Vivian McConnell of V.V. Lightbody performed Sunday at Farm Block Festival and Reunion in Allouez Township, Mich.

Vivian McConnell, who performs under the name V.V. Lightbody made her way north from Chicago this past weekend to perform at Farm Block Festival and Reunion in Allouez Township, Michigan.

It was her first time in the Copper Country, as an appointment in 2018 to perform was canceled due to transportation difficulties.

Farm Block was still on the agenda four years later, and though her schedule as V.V. Lightbody has picked up in the past year she was excited to get out of the city and enjoy the surroundings.

McConnell was made aware of the festival by a friend, who performs under the name Rose Hotel. In addition she was well connected to festival attendees as she reconnected with performers she had played with in the past.

“I just talked to people that Grandkids [McConnell’s former band] used to play with, Frontier Ruckus every time they used to come through Chicago.”

The week previous she had performed at another outdoor festival in addition to Farm Block 2022 performer Saxquatch, and she noted the unique opportunity smaller venues and events offer in terms of community.

“I think people in spaces like this, where you’re in nature, camping…there is a more community feel, and the folks coming out to these festivals are often musicians or lovers of music and it opens up listener’s minds and they’re kind of ready for anything.”

Farm Block, which takes place on the farm of John and Charmaine Parson began 14 years ago.

In the field behind the Parson’s house several vendor tents formed a horseshoe around the seating area and stage. McConnell gives credit to the Parson’s son Graham who organizes the lineup and also performs.

There are many benefits to small events like this, not just for performers, but also for the audience, McConnell observes.

“I also think that there’s people who probably feel, and rightfully so, they are not comfortable to come to music venues, not just because of COVID, but it’s just not for everybody, so it also opens up music to folks who only want to be outside or are not ready to interact, but you can be who you want to be, if you wanna take a nap in your tent, there’s no pressure.”

McConnell released her sophomore album, “Make a Shrine or Burn It” as V.V. Lightbody in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians, along with the rest of the world were subjected to brutal stagnation as performances were canceled for public health concerns.

McConnell says she took that time to reflect on her career. In the midst she also contributed to a number of projects for other bands.

As the album began to generate buzz following its release McConnell felt disconnected with her audience.

“I connect with my performing so much, it’s hard to release something and know people are listening to it and really like it, but it’s hard to tell.”

Now she feels like she’s compensated for the lost time with the album as the opportunities for performing have blossomed again.

And for McConnell, opportunities have been blooming all over. This summer she accompanied Harry Styles on stage in England, and played a set with friend Cassandra Jenkins at Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.

Over ten years of touring and increasing notoriety McConnell is happy to attend an event like Farm Block.

“It’s definitely tough, and juggling a lot, keep up with the logistics, make rent, be a person, but you know I take away kindness and doing things like this [Farm Block], this is an incredible festival, but this is how you meet people who in ten years you’ll run into and there’s a whole new set.

McConnell is looking forward to winding down after a tour in the south with Farm Block alum Rose Hotel, this September.

McConnell’s wind down though, means setting sights on several projects at once, including the self-dubbed “express pop” group called Val-E-Bol. A collaboration with the drummer for Chicago based band Dos Santos. As well as working on producing other music, and finding time to work on V.V. Lightbody’s next project.

“I feel like I haven’t had a good night’s sleep, and every night is a chance to be catching up, but it’s okay because it’s all good,” McConnell said in closing