Every month, Boston sees a low-key music festival pop up, often donning the “festival” tag even if it’s two regular concerts at a venue. It may seem trivial, but don’t overlook the trend. Our city focuses on supporting the artists it churns out, and with that comes an appreciation of the arts and an appreciation of everyone’s ability to create art.
The little festivals matter. That’s why the return of Fitz Fest will make you grin. Non-profit production corporation Fitz Ross brings a three-day lineup of various styles of rock to Cambridge and Allston this weekend. Thursday the 22nd kicks things off with Daephne, Rye Pines, Wydyde, and Twen Furs performing at Great Scott. Friday sees Funeral Advantage, Steep Leans, Saccharine, and Du Vide perform at O’Briens Pub. Saturday closes things out with Black Beach, Dirty Dishes, Leaner, and Big Boy Club at the Middle East Upstairs. While the first two evenings are 21+, Fitz Ross made sure to provide all-ages access to Saturday’s show, bridging the gap so that garage rock, indie rock, and more can reach a wider group of people.
Acting as a bridge is key here. The goal isn’t to snag Boston’s biggest acts. The goal is to create a local showcase intertwining circles. “Lots of these bands are staples in the regional scene who haven’t played a bill together,” says Community Relations Manager Jamie Vadala-Doran. “This was a good opportunity to make that happen.”
“This year we wanted to make this a festival that would stage both veteran Boston bands and newcomers to the community,” adds Executive Director Brandon Hafetz. “Though we have a relatively small crop of bands, I think we’ve given bands on every level a chance to play in front of audiences that are bound to enjoy their music, as well as play with bands that they love and look up to. This is very much in line with how we approach our live session series, Spare Room Sessions, where we invite bands all over the spectrum to participate.”
Fitz Fest carries that positivity across past showcases and will do so this weekend. As Hafetz puts best: “When you’ve got a brand-new band like Twen Furs—who is truly awesome, and nearly no one has gotten to hear them yet—and a weekend that surely won’t break the bank, why not come out?”
FITZ FEST. THU-SAT 9.22-9.24. GREAT SCOTT, O’BRIENS PUB, MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS. 9PM/21+/$10-12. FITZROSSPRODUCTIONS.ORG.
