August 10, 2022 - Dalianny Corporan
Saturdays in Milford during the summer are usually hot, slow, and run-of-the-mill, but the Ladybug Music Festival changed the environment from a small town to a boisterous and vibrant music festival.
The festival took place in Downtown Milford from 2 to 9 pm. The event celebrating women in music first started in Milford in 2018. It had been canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and was held virtually in 2021, and after three years the festival came back in person better than ever and truly a time to remember.
There were nine venues for the performers at various locations: Walnut and Park St. (main stage), My Sister’s Fault bakery and cafe, N. Walnut, Causey Mansion, amphitheater behind the Milford Library, Arena’s, Gallery 37, La Hacienda restaurant, and the Music School of Delaware.
There were also various vendors selling their products around downtown.
As an enthused event peruser, I’ll tell you how it all went. Here are some highlights. All the following photos and videos were taken by me on my iPhone 7.
At around 1:30 p.m, I checked out the different vendors all around downtown selling their products.
The first table I came across was La La Liz by Laura Elizabeth. The table was full of beautiful, homemade adorning bracelets
Elizabeth told me she had to be in bed for a long time due to a condition, so in that time she decided to make bracelets and later create a business. She makes all the bracelets herself! There were also custom friendship bracelets. The bracelets are also made with precious gemstones. Make sure to follow Laura Elizabeth on Instagram @lalalizbylaura and to shop on her Etsy page at etsy.com/shop/lalalizbylaura.
Then I came across another table, AshiraGemz Styles. The table held intricate handcrafted items. There were hats, headwraps, and earrings of all kinds. I was taken aback by the vibrant colors.
I bought a pair of earrings from AshiraGemz at Spencer’s Bazaar in Dover a while back, so make sure to check her out there as well!
Then I came across beachy tables like Sorella Amore. “Sorella Amore” means “sister love” in Italian. It was created by two sisters who wanted to make quality products for women at an affordable price.
Make sure to follow Sorella Amore @shopsorellaammore on Instagram and to visit their website at shopsorellaamore.com
I also came across some great artists! I discovered Linda Celestian who sells watercolor paintings and handcrafted laser-cut jewelry made by her.
You can see more of her work on her website lindacelestian.com/
I also met Tanya Bracey. Bracey grew up in New Castle, Delaware and graduated from Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). I was most impressed by her table. She told me she paints acrylic with watercolor inspiration. She also gets ideas for her art from real life and Pinterest.
Here’s a close up of some of her artwork!
Make sure to go on Tanya’s website tanyabraceyart.com and to follow her on Instagram @tanyabracey.
There was also a table selling organic clothes and accessories. I met the founder Joe Mansell who created Peace Treaties Clothing. He was very friendly and kind.
The products are made ethically with properly paid employees and safe working conditions
His business is based in Howard County, Maryland. Check out his website peacetreatiesclothing.com.
Now to the music of the afternoon!
The first performer I watched was Cal Toner at Arena’s. Toner is a singer/songwriter who’s becoming known for her soulful sound. Her music comes in a wide range of genres.
It was a relaxing setting at the restaurant. I was really happy to find a comfy place to sit and rehydrate from the parching sun.
Check out Cal Toner’s singing!
Then I went to see GirlsRoom at the Amphitheater behind the Milford Public Library.
They are an all-female rock/pop band in Sussex County, Delaware
They were a group of older ladies that could really rock out!
Then I went to see Olivia Reynolds outside My Sister’s Fault. Olivia Reynolds is from North East, Maryland. Her music is inspired by many great female artists like Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, Janis Joplin, and many others.
Then I went to the Causey Mansion to watch Chelsea Reed & The Fair Weather.
It was my first time visiting the Causey Mansion and I was mesmerized by the quaint and elegant nature of it all. The place was deniably peaceful. It felt like a fairytale.
Based in Philadelphia, Chelsea Reed & The Fair Weather performed with such smooth jazzy rhythm to their sound. Chelsea Reed knew how to grasp an audience with her charm and the bass player was strumming away adding a nice echo to the open space.
Then I went to see Valendina, Philadelphia’s new and upcoming pop-punk band at N. Walnut stage.
Then I watched another rock band at the N. Walnut stage, Monte. The New York City based band surprised everyone with their blazing sound and brought in a huge crowd. Definitely one of the best performances from the entire festival.
I got a picture of these two young girls rocking out during their concert.
Cars were passing by during the daily commute at the hype party. It was pretty bizarre in the most chaotic way… and totally awesome!
The band was even nice enough to let me take a picture of them afterwards. They were really excited to meet potential new fans. The lead singer, Caitlin Montclare, was very friendly and confident. The bass player, Meghan Rose said she really likes performing in small towns like Milford because of the exciting crowds (Also, peep at drummer Ismael Baiz’ dope Selena shirt!)
I spotted their really cool CD at their merch table too. Definitely an unforgettable band.
Here’s more of their merchandise. Designed by the lead singer herself. Make sure to follow them on Instagram @monte.music and check out their website https://www.monteofficial.com.
Then I went to see LilyBella at La Hacienda. I got complimentary chips and dips while sitting and watching the show!
Then in the evening I finally got to watch the headliner Eljuri! Eljuri is a Lebanese, Ecuadorian, and Spanish musician from New York City who sings songs in Spanish. She is considered one of the best Latina electric guitar players in the world.
Even though rock music has a reputation for being dangerous, the event was family-friendly and I spotted these cute kids enjoying Eljuri.
The Ladybug Music Festival is definitely a music festival for this small town to remember. Can't wait for next year!
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