complex became a reality. 

On August 1, residents of our community were able to experience the vibes that they often traveled out of town for. After years of envisioning an event that would bring all people together through music, community and culture it finally happened on a soccer field with a bunch of people who just wanted to have a good time.

Woodyfest was more than just a music event. It was a celebration for the state, the artists, the DJs, the photographers, videographers, and the people who continue to shape the cultural landscape of hip hop in a city with a small demographic of Black people. For Woods, seeing the vision become a reality was a moment that was years in the making. From start to finish, the show was well put together and a perfectly curated glimpse into what happens when a vision, and a community’s love for music come together.

When event-goers entered the sports complex they saw vendor tents lining the perimeter of the soccer field, a pit area enclosed by vip tables and a huge stage with a screen that held the focus of attendees for the remainder of the night.  The morning’s rain had given way to sunshine and smiles. 

DJ Lauryn Trill opened up the show with an eclectic mix of hits giving the audience the spark they needed to get the party started. She would later be joined by Dj Charlie Black who has a longtime radio mix show in the city.  She moved over to allow fellow DJ Illspin from Huntington the reins as he introduced the first performer of the day, Stephen Thomas from Charleston, to kick off the event. Thomas’s set was high energy filled with dance moves, heavy vocals and an impromptu serenade of females from the artist. Female emcee Nee Nee incognito followed him with an all female band backing her up. Introducing her cousin BTR Trell to the scene to pay homage to her late cousin, rapper Shellz. Her stage presence gave her the solidifying nod that she was made for the stage as fans afterwards asked her to sign their bodies as an ode to her title as the self proclaimed “Coldest Chick in the Sticks.”  

Prince Phae came running through the crowd right on stage with the same amount of intensity as he captivated the crowd with his fast rhymes and even faster movements. Huntington Artist Coco Nicole proved to be a standout presence, commanding the stage with a performance that showcased both her artistry and growing talent in the music scene. She brought along Twan and Fatt to share the stage and recreate the buzz live that they had online.  Josh Pantry continued that momentum, bringing his own unique energy and sound to a lineup that reflected the depth and diversity of talent coming out of the Mountain State. His renditions of popular songs backed by his band held the audience in awe. He also brought friends along to share the limelight, Influ and Boogermayne provided a deeper look at talent in the hills and hollers of the state. 

Big TC added another layer of rugged flavor as he hit the stage with son as the ultimate hypeman. He also turned the crowd up a notch as he allowed fellow musicians Wop and Meezy  and 6200 Rob on stage to perform one of the hottest songs of the summer Yes Yes! White Mic was more than just a consistent voice promoting Woodyfest. He also took the stage, bringing his own energy to the event and showing his support not only through online promotion, but through his high energy performance. His involvement was another example of the community coming together to help turn Woody Woods’ idea from a vision into a reality.

Longtime group Duck City took the stage at Woodyfest, bringing years of experience and their signature style to the celebration. They had on their Duck City gear and a variation of classic sneakers that only a true sneaker head would recognize and enjoy. They also helped create one of the event’s most memorable moments, sharing the stage with Huntington dancer Lydia in a performance that quickly became a viral moment and gave the crowd something to talk about long after the show ended.

Ev$yMoney song’s “I’ll Do It’ which has taken the city over by storm was playing and he slid on the stage for a surprise appearance.

As it became time for the main acts the crowd had grown tremendously and so did the clouds. The Ying Yang Twins provided an upbeat stroll down memory lane with undeniable hits and precise crowd control as they  commanded the audience to dance and simply enjoy themselves. The star power of the group brought another element to Woodyfest along with the nostalgia of what it meant to just dance like no one is watching, even if you are outdoors with thousands of people by your side.

Waka Flocka Flame took the stage next  with superstar DJ Whoo Kid, immediately raising the energy in the room. In true Waka fashion, he went into the crowd and made it clear that he wanted the moment to belong to the people, even telling security to give him space as he moved through the audience during his set or if not then he was going to leave.

The result was a raw, high energy performance that blurred the line between artist and audience and created one of Woodyfest’s most unforgettable moments. It was the kind of experience that captivated the crowd and gave them a memory they will be talking about long after the festival. There are several videos to prove how intense his set was.

That energy may have even summoned the storm. As the crowd was still riding the wave from Waka Flocka’s performance, dark clouds rolled in and it began to rain, creating a cinematic moment.

That moment was the catalyst for something epic. 

As the evening’s host, I challenged the audience to think of how old school R&B videos often had artists pouring their hearts out in the rain. I told them to hold onto that thought as Dj Lauryn Trill played Love and she directed the audience into the perfect rendition of Keyshia Coles’ classic song. The expressions and vocals from the audience proved the lyrics truer that “rainy days fade away” but the power of love can conquer any storm. Although the weather ended the show before DA Baby could come out. The crowd sang through the strom creating a moment that captured the power of music, love and community that showed together we can overcome the unexpected.  

Woodyfest actually happened and those who attended were a part of historical moment in time.