If you’re looking for vital info regarding this weekend’s March Madness Music Fest, the other major Dallas publications have their own handy FAQs. For instance, the DMN has this very useful list of everything you need to know, though I’m hard pressed to admit that since I’m still a little annoyed at them for retiring the Pegasus News event calendar.
The Dallas Observer also has a thorough guide, and I’m really impressed by the ability of my peers to offer such helpful hints so concisely. But I know a few questions remain regarding the massive 3-day event, and so I’ve done my best to address them:
What is Reunion Park?
It’s the burial ground near the remains of Reunion Arena. One of the great things about Dallas is that we will call anything a “park.” A highway overpass? No, that’s a park. A big gray plot of land by a torn-down arena? Looks like a park to me.
Did Reunion Park exist before this weekend?
No. I dare you to find publicly accessible evidence of its existence before this festival was announced. But again, hats off for the instant park.
Is it really on “Sports Street?” That’s a little too convenient.
Yes.
Did Sports Street exist before this weekend?
Actually, Reunion Arena was on 777 Sports Street, so that checks out. My age prevents me from any recollection of being there much besides a 123-119 loss to the Golden State Warriors in January of 1990. That still kind of stings for some reason.
Festival Organizers stated that I can’t bring my bike into the festival. What should I do?
Bicycles are great and all, but why are they always such an issue when I’m discussing music festivals? Lock it up somewhere somewhat far, and walk the rest of the way. Try Union Station.
Did the country singer who’s opening the Final Four Music Fest really go to SMU?
Yes, that would be Jack Ingram. His roommate apparently taught him how to play music, and he used to perform at Adair’s.
What are the four songs that Springsteen is least likely to play?
I’m throwing this to Brad Pearson, who I consider an expert, at least karaoke-wise. He gave me his least-likely-to-be-played favorites:
5. I’m On Fire
4. It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City
3. I’m Goin’ Down
2. Growin’ Up
1. Atlantic City
Is The Boss still cool?
Though it seems obvious to stick it to any aging classic rocker whose best days are likely behind him, I just can’t do it to Bruce. I have found him to often be misunderstood, especially by his own supporters. His lyrics were often subversive nods to the left, while being appropriated by many who missed the message, including President Reagan, quite famously.
Did Springsteen really cover a song by the very strange, pioneering New York punk band, Suicide?
Yes.
Does that factor into your decision to defend him whenever snobby music geeks rip on him?
Of course.
Now that we have heard the upside, does March Madness Music Fest really have an issue with a lack of diversity?
I didn’t think so until they added LL Cool J at the last minute. That struck me as odd. To have a hip hop act performing at 1:30 in the afternoon has never struck me as optimal, but I suppose that’s what happens with a festival. Especially such a late addition. Plus, LL is so squeaky clean. He’s more of a television star than a rapper at this point. I was listening to Yeezus the other day, and my mom asked if it was LL Cool J. I think that says it all.
So armed with all of this info, should I still go?
Yes. This will be a historical feather in the city’s cap, and a likely spectacle besides. It’s a rare opportunity for Dallas to have an event of this magnitude, even if we get the music fest and not the actual tournament. I can live with that.
