Fest 11

Much like how the sand cranes of the Platte River gather every autumn in Nebraska to drink from the river and squawk in migratory camaraderie, Nato and his cohorts gather every autumn in Gainesville to drink from the river of PBR and squawk in migratory camaraderie and perform after-hours versions of songs from the album Nebraska. This is Nato's newest band, and his best yet. Hailing from Minneapolis, with a couple 7"s out already and a full album coming out this fall, the music is best described by listening to it, but if you can't get this guidebook to play, think Bruce Springsteen fronting the Exploding Hearts, maybe, or Husker Du covering Otis Redding. Since 2001, Nato's played in a bunch of bands, from the Modern Machines (back when he lived in Milwaukee), on up through his New York City-based bands the Radio Faces (with Jamie from Bent Outta Shape and Mikey Erg) and the Used Kids (with Mikey again, and Kate from Big Eyes). The last two Fests, Nato has been abducted by aliens at the end of his set, and chased offstage by a hot cop. What surprises lurk in store for Fest 11? Better catch the Blue Diamond Band's show to find out.