MAJICAL CLOUDZ

July 5th-7th - FMLY Fest Boston

I got into the US on the 4th of July and spent the night at my friend Anna’s parents’ house in New Hampshire with friends. We went out into the middle of a lake on a boat and watched as people shot fireworks from their homes all around the edges of the water. We were caught in the middle of it and it was amazing.

The next day we spent some time at the Democracy Center in Cambridge, where the FMLY organizers held a series of workshops. It was incredibly hot in the building. Myself and my friends Shane and Leah walked around through the Harvard and MIT campuses, which were very impressive but alienating. The architecture was amazing, but it felt very empty and unwelcoming. That night we went swimming at a place called Turtle Pond — the water was alternately very warm and very cold. Bats flew overhead as we all floated in the water in the dark. It was really beautiful.

The next day was the festival itself — bands played 20 minute sets from noon until 10 or 11pm. I was present for some of the time. My favourite sets were by Mutual Benefit, Dawn Fauna, Olden Yolk, and Tomboy. We performed 2nd last and it was a great time. People were very appreciative, and there was a giant mirror behind us when we played which I thought added a lot. It was cool that the audience could see themselves while we played.

On Sunday myself, Anna and Shane went swimming at Turtle Pond again. This time there were tons of people at the pond because it was so hot out. There were lots of dogs swimming in the water as well, including three gigantic great danes. Later that day Anna and I went to a space in another part of Boston where the FMLY people were screening documentaries. I read on the couch and then had a conversation about The Simpsons.

The next morning I left on the bus to New York City. I had a really good time with my friends Anna and Shane and Leah hanging out in Boston, and it was cool getting to know the FMLY people as well.

Special thanks to Liz for asking me to be a part of it and for making me feel welcome throughout.