A local music festival is inspiring young musicians and building a rock & roll legacy.
By Sydney Hemmer
The South Shore will come alive with music, community and heart when the Mad Love Music Festival returns to South Shore Conservatory in Hingham on October 12. The event blends high-energy performances with a mission to support students and community members through music, inclusion and love. It also honors the legacy of a Scituate father, musician and friend who believed deeply in the power of music and community.
Kathleen Jodka established the Mad Love Music Festival in 2015, after the tragic loss of her husband, Dave Jodka, to cancer at age 44. Music had been one of Dave’s passions and the festival was created to celebrate his life and build a living legacy.
“What started as a tribute has grown into a beloved annual event and now a foundation that energizes the South Shore with music, unity and purpose,” says Kathleen.
The Mad Love Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by the Jodka family, a board of directors and volunteers. The event thrives due to the support of local sponsors, community partners and the South Shore Conservatory. “The spirit of collaboration and generosity from the South Shore community plays a central role in making the festival possible each year,” says Kathleen.
Every dollar raised by the event supports programs that help students grow as artists and individuals, including the Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers, administered by the South Shore Conservatory. Many scholarship recipients have gone on to study at Berklee College of Music and NYU Tisch School of the Arts. “The heart of the festival is its people–and the commitment of ‘work hard, be kind, have fun, and spread mad love,’” says Kathleen.
The concert’s musical lineup features a mix of local talent, rising young performers and established artists. “Artists are often chosen based on their connection to the South Shore community or to the festival’s mission,” says Kathleen. Each year also includes a performance by the Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers band, made up of high school students who receive professional coaching, recording time, marketing support and the opportunity to perform on stage.
“Community involvement is the backbone of the Mad Love Music Festival,” says Kathleen. “Even during COVID and rainy years, attendees always show up with joy, passion, and love, no matter the situation.” This year there will be more than 100 teen volunteers. Businesses and families also sponsor performances, and vendors provide refreshments. For Kathleen, watching young rockers take the stage with confidence and talent makes it all the hard work worthwhile.
“Whether performing, planning, or simply showing up in support, the South Shore community comes together to make Mad Love a success–and to keep Dave’s spirit alive.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit madlovemusicfestival.org.
