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:
Tell everyone who y'all are!
Vallencourt! Hailing from St. Louis Mo. Dalena Vox, Mitch Guitar, Darren guitar (but currently filling in on drums like a badass) and Kenny, Bass.
Awesome! This is the first time a whole band is answering!
Let's go: How many times have you FESTed?
Dalena has been to FEST twice. The rest of the boys are about to experience it for the first time this year. Will their bodies be ready for the ultimate partayyy?
Probably not! I don't think I am either, but super rad that I'm meeting so many folks that are here first time as well.
Who are you guys excited to see this year?
We only get to go Sunday due to our current Florida tour but stoked to see SINGLE FUGGIN MUTHAAAAS.
Oh, heck yeah! If you only get one day then that's a must see for sure!
You mentioned you're touring in Florida then, Do you prefer to tour in or fly to FEST?
Dalena once flew to NY to meet a friend and drove down the East Coast with her friend. I was mostly impressed by the East Coast rest stops but that was the longest drive of my life. Dalena, Kenny and Darren we will be flying to Florida. Mitch will be driving to florida but the rest of us are flying. Godspeed Mitch. We would love to book dates along the way in the future.
Any favorite FEST memory Dalena? Since this will be everyone else's first time?
I have two! I was waiting for Strike Anywhere to play and a random person gave me a bracelet that said, “Pee Pee Poo Poo” and I couldn't get over it! Also, I HAVE to mention seeing No Trigger play the Canyoneer album!
What's the beverage(s) of choice for long days of band watching?
Dalena- I try to be good to my body and sneak in a few Liquid Deaths but of course, I'll have a beer or two. But definitely drink your damn water!
Best way to wake up in Gainesville?
Coffee in hand and not hungover at the Motel 6.
What does FEST make you grateful for?
The opportunity to play music with my friends, and all the friends and family in my life who have always had my back.
I know you have things to do, so this is the last one and whoever answers first gets the credit: If the moon were made of spare ribs would you take a bite?
Dalena: As long as I can guarantee I don't have a chest burster situation happen in outer space, I'll eat them ribs.
Outstanding talking to you guys and cannot wait to see you at your Jacksonville show and again at the Single Mothers set in Gainesville! Hopefully if you're reading this and your town is being played in before you get to FEST you'll go check out Vallencourt!
See you soon!
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