Story of Deafstock Music & Art Festival

David Ritchey, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in music and art, founded the Deafstock Music & Art Festival to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. Inspired by the idea of Woodstock and frustrated by the lack of accessibility at traditional events, David envisioned a festival where everyone could enjoy music and art together for all walks of life. 

One evening at a local music festival, David felt frustrated by the lack of accessibility for Deaf individuals. This idea inspired him to create the Deafstock Music & Art Festival, where Deaf and hearing people could enjoy music and art equally. He envisioned a three-day festival with visual art installations, live performances with sign language interpreters, and tactile experiences. 

David assembled a dedicated all-volunteer team and faced numerous challenges, including funding and skepticism. They launched a successful crowdfunding campaign and secured a spacious, accessible park for the event. Partnering with local Deaf and hearing artists, they also incorporated innovative technologies like vibrating dance floors and visual light shows. 

Deafstock features visual art installations, live music performances with sign language interpreters, and tactile experiences that let Deaf attendees feel the music through vibrations. The festival celebrates the talents of Deaf artists and musicians, providing them a platform to showcase their work. 

With the inaugural event set for April 2025, Deafstock aims to create a vibrant, inclusive environment. David and his dedicated team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, transforming a spacious park into a celebration of music and art for all. Join us as we break down barriers and foster unity through the power of creativity.