Brendan Kelly (The Lawrence Arms/The Falcon)
Scene Point Blank: How many times has the band played The Fest?
Brendan Kelly: I don't actually know. I want to say three or four, but I'm really not sure.
Scene Point Blank: Seeing how The Fest has been dubbed the pinnacle of beard rock, which bands playing do you think have the best bearded members? Do you have suggestions or requests for facial hair at this year's The Fest?
Brendan Kelly: I don't know if I understand how one of the most humid places in the world acquired the beard look. It seems so counter intuitive. Neil [Hennessey, Lawrence Arms Drummer] grows a hell of a beard, but I don't think he's going to have it for The Fest. That's the other thing; a beard is kind of an equalizer. If you're a good looking dude, grow a beard, it'll kick you down a few notches. You're ugly? Well, grow a beard and hide your weak chin from the world. I guess that's pretty punk rock, at least in the egalitarian sense.
Scene Point Blank: What have been some of the high and low points of previous The Fests?
Brendan Kelly: Eh...I don't remember much from previous Fests. I remember back when it was small and everyone stayed in Tony's house and we got pizzas and drank until I passed out in the corner of an unfurnished room. That probably counts as both a high and a low point.
Scene Point Blank: What bands are you most psyched to see at this year's The Fest?
Brendan Kelly: Dead to Me and The Draft. I only like those two bands.
Scene Point Blank: What are you most looking forward to aside from seeing other bands at this year's The Fest?
Brendan Kelly: The insane line at the pizza place. Nah, we have lots of friends in Gainesville, it's just good to see all your people, you know?
Scene Point Blank: For all the first timers do you have any advice before attending The Fest this year or any suggestions for things to check out in the off time?
Brendan Kelly: Oh yeah, the outlying areas around Gainesville are hotbeds of natural beauty and culture. Be sure to take time to explore north central Florida.
Scene Point Blank: A question specifically made for the Lawrence Arms and their traveling sideshow accompanying them to the Gainesville: The Fest will no doubt be celebrated with cheap beer. As one of the leading connoisseurs of alcohol, what low priced beverages do you recommend for the occasion?
Brendan Kelly: We've been getting really into Sparks lately, since or tour manager Toby (of Redscare Records fame) taught us of its wonderful healing properties. It comes in a giant battery and it looks like battery acid and it tastes like children's' chewable aspirin, but woohee! it will cure a hangover and fuck you right up before you can say "Who was that dude with the beard anyway?"
