It all started in 2002 with just 60 bands and six venues in a small town in Florida. And after ten years of ruling Gainesville, The Fest is back for its 10th anniversary weekend.
The Fest is a three-day annual punk music festival run by the guys at No Idea Records. With more than 230 bands to help celebrate this milestone, you know it's going to be a riot fest with plenty in store to surprise the folks who travel worldwide for the party. The events begin Friday and run through Sunday.
Tony Weinbender, the creator of The Fest, pulled out all the stops this year to make sure this Halloween weekend is one to remember. In addition to the 230 bands playing across town, he's also brought in The Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company, a comedy troupe responsible for giving us the comedic brilliance of Rob Riggle and Ed Helms, to help with the celebrations. The troupe is sure to put on an awesome show, so make sure you stick around for some good old comedy stick. Check them out online at ucbtourco.com.
Not one to stop showing off, Tony has also thrown a bit of mystery into The Fest this year. Throughout the weekend, there are around 11 mystery band slots teasing us. With rumours circling all over the forums, it's really going to be interesting to see what happens. The Fest has never done anything like this before, and it has definitely got people talking, so keep your eye on The Fest 10's official twitter page (@thefestfl) each morning to find out who the mystery bands are.
To top it all off, No Idea has even set up a secret show for those who were lucky enough to get a room at The Holiday Inn. This has been kept tightly guarded. The line up will only be revealed at registration on Friday (here's to hoping for a Latterman reunion show)!
Here's a list of some of the top bands to check out this year. Tickets sold out in record time, so if you're hoping to go, you'll have to scout out The Fest forums to look for a weekend pass. Visit thefestfl.com for all your Fest-ing needs.
Red City Radio
Sing-along, thoughtfully soulful punk group with plenty of gang vocals and hometown-inspired, passionately sung anthems that are stand-out songs. It emerged with one of the biggest albums of 2011.
For fans of: Dear Landlord, Iron Chic and Nothington
facebook.com/redcityradio
Dillinger Four
D4 form one of the drunkest, rowdiest and most fun-time collections of guys that will play at The Fest. Fast-paced, party punk with a "beers in the air" sing-along vibe will make for a good time to be had during its set.
For fans of: Too Many Daves, Latterman, The Lawrence Arms
angelfire.com/mn/dillingerfour/
Hot Water Music
Gainesville's own legends of "post-hardcore" punk. Spanning seven studio albums, various EPs and compilations, How Water Music's influence runs deep within Fest heritage and is not to be missed.
For fans of: Samiam, Leatherface and Descendents
hotwatermusicdotcom.wordpress.com
Against Me!
Another group of local heroes, Against Me! sings its own unique brand of folk punk with politically and socially charged melodies. Commercial success came with its album New Wave, although the band remains Fest favorites.
For fans of: Cobra Skulls, Andrew Jackson Jihad and Gogol Bordello
againstme.net
Banquets
With a newly released debut full-length album, Banquets are growing in both popularity and skill. Fest regulars, but considered a "smaller stage" band with a big atmosphere.
For fans of: Jimmy Eat World, Junior Battles and North Lincoln.
banquetsamerica.com
Fest 10, the punk rock music festival, features more than 200 bands and will invade Gainesville beginning Friday.
