Over Memorial Day weekend I attended my first outdoor festival of the season. Mayfestiversary featured a performance by The Alright Maybes, one of my favorite local bands.

Hosted by Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery, celebrating its 10th anniversary, Mayfestiversary is in its ninth year. Admission donations benefit Friendship Center, which helps fight hunger in the community. Since 2018 enough money has been raised to buy 3.3 million meals. The goal was to reach 4 million over this weekend. By the size of the crowd, I think they accomplished that.

The two host breweries offered more than 40 beers. There were also 10 food trucks serving everything from breakfast through dinner to dessert.

The food was excellent, but our main draw was The Alright Maybes, who seemed to draw the biggest crowd among the 25 musical acts performing over the weekend. Fronted by Angie Reinhart, sister of Haley, The Alright Maybes delighted the crowd with 90 minutes of originals and covers. Drummer Julian Daniell took the lead more than usual, including for an Elvis Presley cover of “A Little Less Conversation.” On guitar, Luke Ray, husband of Angie, had a few amazing solos.

The day featured worlds colliding as two couple friends of mine met each other for the first time. It was also the first time Jason and Kim heard The Alright Maybes; they’re now two new fans.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster