Ethnic Fair 2010

The 2010 Ethnic Fair was a tremendous improvement over the 2009 event. The crowd was substantially larger, due in part to the wonderful weather in the Berkshires and the ease of finding (and getting to) parking. Also noticeable was a greater selection of vendors and food options throughout the Fair. However, it was odd to see some of the stores in the immediate Fair real estate to actually be closed for the afternoon. Rebel Sound Records saw more new faces and it was nice to meet them. Had we been closed it would've been a different story. We were visited by Mayor Ruberto, Bill from the Garden, Joe Wilk's parents, Cruz "Man About Town" Swinson, Jon Plaid, Jess Derby, PRJ, NY Kelley, Shaun of the City, Mr. Hitchcock, the future Mr. & Mrs. Colin Damaged, Jay of Bare Bones/Mudlark/Low Character, Zach McCarthy, Jon "Stop & Shop" Hanson, some dogs drinking out of the complimentary dog water in front of the store, MAC, Allie of the Furiousity, the WTBR on-air maniacs and more people whom I probably forgot.

LIVE Review! 8 Inch Betsy, The Soundtrack, The Furiosity, The Dance Cancer

Rebel Sound Records Live! 8 Inch Betsy (Chicago), The Soundtrack (Atlanta), The Furiosity (Boston), The Dance Cancer (Pittsfield) Saturday Nov. 7, 2009



It's always nice to go to a show where you are vaguely familiar (or not even familiar) with the bands but walk away with a new sense of inspiration from seeing a great live show. This was definitely the case on this fine Saturday night. Never knowing what to expect the show kicked off with The Furiosity who's energetic set was beyond expectations of what you can hear on their My Space page. Sure, the songs are good online, but live they were great! I can't wait until they make it out this way again.

Atlanta's The Soundtrack were on a pretty extensive east coast tour in support of their recent self-titled EP, which is a fine power-pop effort. While they're riding the current wave of what's appealing to the high school crowd, The Soundtrack actually can pull it off live, which some out there can't do. One of the best things about hosting over 300 bands since opening is that you come across diamonds in the rough like The Soundtrack. Familiar enough to get into them without staring blankly at them.

8 Inch Betsy are a great 3-piece punk band out of the Windy City and fans traveled from as far as Northampton to check them out. So far so good and this show was 3 for 3 with one talented band after the other. 8 Inch Betsy played many songs off of This Time Last Time Everytime and they got a great response from the very enthusiastic crowd. Had they brought me a pizza from Giordano's as requested, I would say they could play here anytime. Okay, kidding, they can, whenever they want.

Pittsfield's The Dance Cancer made their local debut tonight and they had a great time closing a solid night of music. They've definitely got a Revolution Summer/90's college radio sound along with a punk back-beat creating something rather original for the somewhat stagnant local music scene. This band is good and they're definitely worth checking out if you get the chance. While they're young, they are very smart with their influences and don't fall into the trap of what everyone else is doing and that a very good thing.

Until next time, see you at the show!!!!