This article may be a year too late, and it may not be a completely accurate depiction of events that have transpired, but it never hurts to write about something worth remembering. While it was not the easiest event in the metropolis to put together, nor was it the most flawlessly executed gig in the history of local fandom, Ongaku Festival 2004 was undeniably noteworthy in on aspect: it beat the odds.
Consider this: sixteen bands, a large venue, over three hundred anticipated ticket holders, and only six persons on the organizing staff. These six persons were, at the time, either fully employed or finishing their last year in university; not good odds, we know. But despite the difficulties in meeting schedules and other logistics nightmares, these people worked their asses off (interrupted in between by long bouts of swearing) gathering supplies together, cajoling sponsors into parting with their money, and dealing with rental services that weren?t exactly professional in their ways.
With obstacles ranging from a lack of funding to an inconsistent set list, the staff plugged away up to the very last moment, confident that despite a last-minute fuck-up (which is the only word to describe it) by the venue management, the show would go on as if everything were going according to plan. Great music was played, cool prizes were given away, and everyone had a good time. Too good in fact, that several bands weren?t able to take on their slots. While this was an unfortunate turn of events, there were no deeply hurt feelings on either side, and an important lesson on limiting playing times has been learned.
Why this nostalgia regarding an event that occurred a good twelve months ago? The truth is, despite the razor-edge tension and frazzled nerves, putting together that event was one of the best things that happened to Ongaku Society and its moderating team. The team has gained flexibility, resourcefulness, and above all camaraderie -- something which has served them well, in the midst of intense and acerbic competition from other production groups. Three years down the road and we are still here -- and that is something not a lot of production groups say about themselves.
So here?s to Ongaku Society; come hell or high water, never let the music die down!