Calling all lovers of the midwest music scene - Bitter Bloom Fest is the place for you.
Brought to you by Atypical Supply Co and Sound Check Mag, Bitter Bloom was on August 8th at the Orchid Theatre in Ferndale.
Do you like emo? They had it.
Do you like metal? They had it.
Do you like rock? Surprise, THEY HAD THAT TOO.
Bitter Bloom welcomes all genres to their Fest!
This year the lineup was split between the indoor [Stressed + Depressed Stage] and outdoor [Sound Stage Patio] stage - and though it was a little toasty last Saturday, that didn’t stop anyone from partying at either spot.
One of my favorite moments was from post-hardcore band Vera Noir. Not only did they have a tambourine at one point, but the way they used the entire outdoor space for their performance was phenomenal.
Another band I had not seen before but very much enjoyed was Living Dissection. Their singer [Jam Parham] had sick vocal range, the artwork behind them was the best I had ever seen [stick figures, which we can all agree is better than AI], and then there was guitarist [Mike Libertoski]. Before they started I noticed he was wearing a ‘Dog Mom’ hat and knew that whatever genre these guys were about to play was going to go so hard - and it did.
And if you didn’t think a whole day of bands was enough, there was also an Afterparty featuring Sharp Lives and Kitanai (The Dirty Sound) DJ set.

Enough words - it’s picture time!

Stressed + Depressed Stage

Shallow Truths

Donefor

Vandalheart

As We Divide

The Drive Home

I don’t have photos of this group because I was helping them with a different project - but here’s a shot of them interviewing/having a shenanigan with Tegan of Headless Mary!
Be sure to check out The Drive Home