ALBANY — After seven years, the Move Music Festival appears to be all but done, as its organizer placed his rights to it for sale.
“This is it. I am sorry to say but the time has come for me to pass the torch…,” stated Bernie Walters on the festival’s Facebook page. The announcement was posted on Friday, Nov. 22, but only recently caught the attention of local musicians and media outlets.
Walters organized seven festivals. At the height of its popularity, the festival stretched over a three-day weekend, hosting seminars in the day and live music at night throughout various venues across the Capital District.
Walters is selling the festival’s brand, which includes logos, trademarks, videos, website and social media. The social media includes an Instagram account and a Facebook page that boasts more than 10,000 followers. All “for an unbelievable price,” he stated.
“My goal is to keep Move alive, not to get rich,” stated Walters. “I just want to pass it on to someone who can do the brand right.”
In January, Walters placed the festival on hiatus to restructure it to something “more current with today’s music business.”
Modeled after SXSW in Austin, Texas Walters’ festival hosted some of the best alternative bands in the country. July Talk, the Wombats, Sean Rowe, The So So Glos, The Arkells and Sawyer Fredericks.
Through the years the Move Music Festival has also given over 600 bands and musicians the opportunity to perform for new audiences and to learn from some of the industries. Top music professionals through workshops, panel discussions and clinics.
In addition to being a showcase for contemporary music, it lent insight into the music industry. Over the years the Move Fest has paired musicians with top managers, booking agents, festival promoters, radio program directors and industry experts.
The scale in size for the annual festival has contracted in recent years. At its peak in 2015, it was a three-day event featuring 100 bands in several venues throughout the city. Last year, the festival showcased only one night of music.
