FOR REAL FEST, as well as THE FARM DIY BOOKING, started in late 2004 as a means to bring diverse individuals together who support, provide, and benefit from the many resources that punk and DIY communities have to offer. The DIY shows were my way of giving back to the hardcore punk community that has helped shape who I am today. FOR REAL FEST was my way of giving something positive to the community of Athens, Ohio, which i fell in love with five years ago. With FRF and my DIY gatherings, I hoped to create counter culture environments where ANY individual could feel welcome, safe, respected, and encouraged to participate in any way.
What started off as a small group of friends circle pitting in a classroom,
...has evolved into a show space filled with hundreds of individuals from around the country celebrating the DIY community of hardcore punk.
I am graduating from Ohio University in June of 2007. This brings much uncertainty of what I will be doing and where I will be living. The only thing that I will be certain of in my life during the next few months is what I WANT to do. However, what I want, and what happens, is going to be determined by numerous outside factors beyond my control.
Because of this uncertainty, I will not be able to commit my efforts towards helping touring artists by means of setting up DIY shows. I apologize for this, and you must know that it hurts me to be in this position of helplessness. For the same reasons, I can not promise the DIY community another FOR REAL FEST. A future FRF will be dependent upon my residency, work place, and the interest of those who wish to either become, or continue being involved with this past DIY celebration. One thing is certain, FOR REAL FEST belongs to Athens, Ohio and it will never relocate to another region. And hopefully, all of this will result in nothing more than a hiatus on my part where i will be putting all my heart and efforts into deserving persons and previous neglected obligations.
Love,
Ray Houska
[email protected]
PS...please keep in touch, keep me informed of YOUR gatherings, and keep me listed as your "friend" here on the waste.
