Tonight is the night. After close to nine months of planning Herd Fest is finally launched. This year we did things different. In the past we subcontracted shows to various scene reps and labels in order to diversify the voices being represented for the festival. This highly collaborative process was fun and confusing so we decided to do things different this year.

For our third year, we took the reigns and centrally booked all of the shows. We had bands go through an application process in order to diversify and cater to fans of up-and-coming indie acts, resulting in four days of showcases at seven venues with 67 bands set to perform. We launched our Herd Fest app, where you can go and download and create your own schedule for the next four days. In addition, we have on-site managers for each venue ensuring stage management. Bands will be playing very close to what they are scheduled on the app.

Mohawk Place plays host to night one. Opening the ceremonies will be Buffalo’s post-rock act, Tomoreaux, who will be playing dream-y nature jams that will be sure to make the best first impression. Next are all-instrumental surf tsunami Aaron & the Burrs. Third on the line-up we have Team Love signees, velvet-pop act from Kingston, NY’s Shana Falana. Rounding out the night will be reformed-spazzman-turned-cooing-electro-minstril with a full band, Lesionread. Doors are $5 for this event, but we will be selling all-weekend bracelets for $20 at the door. We have a limited number and are down to less than fifty left, so I would suggest buying them online before assuming.  See you there.