VexFest mixes metal, rock and folk

August 10, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

By SARAH LEHR

YOUNGSTOWN

Jordan Woolley, Jake Clasen and Seth Donchess, eschewed the tough image often associated with metal bands and hung out at the VexFest 10 on Sunday with a “Free Hugs” sign.

Woolley, Clasen and Donchess, all from Austintown, are members of a local band called Alteras, which Woolley described as “post-hardcore.”

Alteras was one of 28 local bands to play at VexFest 10, which took place on East Federal Street downtown from noon Sunday to 2 a.m. today.

VexFest, a free event, sponsored by Boardman Subaru, Totally Wicked e-liquid and e-cigarettes, Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Warehouse 50 drew an array of local vendors.

The Artistry Hair Company of Niles, for instance, offered mohawks, mullets and regular old haircuts in exchange for donations.

Erin Whitacre of Niles, who is married to the drummer of local death-metal band Kitchen Knife Conspiracy, sold band merchandise along with jewelry she created.

“I started making things I would want myself,” she said of her jewelry. “I try to make things that will stand out.”

Kitchen Knife Conspiracy played VexFest about 5 p.m.

Ryan Rexroad, a coordinator of the festival, expressed excitement about this year’s turn-out.

“It’s just so incredible seeing people’s smiles and their excitement,” he said with a voice grown hoarse after attempting to talk over music all day. “You have to see it to believe it.”

Founded in 2001, the festival offers local music ranging from folk to hard rock to heavy metal.

Rexroad said 285 bands from all over the world applied to play VexFest, but only 28 were selected, mainly from the Youngstown area.

“I don’t think anyone else in the city, the county or even the state puts on an event like this,” said Fred Rafidi, who helped organize the festival, said. “It’s a great way to support local music.”

Ryan Wright of Boardman arrived at VexFest with a group of friends. “It’s a lot of screaming music,” he said.

“It’s awesome.”