The Waking Windows music festival took place in Winooski, concluding its 15-year run with a poignant finale on May 4. The festival showcased a mix of local talent and vibrant energy, but the farewell also marked the end for the local punk band Rough Francis, who performed their last show at the Monkey House that night.
The venue was filled to capacity, with attendees spilling outside to Mule Bar, where DJs and late-night food continued the celebration. This dual farewell created a bittersweet atmosphere, as both the festival and the band represented significant parts of the local music scene. The event encapsulated a sense of loss but was also infused with hope for the future.
Reflecting on the phrase “All things must pass,” the sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, acknowledging the end of cherished experiences while fostering anticipation for new beginnings. Despite the rain-soaked weekend, the community remains optimistic about what might emerge from the remnants of the festival and the legacy of Rough Francis. As the curtain falls on this chapter, there’s a collective hope that something new and exciting will rise from the ashes of the past, much like a phoenix.
