Spotlight on Luna Wolf, producer, founder, and organizer LunaFest 2024

Photo by Luna Wolf

LunaFest 2024 is a helluva concert with over 70 bands playing over seven days in Boulder at DV8 Distillery.

The event runs from April 21st to 29th, 2024. The pre-party is on April 21st, 2024, and is being held at Velvet Elk with the party being kicked off by DJ Drake and Mr. Gettdowne. The post-party is April 29th, 2024, and the location is currently top-secret, but watch for its announcement. The genres run the gamut, but with over 70 bands, how could they not? Headlining acts include: Seckond Chaynce, Flobots, Spyda JC, Biotechnick, and Float Like a Buffalo. See the full schedule here.

Seckond Chaynce

Float Like A Buffalo

Flobots

Biotechnick

Spyda JC

LunaFest bills itself as an inclusive event welcoming all. Since the founder fled Florida due to the draconian anti-LGBTQIA+ bills passed into law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, we decided to sit down with her to hear her back story.

What’s your name?

Luna Rose Wolf. It is both my legal and chosen name.

How long have you been in Colorado?

I have been in Colorado since October 16th 2023.

Where did you come from?

Florida

How did you land in Colorado?

I sold my house, bought a truck and trailer, sold most of my belongings, and packed the rest in the trailer. Once it was ready to go, I drove for three days straight, sleeping in the back seat of the truck in between semis at truck stops whenever I began to feel worn down.

Did you leave Florida because there were problems?

Yes. The political environment of Florida has been getting exponentially worse for the LGBTQIA+ community for a while, and Governor DeSantis was directly responsible for the loss of my job, a decline in mental health, and the loss of both my gender-affirming hormones and antidepressants. I was actually in relapse and battling headaches, brain zaps, and more on my journey to Colorado.

How’s your reception been in Colorado?

I’ve felt much more comfortable in Colorado overall compared to Florida. While there are a few areas in the state that are a little less welcoming, I have become very attached to the Longmont, Lafayette, Erie, and Boulder areas.

Photo by Luna Wolf

What was the inspiration for LunaFest?

Sometime around April of 2023, I was chatting about throwing a celebration for my second year of hormone replacement therapy in May. Bands offered to perform when they heard the news, and I thought that would be a great idea.

I contacted some friends and found a pool hall that welcomed the event. Within a matter of weeks, 3 bands became 52. Food trucks, vendors, sponsors, and more suddenly became part of what became a festival, and the pool hall had to move its tables to accommodate the event.

Once I moved to Colorado, several bands and fans of the first event asked if I was doing it again, to which I replied, “Maybe, but definitely not in Florida.” To my surprise, many offered to come to Colorado, and thus LunaFest ’24 was born. I decided to run LunaFest ’24 under a Colorado non-profit organization I founded in December 2023.

You told us about your previous experience in Florida. How is this experience compared?

From having to pay out of pocket for all of my medicine and medical needs to having them fully covered by the state of Colorado, from having disgusted stares from most guests of every restaurant I entered to having smiles, some curious expressions, and a very rare judgmental gaze, and from sweat and mosquitoes to refreshing air and a rare fruit fly, I do not have a single regret moving away from Florida.

You’re getting a lot of airplay now. How is that feeling?

It’s extremely validating, and it brings me joy that my efforts to benefit the community are being seen so quickly after only living here for a few months. I am putting just shy of 100 hours a week into the event, so it is wonderful that my dedication has not gone unnoticed.

Photo by Luna Wolf

What do you see or hope the final outcome to be?

While my primary goal is to bring joy, health, entertainment, and safety to the community via our events, my long-term goal is to open a brick-and-mortar photography studio. I would certainly keep the organization and festivals going as well since they are not technically a full-time obligation. If the non-profit grows enough to provide highly affordable or free entry, that is certainly a goal of mine as long as the artists get paid exceptionally well. This will require a large volume of sponsorship, which is something that will take some time to grow.

What is the non-profit for?

The first festival was inclusive, diverse, and exciting for every demographic, and the feeling of community it delivered sparked a special place in my heart to continue to provide that experience. The organization also provides help to those in need, partners with organizations to train people about the dangers of fentanyl and to stop overdoses, and donates to other benevolent organizations with similar missions.

Learn more about Lunafest2024 at https://lunarluxfest.com; we are sure there will be a band that tickles your fancy. Besides, tickets are incredibly affordable, starting at $30 for a day pass and $120 for a full event pass. Since many of the bands are playing for a cut, making this a sell-out event not only makes for a good time for all but it makes sure the bands get their fair share too. Sponsorships are also available.