It Was Never a Phase: A Review of Sad Summer Fest in Columbia

BY ANNA PORCELLA

With the fall of Warped Tour in 2018, the iconic and somewhat infamous touring festival that was the cornerstone of the scene for nearly 25 years, a new touring festival emerged in its place. Sad Summer Fest, a nod to the festival, the bands, and the community we grew up with, celebrated its fifth anniversary this summer with returning headliners Mayday Parade and The Maine. The rest of the lineup included The Wonder Years, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, We the Kings, and Daisy Grenade on all dates, with The Summer Set, Hot Milk, Diva Bleach, and Like Roses on select dates. 

The tour arrived to Columbia under threats of heavy rain, choosing to relocate from the open field of the Chrysalis to the covered amphitheater of Merriweather Pavilion. Though this diminished the size available for the pit, it did little to dampen the energy. The rain eventually tapered off,  leaving for a partly sunny - albeit very humid - eight hours of pop punk. 

For many of these bands, who are nearing twenty years of their career, Sad Summer is a testament to their longevity while continuing to usher in new eras and fans. For others, it is an opportunity for exposure to new crowds. The first three bands of the day - Diva Bleach, Daisy Grenade, and Hot Milk - are all fronted by women, and though newer to the scene each commanded the crowds with their stage presence. Next was Real Friends and Knuckle Puck, who’s fans tend to go hand-in-hand, kicking up the energy to the point of dual mosh pits. We The Kings followed, leading the crowd in an interactive set in which frontman Travis Clark taught the band a dance routine created by his daughter, launched inflatable aliens into the pit, and invited the crowd to participate in the filming of a music video. The Wonder Years had one of the loudest crowds of the evening - and by far the largest pit -  as well as a rousing speech calling for the protection of trans kids and a free Palestine. Following them was The Maine, whose arrival was marked by a large backdrop stating “THE MAINE IS DEAD!” as they begin to welcome a new era. Closing out the evening was Mayday Parade, who filled the stage with large sunflowers, playing both new songs and iconic hits.   

Sad Summer is a unique festival for a number of reasons, namely for their decision to use one stage throughout the day, as well as a smaller lineup. Unlike the most festivals’ multi-stage set up, this eliminates any conflict or overlapping sets, allowing the audience to give each band their focus. Many festivals can feel a little overwhelming, but these decisions make Sad Summer feel more intimate, a physical manifestation of the community and a celebration of the scene. The Wonder Years frontman Dan “Soupy” Campbell stated as much: “Whether you’re in a pink cowboy hat for The Maine or an old Wonder Years t-shirt . . . this is community!”