FEST/FESTIVAL/FESY
Fest is like a smaller version of South by
Southwest where only registered punks hang out.
Almost every bar in the entire little town of
Gainesville, FL turns into a venue that hosts Fest
acts. Music industry workers, music community influencers, show bookers, bands, and fans from all
over the country come together to perform, hang
out, and celebrate the music they all love and
care about.
This southern gathering-of-the-punks has
electric, acoustic, cover, reunions, and secret
sets. Bands include all types of genres in the alternative scene, from catchy folk rock to thrashing hardcore punk. The demographic leans towards
musicians and fans in their twenties and early
thirties. I was surprised to see not many college-aged people there, but that’s not to say that
college students shouldn’t enjoy Fesy the wonderful world of fesy!
“come together to
perform, hang out, and
celebrate the music [WE]
all love and care about”
As a college student in Philadelphia, I felt
the entire experience was beneficial not only to
my questionable major in music industry, but it
was also a much needed weekend break from the
insanity of being surrounded by school and work
all the time. Self-care is underrated in college!
Travelling, seeing friends, making friends, being
surrounded by music, and being in a warmer setting
are all components that can help people with their
stresses and anxieties! That’s so tight!
This zine shares my experiences at The Fest
15. I hope you, as someone who went to Fest, or
goes to Fest regularly, or has never been to Fest,
or just stumbled upon this can use this as a resource or nostalgia or entertainment. Fest rules!
Let’s go!