50 People Max: VibeFest 2020
Bedford, Texas- I can count on one hand how many times I either drove past Bedford or been in the Mid Cities area. It’s not for any particular reason, it’s simply because I haven’t. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cruising through that part of DFW, especially now since I have a couple of good reasons to visit. On this particular Saturday evening, after attending the Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators game at American Airlines Center (I highly recommend purchasing Platinum level seats if possible) I was headed to Bedford to attend Olan Martin’s Vibesfest 2020 after getting my camera from home. Accompanying me was my band mate Chris Johnston. The drive from Denton to Bedford seemed a lot shorter than expected, I figured it was the fact that Chris was driving. Like a true hardcore kid, no matter how far of the drive, he’s determined to get to a show. There was a huge bass amp occupying on the trunk space in his car, he agreed to bring it for bands to use during the show.
Central Arts of Bedford is where the show was being held. To my knowledge, Central Arts is a community center that allows live music performances to take place and seems to have a good relationship with the local authorities. When we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a table filled with a variety of older, well kept sneakers, 4-5 clothes racks filled with various sports teams jackets and various patterned jackets from the 90’s. Here and there were nostalgic, children’s toys, including 3 or 4 nerf guns running around. To check out the vendor of the vintage apparel, check out Sneakers for Cheaper.
Out of all of the years I spent in the DFW hardcore scene, it happens to be in this current time where I find more diversity and more unity, along the consistent abundance of DIY spirit that strives throughout for years. Old, new, familiar faces and a handful of Pit Demons occupied parking spaces and the storefront. The all inclusive music culture that resides in the metroplex has proven itself to be more colorful than ever. Throughout the sea of the young and alternative, there was coincidentally a large amount of camouflage pants walking around, I assumed there was a memo sent out that I wasn’t apart of. Without the tall and lanky teenager Olan Martin curating this event, VibeFest wouldn’t exist. Considering this is his first event he put together, he did a wonderful job. I give him a ton of credit for staying on top of things and bringing together a nice assortment my bands that compelled fans to continue the mosh.
““You can only come in if you’re going to mosh!””
From start to finish, the fest held a welcoming vibe. Each band that played kept the momentum going as friends and fans respected each other’s space in the pit, for the most part. Towards the tail end of the night, with two bands left, the police arrived on the premises. To my knowledge, this was to be expected, although I expected the fire marshal. The police ended up escorting everyone out of Central Arts for reasons I don’t know. A brief moment passed by before Olan made an announcement stating only 50 people were allowed inside at a time. After a head count at the door, Urn was ready to play their set with a huge gold urn sitting on top of a cinder block in front of the drum set. Their set ended and the attendees had to go back outside for another head count. “You can only come in if you’re going to mosh!” Olan yells before the second head count. Fist of Fury ended off the night right as they put on a badass performance but 50 people max didn’t do the band justice. With that said, the event had a great turn out. Yatsu and Substance were two bands I never heard and it was a real treat to watch them perform. I’m glad I finally got to see Allegation, Monument of Fear and Urn and your next favorite beatdown band One in tha Chamber incited an impromptu reenactment of scenes from Saving Private Ryan in the pit. Here below are photos on the night, enjoy!
