40 bands, 4 stages, VexFest is under way

YOUNGSTOWN – It's been four years, but it's the same show.

VexFest IV has started downtown, with forty bands taking to the four stages. Some of the bands are familiar names — Via Sahara, Tilt 360, Asleep and Manifold Stud. Others are newer to the scene, like Haven and the Radio Backups.

Hundreds of people are gathered for the outdoor event, in one of the the most mixed audiences in recent history, in all categories. The excitement is building as the crowd walks from outdoor stage to outdoor stage.

The sun is warm, but a cool breeze and shade from the downtown buildings keeps the event bearable.

Not all of the bands are great — or even worth watching, but the great planning allows you to rotate stages and see great bands all day. (Skipping over some is recommended, but some of the newer bands have also played great sets so far.)

Sadly, local band Finding Mike Vagas played their last set in the first time slot today. It follows the last performance of DimStarShining last night at Cedar's.

Band members say they had different images for the advancement of the band, and will pursue different musical opportunities.

Best bets for the rest of the day include, Aura acoustic set at 4 p.m., Lucky Penny's performance with a live band at 10:50 p.m., Lady Fantastic's return to the local scene at 5:10 p.m. and Asleep's headlining performance at midnight.

For full VexFest coverage see Valley24.com