Dayton Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Heedfest 14

As mysteriously as it appeared, Heedfest 14 is somehow already gone. But we still have the memories of an incredible time celebrating all things Guided by Voices all over Dayton. And this year, Dayton REALLY rolled out the red carpet for these nerds. Here are the places that showed my friends a good time for Heedfest 14.

The Barrel House

Barrel House starts off Heedfest with a Salty Salute and tons of Miller Lite. Plus, Malört if that’s your thing. I tried it and… it is not my thing.

GBV band member Mark Shue once again manned the DJ booth all night (on his birthday!) playing an amazing set that set the tone.

Yellow Cab Tavern

Knowing that this would be the last year at Yellow Cab, Heedfest did its thing and sold them out of Miller Lite before the last band was even close to done. It wasn’t so much “One Bottle After Another” as it was one bucket after another.

Plus, Yellow Cab Kitchen does an amazing job of helping everyone build a base with their pizza, salads, and snacks.

We also got to hear a brand new GBV album in its entirety! It’s called Speculation and Gossip. Here’s the track list:

Bands that performed:

• Mute Superstars from Nashville
• Dumbcharger also from Nashville
• Rally Boys from St. Louis

Future Heedfests won’t be quite the same without this amazing place. Long live Yellow Cab!

AC Hotel Dayton

Port Merch set up shop in the Flyer Room at AC Hotel Dayton, selling GBV shirts, posters, and more. I bought a significant number of items I’ll cherish forever.

The Neon

Mark Shue is a creative force – not only did he DJ the entire night on Thursday, he also created a trippy road diary documentary short film that premiered in Dayton at The Neon.

Warped Wing

I could’t believe it when I found out that Warped Wing brewed a special GBV lager called Wave Starter. People made room in their suitcases to take home 6-packs of this lighter flavored beer.

Rockathon Records had the idea to order cooler bags so people could create their own “buckets” – and who knows, maybe it will catch on?

We kept Warped Wing’s kitchen pretty busy and they did such an amazing job getting orders out to everyone all day.

Because only so many people were able to see Punk Rock Mars at the premiere, Warped Wing was kind enough to play it for the rest of us on the TVs around the brewery. I want to be clear – a brewery, in Ohio, shut off the OSU game to screen a short film. That’s hospitality.

Nick Mitchell (of Ricked Wicky and also Dayton fame) played several sets of incredible songs that hit exactly the right note. I made him a keychain that says “Map & Key” and I think he liked it! Here’s the list of songs he played:

Fearless
Rocks Off
Carousel
One After 909
Alone Again, Or
It’s A Pleasure Being You
Astronomy Domine
Jugband Blues
The Gnome
Summer’s Cauldron/Grass
Shangra La
Monica
Wicked Annabella
Victoria
10538 Overture
Yer Blues
In My Time Of Dying
Always Something There To Remind Me

Set 2 after a short break:
Stray Cat Blues
All Down The Line
Sway
Loving Cup
Junk
Lord Of This World
Wheels Of Confusion
Never Ending Song Of Love
Space Oddity
Chip Away At The Stone
Question Girl Alright
Weekend Worriers
A Quick One While He’s Away
Young Man Blues
Acid Queen
Tommy’s Holiday Camp
Getting In Tune
Street In The City

Oregon Express

Photo by Rob Rinehart

Oregon Express hosted music and trivia for brunch on Sunday. You read that right, OE opened for brunch, creating a special brunch menu full of vegan options that I’m soooo sad I missed!

Honorable Mention:

Dayton Dragons

Several people made it to one or more Dragons games while in town!

Leslie L. Diehl Band Shell at Island MetroPark

The band shell at Island MetroPark a popular local GBV history destination and Heedfesters gather here to exchange swag and take turns doing high kicks.

Needmore Beads Swag for Heedfest 14

This year I made these fun keychains instead of bracelets. I made 65 and actually do ‘Needmore’ – The Rally Boys asked for some custom ones!

I picked “Run Wild” for Bob and he sang some of it to me when I gave it to him – life made.

What is Heedfest?

Heedfest is the annual-ish Guided by Voices fan festival held in Dayton, Ohio. It’s named after friend of Bob Pollard and Rockathon Records partner, The Heed (govt. name: Michael Lipps). The festival takes place Labor Day weekend and features cover bands, films, fan-created swag exchanges, and more Miller Lite than you could possibly imagine.

I already can’t wait for next year! Thank you, Dayton, for embracing these hot freaks. And in case you’re wondering, the feeling is mutual – I hear nothing but love about our town from people visiting from every corner of this country, plus England, Finland, etc.

Don’t stop now – read about past Heedfests and more in my Guided by Voices article collection.