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So, it a funny thing happened on my way to global dominance (with respect to running a music website). I got a job. It has really, really cut into my time and energy and all of a sudden, it's been 6 months since I even wrote a lousy blog piece.

An even funnier thing happens when a guy who does trade shows, specializing in Lawn/Garden and a guy who knows a fair bit, but cares even more about, music have a beer. They decide they ought to throw a music festival together. In two months. How much experience do they have? They went to Bluesfest. Once. Separately. That should count for something. Right?

So my old high school buddy Steve and I recruit Jeff, my Lysten partner (you all know him right?) to run the technical side of this, because well...he's on Facebook, so he knows things. Right?

Collectively we decide we ought to have someone with a little experience on our side, and we recruit Chris White of Ottawa FolkFest fame. He knows stuff right? Sure does.

Now we have a facility, a date, a media sponsor (88.5 has NO idea what they are getting into), a sweet sweet logo (Jeff. You are brilliant), a thousand ideas, and um..I feel like we're missing something...oh. Yeah. The talent. Kind of a sticky point there. It seems everyone likes the idea, but commitment is kinda tough to nail down. Artists you see, would like to be linked with similar, like minded artists. For this I say to them. Bloody right!

In fairness, and all kidding aside, every artist I have approached and spoken too has been really positive with the idea. One artist (whom I hold in the highest regard) is even willing to play the day after he returns from his honeymoon. Thank God, because I can't see a festival in Ottawa, supported by Ottawa talent , not having his band there.

Thus far the experience has been an incredible education on the fly. I have continued to learn how little I know. Did you know that Bravestation, Laurent Boutique, The Schomberg Fair (they won't play playing. I disagree with this decision) and The Paramedics are all really fantastic local bands? I didn't. I do now of course. This is not to suggest that any or all of them will be at the festival (doesn't mean they won't be wither though), it's just that I've been fortunate to have made contact with them and learned of them. You should to. I intend to redo our entire play list with fresh new music by them. They deserve our attention.

There's still two months (not really, but I panic if I think about how close it really is) and I can't wait. Hell, I can't wait to see and hear how many new artists are still going to cross paths with us.

I'll be back soon. I promise.

Chris

By the by, I got word today that one of my favorite bands, My Dad Vs. Yours, will release a new album in late Sept or early Aug. I say about time, and thank God. I know a guy in Sweden who loves them and will be in the city during the festival, so here's hoping we can figure out how to get them on stage.