An Event I Look Forward To Every Year!

KERRYSTOCK

Do you have an event you look forward to every year? Because I am thinking of several right off the bat: Christmas, New Year’s, birthdays, or maybe you’re mischievous and cannot wait for April Fool’s Day every. single. year. (If this is you then I want to hear your favorite April Fool’s prank – tell me about it here)

Well today’s post is alllllll about this event I look forward to every year come end of summer, beginning of fall, and this event is known as KERRYSTOCK!

If you’re freaking out right now thinking, “Oh my gosh what! I have never heard of this event??! Have I gone my whole life missing out on Kerrystock??” To this I would say, there is no reason why you should know about this event but, yes, you have been missing out your whole life.

So, what is Kerrystock you ask? I’d be happy to tell you!

Kerrystock is a night of rock music, BBQ, kettle corn, and good people that takes place in my hometown in southern Illinois. Any and all are welcome, and people bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to gather in the lawn of my uncle’s house to listen to music and enjoy each other’s company. It is a great night all around. Now let me tell you how the name “Kerrystock” came about.

Kerrystock got part of it’s name from the influential music festival, Woodstock, which is an event that took place in the late 60’s and was one of the largest music festivals in history. This event was an outlet for those struggling at the time and allowed them to escape through music and community. Kerrystock has this same sort of purpose – to bring others together for a care-free, fun night to enjoy music and the company of others! I cannot forget about where the “Kerry” comes from, because well it’s his event!

Kerry is my uncle and was the one to propose a band startup in the summer of 2019. This was ironic being that, at the time, he did not sing or play an instrument. But, he loves rock music and a good time, and that’s all it took. My family loves music and majority of us sing and play an instrument, so this was very natural for us, (Yes! I am an honored band member!). Kerry started out as our band manager and sound guy, but in 2021 he took up the bass guitar, and is now an official member of the Kerrystock band, (We have custom made shirts with his face on them – he is kind of a big deal). So now you know the story of THE Kerry and THE Kerrystock band!

We just had Kerrystock IV this past weekend and what a night it was! We had an amazing set list, a great crowd, and custom made shirts with Kerry’s face on it that said, “Kerrystock IV-Ever” and it was awesome. This was particularly a special Kerrystock for me because my roommates got to experience it for the first time! I love getting to share things that I love with the people I love, so getting to see them be a part of this weekend was so sweet. If you would like to see more pictures from Kerrystock IV then you can check out my Instagram post here!

I would love to share with you why I look forward to this event every year and why I think it is just so special. First, I love seeing other people’s ideas come to life, and to be a part of this band for my uncle Kerry is so rewarding in many ways, but especially in the way that it fulfills his rock band dream. Second, it is a night full of people!! Some people I can expect to only see on this night of the year, which is so fun and makes the night very meaningful. Last but not least, this night brings so much joy to so many people, and is ultimately why we continue to have Kerrystock every year. So many smiles and laughs exchanged, conversations had, and memories made in the span of 4 years! That is an event worth having.

My uncle Kerry actually shared a little about why he loves this event when I asked if he wanted to be featured in this post. So, here is his blog debut! He said, “The thing I really like about it is that it just brings a bunch of people together with no agenda other than to have a good time, eat together, have great conversations with people you don’t see often, and enjoy some good music. Who wouldn’t like that??” And I would have to agree.

Kerry if you’re reading this I am proud to be a part of your band and your night!!!

If you made it to the end, great! You are personally invited to Kerrystock next year woohoo!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this little post about something that means a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed my story and now, I would love to hear from you! Let me know of an event you look forward to every year and why you love it by messaging me or leave it in the comments below!

You can check out my last blog post if you missed it here and follow me on my socials here!

Again, thank you! I love gathering with you here in this little corner of the internet.

Cheers,

Lilly!

THE Kerry!!!