It’s hard to believe that ten years ago, your Austin Music Minute maven was, as many others were, referring to Fun Fun Fun Fest as “the little fest that could.” It was started by a group of friends your AMM host knows through various bands, venues, pretty much anything related to the local music community. Two very moderate stages with a DJ/dance tent were set up at Waterloo Park, just in time for a freezing cold front to hit, but attendees really enjoyed the bands and the atmosphere. Founder Graham Williams named the mini-festival after a punk song by The Big Boys, which was literally about the joys of a D.I.Y. approach to music. Very fitting for a fest determined to remain true to real music lovers.
And so it has. It remains a local favorite, featuring a broad selection of several of musical genres that may not ordinarily be included at most festivals, in addition to comedy shows, dance sets, and – brace yourself – wrestling. FFF Fest also has spectacular FFF Nites shows to keep the party going at various venues throughout Red River and beyond.
The fest kicks off tomorrow afternoon when gates open at 11 a.m., but the party starts tonight with FFF Nites. The AMM recommends Salem, MA punk/metal hardcore band Converge at the Mohawk, 11 p.m.; Canadian garage rockers The King Kahn and BBQ Show at Sidewinder, 11 p.m.; and local bands The Bad Lovers at 10:15 p.m. at Sidewinder, Commoners at 12:45 a.m. at the Mohawk, Golden Dawn Arkestra (featured on today’s AMM) at 10 p.m. at Cheer Up Charlie’s, Slooom at 8:30 p.m. at the Parish, and Otis the Destroyer at 10:45 p.m. on the inside stage at Sidewinder.
Check the official FFF Fest website for the full festival and FFF Nites schedules.
-Artwork courtesy of FFF Fest.
