Usually this is my annual big event and I post about it. I guess I didn't this year, but with good reason.

There used to be three guys that would put on the Fest and they'd create this awesome weekend and in the end lose some money. Now they are all older (this is technically the 9th year of the event) and they have kids and cannot devote so much time and effort and money down the drain. So, they kept it simple this year with a one-day, small show.

Here is what I saw at the Sidebar in Baltimore, MD on Saturday:

Beatnik Termites - The usual stuff, but good to my ears since I love pop punk oldiescore. Just wish they'd put out the new album already.

Mikey Erg - Fun solo set. Lots of sing-alongs with long-time fans.

War Games - pretty good name for a noisy punk band but I did not see them as I was hanging out on the sidewalk talking to people.

House Boat - Extremely entertaining live band. A train wreck you can't not watch. Plus I love their songs.

Dopamines - Really awesome to see these guys again. They really nail it amongst the chaos. Excited to hear a new album. The lead singer said he doesn't hate his life anymore.

Copyrights - Perfect ending to the night. They ALSO have a new album (I think on Fat Wreck Chords) but the smartly decided to play all the old favorites tonight.

Picked up the Science Police/Zatopeks split 7" (it's wonderful) and the new Hospital Job LP (haven't spun it yet).

Also I ate some chicken and red velvet waffles, partied in a hotel room, and watched the Simpsons. Great weekend!

sounds like fun

any pics to post?

Is Mikey Erg playing much new stuff, or just acoustic versions of old material?

This particular set was mostly old stuff, the crowd being old, long-time fans. I saw him play a few months ago and he did a number of new songs. I'd say he's got enough for a new album (at least 8, maybe 10 songs). Who knows if it will ever see the light of day.

I knew there were two photographers up front, but I haven't seen anything yet. Sidebar is a fun venue but has a short stage, so far it's stuff on facebook like this:



Uhh, that's me pointing front and center during the Copyrights.