I understand that this event is not really marketed towards “me,” per se. I think it’s marketed to the Cordovians and Arkansians and whatnot who are willing to come downtown and drop some serious loot on hotel rooms, the festival itself, and other local businesses. That makes sense. Hence we have headliners like Santana, Sheryl Crow (again), and The Black Crows (again).

Then the organizers throw in a smattering of headliners that radio stations and record execs believe appeal to the “kids.” My Chemical Romance, Disturbed, Seether, etc. (Not great choices in my own meager opinion, but what do I know? I don’t understand the kids, either.)

Then a little pop garbage I won’t even acknowledge.

So, for myself and people like me, Music Fest has to be cherry picked. You pay to get in and see a few bands you already like, and if you’re lucky, stumble on to something new.

Sometimes you even see something completely amazing. (Think that empty Sonic Youth show a few years back.)

It’s a little random, but there you go. Fortunately there is usually, simply “enough stuff” to find something that isn’t terrible. I almost always end up having a good time.

Maybe if you really luck out tomorrow you will like something new.

I will be at The Roots. Maybe Project Pat and Ben Folds. We’ll see.