It was the first Saturday of June, the sun was shining, the restrictions on gatherings were recently lifted, the energy was high, and the people were happy!  The moment the first riff floated through the air you knew it was real, that you were once again in the presence of live music and smiling faces.  It was a fantastic first full hard rocking day of outdoor music in over a year.  There were food vendors, a tattoo tent, chainsaw art, mosh pits and even a couple surfers.  Shake the Ground Fest was an excellent way to welcome the return of the Central Ohio local music scene and kick it off in full force with many of the up-and-coming heavy hitters.  The bands were excited to finally have a chance to play the new songs they’ve been working on to a live audience.  Every one of them put on a killer performance despite the heat!  After a long and tough year, everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the day of music, fun, friends, letting loose, and forgetting about the pandemic.  Many people were seen closing their eyes, enjoying the moment and simply “listening to the sound of the crowd.”