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:
Who are you? Where are you from and why am I interviewing you?
HIIII! im Samantha! Im not in a band but a majority of my friends are, that counts right? Im from vegas and part of that group that comes out every year
Huzzah for the Vegas Crew!
How many FESTivities have you participated in?
This is going to be my 6th fest i believe.
Have any favorite FEST memories?
Ohhhhh man. Every year at fest new memories become some of my all time favorite moments, thats a tough one. You got all day to listen to me talk about all the good memories fest has given us?
Haha i have to go ahead and go with on my very first year, at the High Dive, RIP , i got to skank to The Fad (with a hurt ankle from partying lol) and i was sooo happy afterwards, and maybe under the influence a little, that outside on the patio i happy cried to all my friends and husband about how much i love fest and them lol so that was fun and holds a cute little memory in my brain lol.
Some other ones are of course the infamous banana (and lime) camera that our dear, late, friend Emily* used to take pictures with one year lol that was a good time,and really most favorite memories are the times with her. Obviously going to mention the fact that Shea played fest before Dany sha played piano at the purge one year. So thats fun!
Getting matching tattoos with the girls one year, another favorite of mine was watching the Wonder Years at Bo Diddley with my hubby while it was raining and we were right up front at the barricade. That was beautiful. seeing my friends play fest is always such a special treat, and watching Dollar Signs every year with jordan is always a core memory for me:)
I think Aaron already told you about one of the memories from that lol heres a second reminder to always read group chats lol But fest is beautiful and every year holds so many perfect moments for me. I mean we got to be there when Shea and Dany brought their kid! We got to see fucking Folly! We got to see Laura Jane Grace at a tiny venue that she used to play at as a teen! Ive met amazing people through fest. Fest is so special.
Wow! I didn't expect such a flood of great memories!
How about food? Have any food recommendations?
All our favorite food is goneeeeee:( but flacos is always my top go to place. I fucking love Flacos and their empanadas.
I've heard this from others! i'll have to check it out!
Any particular band you're extra stoked for this year? I know you mentioned Dollar Signs already so they don't count on this question! (also on my list to see this year :) )
Lol its actually pretty funny, ive spent a lot of years not being a fan of Joyce Manor. Ive seen them a lot, we’ve traveled to see them and everything but i always talk shit. Lol well i can now say im a bigger fan and this year they are actually one of my top non negotiable bands to see. Lol im very excited to see them and also to see Matt and Kim play fest
There ya have it! for now! If you need me I'll be singing along loudly with Sam and her husband Jordan at the Dollar Signs set! " I USED TO BURY MY FEELINGS DEEP DOWN INSIDE OF ME, BURY MY FEELINGS DEEP DEEP DOWN...."
See ya there!
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