Comfest is just a big ol' beer drinkin', weed smokin', band playin' annual 3-day party/family reunion in Goodale park. Perhaps this year more than ever. I doubt it was ever intended to be either some sort of validation for your (in the general sense) band's talent, draw, or dedication, nor some sort of music showcase designed to connect you with those who can propel you "to the next level", (ala SXSW) whatever that means to you. There are other events like that; this one is not it.
What it can be, is the worst fucking gig of your life, as you play for nothing in front of nobody, while dealing with either oppressive heat, or torrential rains, and have to deal with insane crowds to park & haul your gear, and huge lines to piss and get beer. It can also be a magical experience that people will talk about for years, if you pull off some over the top performance in front of all your friends and a bunch of people who had never previously heard of you & would have never otherwise checked you out. But honestly…any "progress" or breakthroughs of any bands I have ever been in have happened in the time between Comfests, not during.
Not to be all pseudo-zen, but the less you expect, the more rewarding it will be. And the more you expect comfest to be _______ or _______, the more disappointed you will be. You love the lineup at a particular stage? Park your lazy ass there all day and lose yourself in the music. Don't like the next band? Get up and walk around, see all your ex's, eat a fishboat, share a joint with someone and make a new friend. Pass out. Leave for awhile, hit a local bar, and come back. Skip the whole fucking thing. I dunno. After 10 years of playing this thing, it seems pointless to expect it to be anything than what it is, a big, gorgeous, meaningless clusterfuck of enormous proportions that might or might not be the best/worst time of your life, depending on your attitude. /hippie rant]
_________________ fuck it…I drive a bucket
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