BRIGHTSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024

To say that covering Brightside Music Festival was not on my 2024 BiNGO card would be a very packed understatement. I have been covering reggae bands since 2017. So, when asked to link up with Dance Your Face Off for a review of a punk-rock show with some of my favorite bands, I had to satisfy the angsty teenage girl that had been raging inside of me. I am writing this from my bed the Wednesday after the show while eating ice cream. So get comfy.

The first two bands, Donefor and iFuakata!, won an online poll to make it onto this lineup. After listening to both of artists I can easily see this being the case. Let it be known that only one of these bands was set to open this show. This online poll resulted in such a close tie that both Florida acts were asked to perform.

DONEFOR AND IFUAKATA!

Up first was Donefor. They are very reminiscent of a band you would find back in the early 2000’s on limewire. Doing a tad bit more research I soon realized these guys are from swfl, Ft. Myers to be exact. The song Frzn, Soaring Featuring Matteus Cobo as well as Blood For Blood are some of my stand outs. Having lived in Cape Coral for so long and knowing that area, I couldn’t be happier to see these guys get the love and recognition they absolutely deserve.

The second winner of the “people’s poll” as we shall call it was iFuakata! With the change up on the stage of artists, the energy in both bands was a refreshing contrast. I loved the horns and their very unique sound. I quickly added songs like Blackout, Wonder Why and Other Side of Town to my iTunes.

Zebrahead landed on the stage third and with it they brought a level of excitement and energy that drew inward the smaller sized crowd. Another group that reminds me of the early years of pop/rock/punk and a very noticeable about of emo.

THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS AT BRIGHTSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL

At this point I decided to walk around the Orlando Fairgrounds where the event was held. This is an outdoor venue that is by no means small. Orlando Fairgrounds comes equipt with it’s very own Florida man pond with a “Beware of Alligators” sign deterring those event goers from swimming with the giant lizards. I soon remembered that Brightside had boasted a Beer Garden for those who partook and made a slight detour before heading back to catch the next band.

The crowd stood in the steadily strong Florida midday sunshine waiting for Unwritten Law. With a three decade long history, this fast paced punk rock band has solidified its spot in many of our hearts. Along with many others I found myself dancing and enjoying such great live music. The genre no longer mattered. Good music was good music. If you are reading this UL, please come back to Florida, we love you.

With the weather slowly still at a simmer and the lawn area now filling up, we waited patiently for Save Ferris. The first thing that comes to mind is Monique Powell, as you may know the spunky red headed singer and mic humping professional who has fronted this band since 1995, with no plans of stopping. Save Ferris as a musical band loves what they do and it translates. The horn section had me in awe along with Powell’s outfit change and signature intimate moments with the mic. Everyone, everywhere enjoyed this performance and the change up in energy that it brought.

MIDWAY THROUGH BRIGHTSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL

After making a new friend in a Face To Face fan and hearing a little bit more of their back story, I was far more excited for them to hit the stage. These guys disappeared for a good amount of time and remerged after covid. I wasn’t expecting such a deep and intense crowd reaction simply based on their long hiatus. However, I couldn’t have been more off and was quickly reminded of this. Face To Face’s thirty years of fans all seemed to be patiently waiting for this moment as they sang along with most of the lyrics. We hope to see more of this band on tours just like this in the future.

The running theme with almost all of these groups is longevity and shelf life. Most of them forming in the early 80’s or the early to mid 90’s. Each band playing Brightside has easily earned their spot on the bill and that sentiment was felt by all.

STORY OF THE YEAR AND GOLDFINGER

Story Of The Year was up next and hit us with the perfect energy boost. Every song I heard was a good one, and that usually is not the case. I must admit I found myself rocking my head back and forth quite a few times while in the photo pit with these guys. It’s safe to say energy like this could only be found at a punk rock show.

At this point in the day we posted up on my blanket up on the lawn, rested up and hydrated.

Goldfinger is the epitome of So-Cal punk, and every single person in attendance knew and loved this band. Just take two of its current members, Herrara coming from MxPx says more than I need too. And then we have Feldman. John Feldman has produced some of my favorite artists and some of yours without you even knowing it. After hearing that the band hadn’t played a Florida show in twenty years, it was evident they had now come back to show us what was up. Even with sound issues cutting theirs and many other sets short, they played on like only Goldfinger could. The music and momentum lasted straight into the impending sunset.

311

I must preface this next part. I lost my father on March 11th and my dad was a deadhead and my biggest musical influence other than my Mum. His love for music and eye for photography are the basis for so much love and joy brought into my life.

So, after years of missed opportunities to shoot 311, I was about to do just that. The whole day I had felt my dad’s love for me in a way that I hadn’t in far too long. As the guys slowly walked out, I shifted my eyes to the sky where a few tears fell without my permission, blue cranes flew over us and the perfect shade of tangerine consumed the once ocean of blue that was the sky.

311 knows us Bostonians love them and this show would be my 27th since my 14th Birthday. As they start playing every show prior shoots into my mind, and all the memories I share with this band fill my heart. The crowd was absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. Fans of 311 are universal and as the first song started we all felt united. Playing a little of absolutely everything, 311 then went ahead and proceeded to blow my mind. When I heard ‘Don’t Stay Home’ I had gone from covering this event, to it being a part of my healing process. I think we all need to be reminded not to stay home and miss out on life. This song playing was just more justification that I was where I was supposed to be.

SUBLIME

After quickly recharging my camera battery, and pizza battery, I made my way through a stacked crowd that I could now barely see over.

By the time Eric, Bud, Trey, DJ Product and Jakob walked out it felt like a family reunion. The energy Jakob gives off is palpable and many of us were emotional. Who realistically thought they would see this happen, ever. They played a bit of everything and it was fucking magical. Jakob has stepped into a pair of shoes that were always very hard, and far too large to ever comfortably fit into. The young Nowell has rejuvenated an entire generation simply in his presence, as the newest member of Sublime. This kid has a loud, loving energy and upholding his father’s legacy is the universal goal of each person on stage. The bond between a father and son can never truly die. And neither will Bradley.

“What a time to be alive” wallpapered my brain and all I could do was smile and take pictures. Brightside Music festival, Thank you again. As for every single kind new friend made at the rock show, I appreciate you all. Until next year, Stay looking on the Brightside.

Photographs and review provided by Joelle Cohen (@slopppy_joe22)