Lance Cowan aka DJ Zappa is responsible for organising Zapfest, a one day music festival in Southparks, Oxford. On the day will be a plethora of different things to check out from local and regional music, stand-up comedy, to the craft & food stalls, read on to find out more on Zapfest and the man behind it.
So Lance tell us first about your background, how did you get into Events Promotion?
I’ve done quite a few things work-wise over the last 11 years but the one thing that I really enjoyed and stuck with, was bar work. I became Assistant Manager of a bar when I was about 19 and that gave me the first taste of organising events/club nights. I can remember having a constant urge to put on underground music nights (mainly hiphop) and wanting to put on things that mainstream clubs don’t do…
So I went ahead and did it. I’ve put on a lot of live gigs and club nights over the last 5 years, some being absolute failures but you learn from those experiences and build on from that. Essentially I think it just comes from having a bit of passion for music. I express my passion by DJ’ing and organising events.
How and why did you come up with the idea to have Zapfest?
As long as I remember I’ve always wanted organise a festival. I love going to festivals and discovering new music. I think it’s amazing that England has so much available. In Oxford I feel there is a lack of events of this nature and I’m just happy I’m in the position to put it on.
Have you had a good response?
I’ve had a great response from performers as well as the general public. There have been so many bands and DJ’s wanting to perform at the event and everyone is as excited about the event as I am.
You have 3 stages. Can you tell us a little bit about each one and what’s going on there?
Yeah, The Band Stage is a hosting a lot of local bands this year. It’s Indie, Rock, Acoustic and Folk based bands. We’ve got some seriously good bands from Oxford! We’ve also got some other choice bands from the UK who we love and who we think everyone will enjoy.
In the Dance Tent it’s a mixture of live bands, DJ’s and MC’s. It is mostly underground music (just the way I like it). We will be starting off the day with a bit of Hiphop, Reggae, Funk, Soul and ending off with Drum & Bass.
The third stage is a mixture of live bands, acoustic acts and stand up comedy from around the country.
Aside from the music are there other activities going on?
We’ve got a massive BBQ going on with some rather tasty delights as well a creperie, a bar, craft stalls, clothing stalls and a few other bits and bobs for sale. There will be a few other surprises on the day for the kids and adults alike.
For you what do you foresee will be the highlights of Zapfest?
The weather! Haha! On the main stage I am really looking forward to seeing Little Fish who have been going from strength to strength recently. A Silent Film, Alphabet Backwards and SixNationState are also some favourites of mine who really put on a great show. I am really happy to be having Richard Herring performing as well as he is a true comedy genius. You know he will be a highlight! In the dance tent I’m thinking Mama Said will be my highlight as well as DJ Fu & Jungle Drummer, Para & Baila and Robert Luis.
Do you have plans for another?
Definitely! I really want to keep it going on every year. We will just have to see how the local residents and services respond to it. I am doing everything in my power to keep everyone happy so this can happen again, bigger and better!
Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to say?
By your ticket now!!!! There are a few tickets left at Ryouki and SS20 that are available with no booking fee, otherwise get them online at www.wegottickets.com
Haha, all about the shameless promotion, happy festival season Blunted!!
To find out more on Zapfest, visit www.zapfest.co.uk
