The Fest 6
Words: MacKenzie Pause
Photos: Todd Fixler

Appeared:
October 26-28, 2007
Multiple Venues, Gainesville

Every year The Fest takes over downtown Gainesville. Three days of bands, beards, body odor, beer and even fanny packs contribute to each individual's experience, making The Fest different for everyone.

"It's controlled mayhem," Nate from Auto!Automatic!! said.

My mayhem started late Friday night. Sorry fest, I had to see Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black in Orlando. Once I made it to Gainesville, I ran to The Atlantic (in heels I might add) where Brooklyn's Nakatomi Plaza took the stage. I had just missed Glass and Ashes, but the floor was covered with beer and sweat, indicating that a good time had just been had. Nakatomi plowed out a powerful set with an intensely tight rhythm section and guitar work that defined "shredding."

After forcing ourselves to stay awake, we made it to the 6 a.m. show at Wayward Council. This was definitely a first. A mini van of six of us pulled up at 6:01 a.m. We staggered in, sleep deprived and sober, where we were surprised to see quite a few fest goers watching a performance piece from Matt Sweeting. I must have missed most of the performance (along with the point), but what I witnessed was a piece of entertainment that will remain in my memory for some time. We left and were driving back to our hotel by 6:17 a.m. It was the shortest amount of time we had ever spent at a show, and we were ready to pass out. We had made it to the 6 a.m. show. Mission Accomplished.

On Saturday, The Gaslight Anthem rocked Market Street Pub to a full crowd singing their hearts outs. Look Mexico warmed up the stage for them with a fun, energetic show complete with their rendition of  "No Sleep Till Brooklyn." The Atlantic on Saturday exposed me to Antlers and La Salle for the first time, while Lawrence Arms and Avail made a short appearance in my schedule. Great bands aside, eating in the old blue van at Satchels was a highlight of the night. It may not have been a Fest venue, but it should be a part of everyone's Fest experience once in their lifetime.

Sunday started early at 1982 with The Expatriates (who also collaborated with Cassette for a performance), Red Room Cinema and Win Win Winter. I ran across town to see New Mexican Disaster Squad at The Atlantic, then to The Draft at The Venue. I left there to head back to a REAX showcase at 1982. And yes, I missed the secret Less Than Jake show. There's always one big regret each year. The Immaculate Shark, Auto Automatic and Summerbirds In The Cellar all gave stellar performances and I ended my night at The Venue with Seaweed.

It's physically impossible to make it everywhere, but it's an exciting challenge. I saw a ton of great bands, missed more, met some new friends, partied, had a fantastic fest experience and even made it to my first ever 6 a.m. show.

Oscar Rodriguez of Nakatomi Plaza summed up his fest experience to me with my favorite and most frequent quote of the weekend, "I went to the 6 a.m. show."

Countdown to next year's fest begins.