Last weekend the heart of downtown Phoenix, AZ was alive and pounding to sounds of The Maine’s 8123 Fest. The three-day fest included a night driven by fan-requests, a day of meet and greets, lively after parties and culminated in a day full of rocking performances from a packed lineup across two stages.
The Maine, hailing from Tempe, AZ, have been building a dedicated fan base since 2007. January 19th, 2018 marked the second ever 8123 Fest and celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the band’s first full-length album Can't Stop, Won't Stop, which was played in its entirety. Thousands of fans from across the world filled downtown Phoenix to celebrate the occasion and sing along to old and new songs alike. The lineup included performances from Mayday Parade, We The Kings, Real Friends, The Technicolors, This Century, Teenage Wrist, Miley Carnevale (of The Frights), Twin XL, Sundressed, Fairy Bones, Glacier Veins, Holy Fawn and The Sink or Swim.
The excitement and energy exhibited throughout the weekend was contagious. Groups buzzed around town adorned in the band’s apparel and sported dedicated tattoos. Photo booths, food trucks, drink tents and a decked-out yurt surrounded the two stages in the outdoor venue held at Civic Space Park. The days were filled with bright, warm sunshine—a welcome reprieve from what has been a gloomy, cold winter—while the evenings brought a backdrop of glimmering lights from the neighboring skyscrapers. The colorful and pyrotechnic-filled show surpassed expectations and the real connection between the band and their fans could truly be felt. Members of the packed crowd were given the mic to sing along, by lead singer John O'Callaghan, and were even invited on stage to join the band.
With the crowd and lineup growing each year, it is hoped by all that the 8123 Fest will return again in January 2020 larger and louder than ever. The Maine continue to be a force of a band that can't stop and won't stop. #longlivethemaine
The Maine is: John O'Callaghan (lead vocals, piano), Jared Monaco (lead guitar), Garrett Nickelsen (bass guitar), Patrick Kirch (drums, percussion), Kennedy Brock (rhythm guitar, backing vocals)
