Provida Fest: Fields Day Edition
A Celebration of Music, Community, and Connection
By Monica Jones
Remember the feeling of a school field day? The sack races, the egg toss, the collective energy of a community coming together for a day of pure, unadulterated fun? Provida Records is bringing that feeling back, but with a vibrant, rhythmic twist. On Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Provida Fest—Fields Day Edition will transform Woodruff Park into a high-energy playground, blending the nostalgia of classic games with a full day of electrifying indie music. It’s more than a music festival; it’s “a movement powered by rhythm, resilience, and real connection,” says Justin Fields, the mastermind behind it all.
The story of Provida Fest is deeply rooted in Justin’s journey and his passion for local music. What started as casual home recording sessions with his brother Jordan (formerly known as King Wild), quickly revealed a wealth of untapped talent in Columbus as the duo met other musicians. “I realized there’s a lot of talented people in Columbus,” Justin shares.
This realization sparked the creation of Provida Records, an outlet not just for artists to create, but also a vital resource to help them push their music out and reach a wider audience. Two years ago, Provida Records officially opened its studio on Hamilton Road, a space Justin envisioned as a fair and supportive environment for artists to grow.
The name “Provida” itself carries a profound meaning. During a personal period of fasting and spiritual reflection, Justin sought a name for his burgeoning business. “I was praying one day, and I said, ‘Thank you, Lord, for providing for me.’ And in that moment, I was like, ‘Provida,’ because this whole foundation, my business, is about how God provides.”
Provida Fest, now in its second year, was born out of a desire to bridge the perceived divides within Columbus’s diverse music scenes. “The big problem we have here is just coming together on certain things,” Justin explains. “Music is so transformative, I’ve been to all kinds of shows, and It’s so beautiful to see that we have that here in Columbus. It’s just that all these different genres feel like they’re so separate from each other. ProvadaFest is an attempt at bringing these communities together to have one big showcase of just all-around talent.”
Last year’s event at the Goetchious House was a success, but this year, moving to Woodruff Park allows for an even bigger celebration. A full-day celebration, Provida Fest promises everything from classic field day competitions to a mouthwatering lineup of food vendors, including local favorites like Epic Restaurant, Country’s Barbeque, and Icey Girl and Co.. Plus, in a heartwarming addition, Paws Humane Society will be there showcasing adorable dogs available for adoption.
The lineup for the day is a stunning cross-section of the Columbus music scene, featuring a mix of established acts and newer artists. Kicking things off is TCRAZYO, followed by Luther Smalls & The Columbus Jazz Society. Attendees will also hear Tomorrow’s Achiever, a new pop-up band Justin is particularly excited about, as well as the phenomenal Cigarette Girl (featuring: Max Fineout, Julian Chalon, Jason Ezzell, & Trey Byars on drums), all well known for their precision when playing covers. Throughout the day, the stage will host AJ & The Zig Zags, a staple at places like Highside Market, and The Sweet South Band, known for their incredible talent and currently performing every Wednesday night at The Loft. There’s plenty of great upcoming talent too, with Alexx, BIG REZ, and Tiise, who is particularly excited as she’ll be “dropping an album, Not For The World…the Friday before the festival.”
Also performing is the folk sweetheart Timothy Rose, who Justin describes as having a powerful, show-stopping voice. As the day progresses, the crowd will be treated to performances by Speakeasy, Ivey Jones and The Rose Hill Band, Castlist (a band Justin says is “a part of my daily playlist”), and The Normas (who’ve been making a big scene recently in Atlanta). For Justin, this diverse roster is more than just a list of performers. “They’re the people that bring that kind of joy to our lives and should [have a] platform to not only be celebrated but be compensated.”
Putting on an event of this scale is no small feat, and Justin is quick to credit his team. “I really appreciate the help you and your team have provided from The LocaL,” he said, “And Chris Johnson of Lakewood Productions and Maria Hayes of Palette 8 Productions, who both bring such great energy.”
For those who want to support and keep up with future Provida events, you can follow Provida Records on Instagram and Facebook.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting providafest.com. With plenty of discounts available for students and special family pricing, Provida Fest is an affordable and accessible celebration for everyone. “We don’t want you to spend all of your life to be out there,” Justin said, adding, “It’ll be hot. We have water for you. We have drinks. There’s even the splash pad nearby. We just want you to come and enjoy the music and have some fun.”
So, whether you’re there to relive the glory days of field day, discover your new favorite band, or simply bask in the energy of a community united by music, this is an event you won’t want to miss.