One aspect of music that I have always loved, has been festivals. There is something different about them that makes them standout. It can be a large traveling festival, a destination festival, or a small local festivals. Festivals of all sizes and types are great in their own way.

However, over the years I have become a bigger fan of the smaller indoor type festivals, be it Spring Fling in Cleveland, Sophomore Slump Fest in North Carolina, or Tuned Up’s very own Steadfast Fest. All three of these festivals are unique in their own way and bring something different to the table. Spring Fling has become one of the best festivals in the Midwest, SSF is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, and Steadfast—well that one is poised for big things, as they all are. We can add a fourth one to this list after last Sunday. The fine folks at It’s All Good Booking held the first All Good Fest at Woodlands Tavern here in Columbus on 9/8/19, and if you missed it, you missed out on the start of something good.

With headliners such as Hot Mulligan and Heart Attack Man, along with support acts like Overgrow, Whale Bones, Snarls, and more, how could this not be a homerun? John Rausch and his team did a fantastic job with this festival. I have been to many a festival in my day and can say this was one of the best-run fests I have been to in a few years. Everything was on point.

When the line-up was first announced I was really excited about the bands that would be planning. Some I had seen countless times, some I had never seen, but I knew it would be a day to remember. Leading up to the day of was like Christmas or Halloween, at times I could not contain my excitement. The day before I was all giddy and jumpy. The morning of the festival, I woke up as if it was Christmas morning. Throughout the day I tried to do things to keep myself busy until it was time to leave. I failed. My mind kept going to what was in front of me, as I knew I was in for a great day of music.

Looking back on the day, the weather was perfect, and it set the mood as well. The day had a slight overcast, and it was a nice 74-76 degrees. In my eyes that is a perfect day, and it just added to the feel of the day, as it in some weird way set the mood for me. Because—man let me tell you—the bands I saw were all killer and had me in my feels. So here is a little of what you may have missed.

The first band I caught was local alt punk group, No Dice. This is one of those bands I have seen countless times, and every time they are amazing. But there was something about this day that made them flawless, and I for the life of me cannot put my finger on it. It was the best sets I have seen from them, and it only left me wanting more. No Dice are one of those bands that baffle me, why in the poop are they not bigger? They should be on tours all the freaking time. People should be wearing their shirts in other states. They should be talked about on message boards. I give you permission to stop reading this and go listen to them if you have never done so. You can thank me later.

The next act I caught was one that I have been dying to see since a friend told me about them late last year. That band is Dark Spring from Cleveland. They were added the night before as Unturned had to cancel due to van issues. Dark Spring did not disappoint at all. Their brand of late 90s, early 2000s post-hardcore is just what we need. If you grew up listening to bands from that era then you know what I mean. Hearing their songs live for the first time was mind-altering. The only thing I could do was just sing back to them and get lost in the moment, and that’s what I did. Their set was what dreams are made up. I cannot wait to see them again.

Overgrow took the main stage next, and what can I say about them that I already haven’t? Another amazing set and more tears shed. That happens at least once every time I see them. The emotion that Jake Ciccotelli emits is uncanny, and no one comes close to what he does. Overgrow is an act I could truly watch every single night and never tire of watching them. The next act is one that does come close to what Overgrow does for me emotionally.

Whale Bones are probably one of the best acts you haven’t listened to or seen live. Every single time I am left feeling things I didn’t know I was capable of feeling. This time I tried something new when watching them, I closed my eyes so I could take all of it in and maybe experience something new. I also was trying to experience them by using the five senses. I know, weird. But hey I like to experience music in different ways. The only one I didn’t experience was taste by the way. Nevertheless, I left that set feeling great. I felt cleansed and renewed.

The four acts above were just a taste of the day. Overall it was a really great festival. It is one that I am already looking forward to next year. I am curious what John Rausch and his team can do with this festival. The potential is insane. Columbus, Ohio, Midwest, United States, we have a new festival on our hands; based on its first year, it’s only going to grow. See you next year.