Free Union, a Charlottesville-based musical collective that stands for collaboration, “positivity and community,” will headline the 2019 Fall Festival on the front lawn during Eastern Mennonite University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. Their music is “ever-evolving,” rooted in soul and incorporating rhythm and blues, rock and pop and responsive to the themes of the day.
“In our ongoing effort to showcase local and alumni musicians, we’re excited to welcome Free Union to our biggest campus event of the year to share their message of unity with us,” said Jeff Shank, director of alumni and parent engagement. “There’s nothing like enjoying great live music with a view of the mountains, surrounded by people who all have ties to this place we love. The fall festival is the place to be on Saturday afternoon.”
The Fall Festival is from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. Tailgating spots can be reserved in the parking lot adjacent to the concert. Enjoy a sampling of cuisine from food trucks, including Crepes Didot, Smokin’ Q, Tacos El Primo, Paella Perfect, Grilled Cheese Mania and Kline’s Dairy Bar. Kids can enjoy a Lil Royals Fun Zone, there will be a photo booth to commemorate the day, and alumni and parents are invited to check in at our tent to learn more about alumni and parent events throughout the year.
Many more activities are planned: Read more about the EMU Hall of Honor inductees and check out the full event schedule at www.emu.edu/homecoming.
More about Free Union
Michael Coleman (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Rob Dunneberger lead the collective. Their first EP featured music and vocals by Carrie Coleman, Parker Hawkins and John Markel on bass, and Butch Taylor with keyboards and background vocals.
Chet’la Seebree’s introduction to the band on the website explains further the group’s name:
A bit of history behind the name provides context. Free Union, near Charlottesville and originally named Nicksville after a free African American blacksmith, sought to unite people of all races at a time when the country was inherently divided. These principles of inclusivity are the underpinnings of this collective. You will get that sense from lyrics like If I could push a bit more, maybe we’d come out as equal. ‘Cause love is not dead; it’s just missing all of the people (from ‘Good Day to Cry’)…
The hope, according to its front man, is that When you hear it, when you feel it, you won’t be able to keep from moving, and that You’ll wake up the next day with it still in your mind. The music will move your body and your heart; it will keep you thinking about what it will be like to one day have it all in the free world (‘Free World’).