The Fest in Gainesville Florida is considered by many to be the best punk festival in the United States if not the world. Folks from everywhere make the yearly trek to partake in 3 days of music, community and comraderie. I thought it might be fun to interview some of my and your favorite attendees, their bands, their brands, and see what makes this such a special event in the hearts and minds of so many. I'll try to get as many in as i can and hopefully convey a little of the joy it evokes!
Without further ado:
So far I'm having a blast talking to everyone! Next up tho is someone very special to me! Onward shall ye read to meet an inspirational figure in my life!
Alright then, tell the readers at home who you are!
Justin Pritchard! From Jacksonville, FL. I am/was in Kid You Not (R.I.P.) and an upcoming instrumental project titled God In Gold.
(He's also an important part of Bypolar Records but he's humble)
How many times have you attended the FESTivities?
I believe this year will be number 10? I went to the very first couple years but then wasn’t able to get back again until Fest 15 when Kid You Not started playing it.
I know you aren't playing this year, but who has you the most stoked? Who do you really want to see this round?
Pageninetynine is most definitely my top reason to go this year. The last time I saw them was in 2002, which I believe was the last time they played Florida ever.
Wow! That's been a minute then!
You're in Jacksonville so I'm assuming you don't fly in?
Nope! It’s a quick hour and half drive from me!
Well then I gotta know, what is your favorite Buccees snack?!
I’m a sucker for the baked goods. Those red velvet cake balls are great. But they make your poop super duper red.
What is your favorite part of Fest?
You can’t go and not enjoy the Fest Wrestling. While Fest is a great break from regular life, the wrestling is a great break from the bands.
Nice! I'm assuming you have a great memory or two from Fest?
This is a tough one.. and so many of the best memories have been as a band playing Fest.. but I think when I finally saw Jawbreaker was a very special memory.
I'm taking up a lot of your time here, but what are you most thankful for regarding Fest?
How much respect the majority of Festers have for each other and this community and the amazing city of Gainesville. This thing could be a total shitshow each year, but the kids keep things pretty much in check.
Ok, final question for now: If the moon were made of spare ribs would you take a bite?
What would Marilyn Manson do? (for the kids out there - that’s a 90s pre-internet reference)
Bwahahahahaha! Oh man, nice shot!
Ok everyone who reads this come see me at Fest and say hi, say hi to Justin too! Make it weird!
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