Festivals come and festivals go. For one to really stick out, it has to be one radass festival. Buzz Beach Ball II definitely left an imprint on many people, not only for the extreme heat that began to bring people tumbling down, but also for the experience of new, explosive, and vivacious music that rocked the Midwest!

For some, it was the attraction of main stage performers such as 311, Dashboard Confessional and Yellowcard that drew them to the show. As for many others, they came to see the up-and-coming bands that are soon to hit the top charts, with due credit, such as Damone, 30 Seconds to Mars, Morningwood, Hawthorne Heights, Pepper, Matchbook Romance and Kill Hannah (who no one was really sure would play until they actually started). Every band that performed put 150% into their performance despite the heat and humidity. At times, though, these and other random acts of a higher power, tended to get to the band members. I applaud every band that stuck it out, made it through the set and filled themselves up afterwards with water and alcohol (probably not the best thing on this particular day).

The fans, the fans...Each and every fan deserves a high five! You made the festival a great experience by dancing, moshing and simply having a great time. I know that we were all thankful when we were graced with flying water, massive beach balls, water guns, condom balloons and cooling tents! Without the dedicated and loyal fans, this festival wouldn't have been as memorable as it was. Don't get me wrong though, the band members showed us a great time while playing their kick face music. The following are some performances that I would like to highlight from the festival:

30 Seconds to Mars is probably one of the greatest live bands I've seen to date. They get the crowd so into the music, that it eventually takes over your body and you find yourself slowly (or quickly) dancing to the music and next thing you know, you're moshing with the people around you. Something about their on-stage performance rocks your world! Maybe it's the flying vocals or catchy rifts, but whatever it is, 30 Seconds to Mars is doin' the damn thing!!

MorningWood (an uncomfortable band name to bring up during dinner time) gave an unforgettable performance to everyone within eyeshot. Chantel, lead vocalist, bounced up and down energetically to "Take off your clothes," which gave every man, woman, and child a flashback to Baywatch. Thanks Chantel (on behalf of every straight man and lesbian who attended the show)!!

You know that band that you always brag about seeing at a show that everyone missed? Well, Kill Hannah is one of those bands. They played for a select few at one of the many Buzz VIP tents and put on a hell of a performance. Personally, that was my first time seeing them live, and I was impressed with the way they reeled me in with their music and not with their looks. Now, don't get me wrong, their looks had to do with a little bit of my infatuation for their music, BUT they rocked out like the rock stars on main stage. Kudos to you, KillHannah , I expect great things from you in the future.

A major down-fall to festivals is not being able to catch every band you want to see due to some strange reason or another. Unfortunately, I couldn't catch all of Dashboard Confessional, but from what I understand, it was still a good performance over-all. Dashboard Confessional was not able to finish the full hour set due to the singer, Chris Carrabba, suffering from the flu (aka the thing you can never escape on tour). The fans were very forgiving and applauded Dashboard Confessional for at least making it through half the set.

Although Dashboard Confessional and 311 were considered co-headliners, 311 took the stage last. This band put on a blunt-smokin', reggae dancin' performance. From the very first drum beat, the crowd fell into the arms of 311 . Relinquishing their heavy notes of life and drugs, 311 made its way through the night supremely! Something I would like to highlight during their performace, was the bongo beat solo. It captured the crowd and had everyone on their feet from beginning to end. To sum up their performance in word: Chill.