One of my favorite things about the summer are festivals. I try to attend as many as I can. It doesn’t matter if they are one day, multi-day, small local ones, or nationally known ones. I just love festivals. For the past 6 years, I have had one event “kick-off” my festival season. This year that festival did not have that honor. Instead, that honor was bestowed upon Spring Fling on April 29th in Cleveland, OH. This was the fourth year Spring Fling has occurred, and my second year going. I can tell you based on this year, it will not be the last time I attend. It very well may become my new “kick-off” to the festival season.

Spring Fling is a one-day festival put on by the fine folks of BravoArtist. BravoArtist is a talent buying and promotions agency based out of Columbus/Cleveland. Over the past few years, they have done an amazing job of bringing great shows to both cities. I can’t speak that much about Cleveland, as I live in Columbus. But I know our scene is 100x better because of the shows they bring to our city and how much they are invested in local bands. I often joke with one of the talent buyers John Rausch that each month I should just write him a check in advance for all the shows I’m going to attend because it seems I’m at their shows all the time.

This year’s line-up was something special. If you are a pop-punk/emo kid then there was something there for you. Acts such as Chase Huglin, Jetty Bones, Milestones, Light Years, Broadside, Free Throw, Have Mercy, Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, Mayday Parade, and much more played. Based on the line-up and the turnout, as it was sold out, this festival is only going to continue to grow. And that is a marvelous thing.

My day started with Jetty Bones, an act that is quickly catching steam. Jetty Bones is the brainchild of Kelc Galluzzo. One of the cool aspects of her performance is you never know what you are in for. On this day she played with a backing band that included tour mates Everyone Leaves. Afterward, I moved over to the Ballroom to catch a little of Modern Chemistry’s set. Turns out they were good. They have more of an Alt-rock sound, which seems to be catching on these days. I watched a few songs of their set and then walked around for a bit to see who all I could see friend wise, as I knew a lot of Columbus people were there. After chatting with a few friends I made my way to the Theatre to catch what was the last two songs of Milestone’s set. And let me tell you, do not make the same mistake I did. This band is good, real good. I really wish they get back to the States soon. I would like to catch a full set of theirs. Next, I run back over to catch Light Years for the third time this year. This is a band I truly could watch every night. Light Years is a band that I’m intrigued by, here is why. They are beyond good at what they do. Why are they not bigger? They should be one of the biggest bands in their genre. And if you don’t believe me just listen to “Temporary”. The next band up was Nothing, Nowhere in the theater. This is one of the bands I was stoked to see. Do you ever hear about a band after they played your city? Last year Nothing, Nowhere was the opening band on Thrice’s tour. A tour that when it came to my city I skipped. A few days later I was listening to Nothing, Nowhere for some reason and I was instantly hooked. And I was told they were just in town. BOOOOO!!!! This is a band I can see becoming huge in a few years. They just need the right tour. After watching Nothing, Nowhere’s amazing set I needed to regain my composure, so I walked around for a while. Broadside was the next band on my list. This is a band that holds a special place in my heart, so I’m not going to say much about them as I have covered them countless times here on Tuned Up. But I will say it was nice to see them on a stage this big. This was the biggest show I have seen them play, that includes warped, as the crowd there was not as big as it should have been. Be on the lookout for their new CD Paradise On June 16^th. By this point in the day, I was hungry and really wanted food. So we went outside to the food truck but the line was a little long so we went to the restaurant attached to the venue. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!!! I ended up missing Free Throw, Have Mercy, Tiny Moving Parts, and most of Knuckle Puck. I was ok with missing Free Throw as they would be coming to Columbus a few weeks later. Have Mercy I wanted to see. That leaves Tiny Moving Parts. Word is they had the best set all day. I have seen them a few times and I can honestly say they were the best band that night both times I saw them. I really hope they come back around fairly soon. Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties is an act I have been wanting to see since its inception. As a diehard TWY fan to finally see them was something magical. Aaron West has the same passion that Soupy does and it just makes watching them just as great. Real Friends was up next. I have never been a big fan of them, especially live, as they tend to bore me. However, on this night, they were better and I enjoyed their set. Last but least, the band most of us came to see, Mayday Parade. I’m going to say this now, I cried a few times during their set. A Lesson in Romantics is a scene classic, a staple if you will. And to hear it from start to finish was nothing short of life changing. They are another band I have seen countless times but on this night they were untouchable. Sitting here writing about it is giving me goosebumps. If you missed that tour you missed out on something breathtaking.

Overall it was a very good day. One I will soon not forget. Spring Fling very well may become my new “kick-off” for festival season. And as always a huge thank you goes out to BravoArtist for bringing the best shows to Columbus and Cleveland.

Chase Huglin was kind enough to give an interview with us, so here is that.

Tuned Up: How did you get your start in music?

Chase Huglin: I started playing instruments when I was in middle school, started on percussion, which moved to the piano, which eventually moved to guitar. I was in some high school bands, but I’ve been playing under my name since I was 16.

Tuned Up: Are you presently working on anything?

Chase Huglin: I’ve been in and out of co-writes since December, really working on polishing my sound moving forward. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

Tuned Up: You recently played with Ace Enders, how was that?

Chase Huglin: Ace is great. I’ve played a show with him before, he’s a great dude. Incredibly wise and humble. Offered me a lot of great advice.

Tuned Up: Who are some of your influences?

Chase Huglin: My biggest musical influences are definitely Manchester Orchestra and The Dangerous Summer!

Tuned Up: How has the move to Nashville gone so far?

Chase Huglin: It’s been incredible. I’ve been out here for two months now. Starting to get into the swing of things. Meeting new people, getting in co-writes. Staying busy. I love it so much.

Tuned Up: What was it like to play here at Spring Fling?

Chase Huglin: It was incredible, so honored to be thought of to play. One of my favorite performances of my whole career. If you caught my set, thank you so much!

Tuned Up: If you could organize your own festival, who would play?

Chase Huglin: That’s a tough one. I’d bring back some broke up bands for sure. Manchester Orchestra, All Get Out, Dangerous Summer, Grandview and I’d selfishly throw myself on the festival as well.

Tuned Up: Favorite thing about summer?

Chase Huglin: Days are longer, it’s a little bit warmer and people seem to be a little more relaxed.

Tuned Up: As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

Chase Huglin: When I was younger I was really into acting classes and writing short stories. But I’ve been on the whole rock star thing since I was about 11.

Tuned Up: Favorite Batman character and why?

Chase Huglin: The Joker especially played by Heath Ledger because he executed that role so well.