FOTOBOM: ALLSTON DIY FEST

Music, music, music, skillshares, swaps, art, and…doggies?!?

Photos by Hannah Cohen.

Allston DIY Fest’s round three really went to the dogs.

Now, before you get your grass-stained jorts in a bunch, we’re not using this term in the typical manner. First, because nothing we do here is hardly typical. Second, because Allston DIY Fest 2012 ruled hard. On Saturday Stanley Ringer Park was transformed into a free, outdoor explosion of music, skillshares, swaps, crafts, body odor, and oh yeah, probably the most excellent lineup of totally adorbz doggies inhabiting every corner! Seriously, we nearly drooled at the sight of these YouTube-craze-worthy creatures.

Of course, this was before we began awkwardly asking owners, “Can we pet your dog?” and broke out the even more awkward baby talk.

Speaking of babies, DIY Fest was also filled with…uh…babies. Really freakin’ cute ones, too, who were melodically rocked back and forth in the comfort of their mothers’ and fathers’ arms while the aforementioned “cool parents” swayed to the music at the Acoustic Stage. We expected the day to be filled with tunes; we certainly did not anticipate this much d’awwww.

Catalion at the Acoustic Stage. 

Nestled in an uphill cove of the park, the Acoustic Stage that day was akin to a natural energy spa. It was the place to sit crossed-legged among amigos in the grassy dirt, chain smoke, and

listen to a plethora of guitars, harmonicas, drums, soulful singers, and one DIY amp AKA an old karaoke machine.

(One that we know of, at least.)

Rounding off the day with a relatively packed performance by Mornin’ Old Sport, the stage became a refuge from the raging punk rock taking place at the often more crowded, but equally talent-infested, Electric Stage that was situated in the “main section” of the festival.

“This song’s about partying with your friends” - FORT! the band.

The Electric Stage housed a handful of mosh pits; Allstonites and non-Allstonites together dancing and not-so dancing to such acts as ABADABAD, Pile, Dirty Virgins, and Scamps.

And yes, the festival also smelled. In fact it reeked.

Reeked of ear-blasting neighborly spirit, that is.

FOTOBOM!!