Testify: MidPoint Music Festival Day Two

Day Two of the MidPoint Music Festival is in the books. If you went, please tell us all about it in the comments below. Tell it all — the good, bad and ugly.

More reviews coming later today. And be sure to go here for all your latest updates on tonight's MidPoint schedule. And head over here for photos and more goodies from the fest so far.

Now go take a nap and get ready for tonight!

— Mike Breen

Comments

[M.P. FAN]

The wife and I are long time MP fans, I think this is our fifth. This year has been fun so far, but I really enjoyed when most venues were close by/on Main st. It's easier to see more bands when you don't have to go 4 or 5 blocks. The street cars almost make it work but nothing beats running next door or across the street if you not digging a band. I really don't like the fact that Southgate is included. Tonight I would really like to see Mates of State, but that kills any chance of checking out other bands downtown. I feel like I would pay to see M of S some other time, when I don't have the chance to see many other good bands I've never heard of. I was also upset that 3 day wristband holders were turned away at Aronoff for the band Why?
Other than that it's been great, It's nice to see people on the streets, I wish it happened more often.

[michael]

Another great night. We've been consistently impressed with the caliber of the bands. Friday night we saw Mouse Fire, Winter Sounds, Say Hi and Seedy Seeds. We had hoped to see the Pomegranates, but it was far too crowded.

[Dan]

The Felice Brothers!! Goddamm they blew me away - what an amazing set! That's what Midpoint is all about for me...discovering new favorite bands.

It was uplifting to see full houses at nearly all venues I checked out last night. I did Friday buffet style, catching partial sets from a long list of showcases that were on my hit list.

Kicked things off with Dayton's Romance of Young Tigers. Aural sonicscapes were not the way to begin my evening - so I checked out after downing my Bud.

Next up was Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar (could win the MPMFFY for most original band name) at a pleasantly full Arnold's.

Then a quick jog down to the Lujo Showcase at Blue Wisp to see The Dark Romantics. The Lujo label showcase was a home run. The BW was packed all night and the owner was delighted with the caliber of the crowd. I hope for more boutique label showcases next year.

A brisk walk to the WOXY.com stage at the Aronoff allows me to partake in the last few songs of a great set by The Purrs. I exchanged pleasantries with Shiv from the station who was clearly enjoying himself.

On to Cadillac Ranch for the last section of Buckra's set. These guys know how to get a bar going and they had the attention of the Caddy crowd.

Time to put the Scions to the test. Instant success!! Hopped a ride to 8th and Main and then back to a now packed Blue Wisp for one of my favs of the evening - Look Mexico.

Then back to a now jam packed Arnold's for The Emeralds. Way to go BK - you guys sounded great!

Off to Inner Peace for the highly anticipated Lonely China Day. The room had filled nicely for their showcase so I was ready to be floored. I really, really wanted to be blown away, but they just weren't my thing, so I moved on after 20 minutes.

Another Scion ride shuttles me up to Courtyard Cafe. (The Scions were ideal for bumping back and forth between midtown and OTR). Alas, I only catch literally one minute of HotChaCha - but I could tell they rocked the joint. How was it for you Tracy?

Over to the Know for the grand hilite of the night - AA Bondy followed by The Felice Brothers. Lucky you if you were there. Tons 'o fun.

I really wanted to split the last set between Felice and The Dane Clark Band, but was so caught up in the energy of The Felice Brothers that I stayed until the end. On a whim, I walked in to New Stage and lo and behold, The Dane Clark Band were still playing. I'll tell you what, these guys were pros and deserved better than the small crowd that was at the venue. They would have killed at Cadillac Ranch.

So, damn, I managed pieces of 12 showcasing acts in about 5 hours. Not bad for an old guy.

I'll be ready for another adventure tonight.

[Kip]

I saw old friends The Purrs at the Aronoff last night and they did not disappoint. The Purrs fellahs are really cool people and, of course some of you might remember Jim Antonio - Lizard 99/Oyster/Roundhead. Also saw the Rosehips from Columbus. if you have an opportunity to see them, do it. They rock.

Ran down to The Lodge and caught a bit of Pearlene's set. While the sound was really good, it was really packed with equal parts Meat/MPMF patrons.

We left and headed back to the 5/3 theatre for a bit. Watched Julebox the Ghost for a bit. After the Purrs loaded out, we headed back to the Lodge Bar to catch the Buffalo Killers set which was blazin'! Again, the Lodge seems like a sort of meat market...no offense to anyone. The thing that was truly confounding to everyone I knew (at least) was that when the Buffalo Killers were done playing, they blasted Bon Jovi/Michael Jackson/Vanilla Ice (in that order) on the house system which was literally twice as loud as the live band!!! And the meat started dancing (actually doing the MJ Thriller-monster-dance-thing, like in the video). There was a mad dash for the door for many MPMF patrons.

As always, I was so happy and thrilled to run into old friends whom I have not seen for many years - Tony Franklin, Brian Baker.

The Purrs and I retreated down to the Subway with a fw of the MPMF organizers for one last Soda-pop before calling it a night. Tonight the Purrs are headed to play a show in Dubuque (Rhymes with "Puke", so I've been told...), IA.

Tonight I plan to take advantage of the Scion fleet as I travel between the SGH to see the Fairmount Girls at 9pm, the 5/3 Theatre for Wussy at 10, and The Subway at 11 for the Sundresses.

Maybe I'll see you guys there!