With two nights featuring more than two dozen bands, 305 Fest aims to be a showcase for all that is punk and hardcore about South Florida. The night's roster will include just about every face from the local scene you could imagine, as well as some out-of-town legends, like Houston thrash heroes D.R.I.
305 Fest will be trying its darnedest to get all those Christmas carols we've been hearing so much of lately out of your head. But before we get all metal, New Times spoke to one of the event's organizer's, Nayra Serrano, to get a feel for what 305 Fest is all about.
Serrano announced recently she'll be leaving her longtime post at Churchill's, but fear not; the Idle Hands Booking boss is not stepping out of the South Florida music game for good.
New Times: How did 305 Fest first start?
Nayra Serrano: After having booked several shows, nine years ago Matt Preira and a few promoters teamed up and decided they wanted to do something a bit different by having a fest that would bring more attention to our great city but also represent our diverse and talented scene. Throughout the years, it's always been about bringing people together, sharing our culture with out-of-towners, welcoming touring bands with open arms, and having a blast while doing it.
What have been some highlights over the years that stand out?
Every year we invite new promoters to come on board and help curate the fest, so each year has been special and the torch has been passed on. One of the most memorable years was 2008 and 2014, where we had a three-day fest, hosted at three different venues, which really solidified the strength in our local scene. However, we want to say that a yearly highlight is Consulars consecutive comeback.
How did you come up with this year's line-up?
Gordo (Hardcore For Punx) has been helping organize the fest five out of nine years, and this is Bogdan's (No Work Records) second year, but this year I was booking D.R.I that weekend and decided to collaborate, expand the event and fly down bands that have never played Miami before — such as Lower Class Brats from Austin, Who Killed Spikey Jacket from Boston,
How would you describe 305 Fest for those that have never been?
A piñata filled with mouth-watering candy! AKA a pachanga!
What are you most looking forward to in particular for this year's show?
The crowd's energy and the bands have such an exceptional show that we leave them thirsty for more! This is only the beginning of a takeover.
305 Fest with Speculum, Night Witch, Party Flag, Antifaces, and more. 6 p.m. Friday, December 11, and midnight Saturday, December 12, at Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-757-1807; churchillspub.com.
