Today’s H installment of the A to Z Music-Fan Connection is an introduction to volunteer groups like the Happy Hour Heroes that provide a haven for music fans who wish to remain substance-free at concerts and festivals.
Yellow Balloon – photo credit: Camp Traction
Yellow Balloon – Courtesy of Camp Traction
Ever notice a yellow balloon flying high at a music festival? It’s the universal symbol of sober festival-goers who provide support and fellowship for other fans who choose to live drug-free. While the Wharf Rats were the first of such groups, emerging from the Grateful Dead scene in the 1980s, other similar groups have banded together. They claim no affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or any other twelve step program, nor are they officially affiliated with or endorsed by any particular band they identify with. Each group stresses that they take no position on drug and or alcohol use. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stay substance-free at shows.
HAPPY HOUR HEROES – (fans of moe.)
THE PHELLOWSHIP – (fans of Phish)
THE DIGITAL BUDDHAS (fans of The Disco Biscuits)
MUCH OBLIGED (fans of Umphrey’s McGee)
CAMP TRACTION – (originated at High Sierra Music Festival, designating space specifically for sober camping at festivals)
SOBEROO – (clean and sober music fans who gather each year at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival)
While I have only come across these kinds of groups within the Jamband community, I wonder if other music genres have like-minded fans who have created support groups. Does anyone know of such groups within the country music festival circuit, metal fests, etc? If so, let me know.
there’s also the jellyfish for string cheese incident
Cool, I did not know that one!
Slayer should have one called “the Slayed”
Hmm, good idea. LOL I know a few people who could probably start that one!
Personally, I think this is a really kewl idea. I’ve never heard of it, but it is so needed today.
Agreed, Kristena – it’s nice to know they’re out there providing support to those in need of it.
Thank you for posting – I had no idea these organizations existed and I’m glad they do.
And thank you for stopping by! 🙂 I thought it was cool thing to bring people’s attention to.
Thank you for this education. I never knew this.
Hi Jolie – thanks for stopping by. The fact that many of these support groups sprung from the fans’ love of particular bands was interesting to me as I explored the Music-Fan connection.