Dead Boys // Sam Fender

2

Bunbury wasn't Coachella, Bonnaroo, or one of those trendy music festivals where you threw glitter all over your body and wore neon clothing that you'd be embarrassed to wear in front of your nana. It was a small festival on the Ohio River with mostly small alternative and indie artists with 1 or 2 big name artists headlining each night. Dress was much more casual, people were laid back, and it seemed like more attention was given to local food trucks rather than some of the artists. I love the relaxed vibe, something I missed from the Midwest since moving to the east coast for college.

Waking up for the first day, I'm so glad Anna talked me into coming this year. This is exactly what I need to get my mind off of my brother's passing and return to my normal life. Plus, I couldn't think of any other people I'd want to spend a fun weekend with.

After getting up to go for a run, it was time to get ready for day 1. I took a shower, dried my hair, and got dressed in a simple black tank top and some army green shorts. After generously coating my body in sunscreen, Anna and Ben came to pick me up.

"Hey guys," I greet them with a smile as I get in the backseat.

"Well, hello to you too. You seem to be in a much better mood," Ben greets.

"I am. Thank you so much again for getting me out of the house. I wouldn't want to miss this time with you guys," I feel the need to thank them.

"We just want to see you happy again, but that's enough with the sad attitude, it's time to get wasted on cheap beer listening to some good music!" Anna exclaims as we head to downtown Cincy.

"I didn't even think to look at the lineup for today. Who are we going to see?" I ask them. Usually, I do an in-depth Spotify session of everyone on the lineup before I go, but I wasn't expecting to go this year.

"Greta Van Fleet is headlining tonight, and Flora Cash is at 7, but it's a bunch of smaller artists before that," Anna says.

After we parked and got our wristbands, we head in. We got here about an hour after the first stages started, so there's a decent amount of people.

"So are we getting day drunk, or should we try to hold it together?" Anna asks Ben and I.

"As much of my brain would love to spend 3 days drinking, I don't think my body could handle a constant flow of alcohol. I'm an old man now," Ben jokes.

"I agree. I miss the days of spending $30 on popsicles instead," I reminisce our teenage years coming together.

"Street pops it is," Anna decides and we get in line.

Waiting for my turn, I look around. I always see people I know from high school, my various summer jobs, and club sports. As I scan the crowd, I stop on one face I never thought I'd see wandering the general crowds in my home city: Sam Fender.

He was an artist that my ex-boyfriend and I used to listen to together but wasn't as popular in the states as he was in Europe. I guess that's why it's so easy for him to blend in here. After I struggled with the loss of my brother, his song 'dead boys' made me feel less alone in my confusion after the fact. I never thought he struggled with anything. I always thought my older brother was invincible, but I guess he hid his personal battles for years before it happened.

Without thinking, I stepped out of line and headed towards Sam.