Get Out Saturday: Download Festival

What is the Download Festival? First and foremost, it's a music festival consisting of eight bands on two stages. Now in its fifth year, Download 2007 will be happening in Boston, Chicago, San Fransisco and here, at our own Gorge Amphitheatre. Tickets are $60.

The Music:
Modest Mouse
Incubus
The Presidents of the United States of America
Nada Surf
The Thermals
The Heavenly States
Arthur & Yu
Back Door Slam

The Other:
According to the website, Download is about being "plugged in" to the latest music, technology and styles (well, Adidas styles) and about providing opportunities for interaction between fans and artists through things like autograph sessions, Q&A, and musician's clinics. Oh and there's some garage where you can show off your ahead-of-your-time badass musicianship. They'll digitally record your grand opus and embarrass your drunk ass on the internet. Fun!

OK, so it's definitely a very commercial event, but you know what, commies? It's impossible to book a full day of music at a kick ass venue without sponsorship. Get over it.

Final note to KEXP listeners:
Oakland band The Heavenly States will be doing an in-studio today on Cheryl Waters' show. Should start around noon.