Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce bands coming to town to play this year’s first-ever MidWest Friends Fest. Taking place on August 31 at The Southgate House Revival, MidWest Friends Fest features 21 local, regional, and national acts on all 3 stages, as well as a local artist and community partner showcase taking place the first half of the day.
 
 Today, we are excited to introduce you to Camping In Alaska! Camping in Alaska is a post-emo band based in Huntsville, Alabama comprised of Austin Davis and Jacob Stewart.
 
For those who have not gotten hip to Camping In Alaska yet, can you introduce yourselves and tell us what you’re all about?
 Jacob Hill: We are Camping in Alaska, we're a rock band from Alabama. We've been playing together for a while now and we like it. Some people have called us emo but that's dead wrong.

You are no strangers to the road, what is the best part about touring? What advice can you give local bands in Cincinnati about getting out there on the road?
  Austin: We didn't start touring until last year, and I don't think that we could afford to do it if it weren't for everyone that comes to our shows. We have lives and jobs and kids and shit like everyone else ya know, so thank you for coming to a show and getting something at the merch table! I'd say start with some weekend runs and see what happens, you never know.

Can you tell our readers how you got involved with MidWest Friends Fest, and what you’re most looking forward to?
 Austin: Conor Alan we think. Love you buddy!
 Jacob: We always enjoy playing our songs for people.

Have you been to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky before? What are you excited about doing or seeing while you’re in the area?
 Austin: We're excited to see jommeez!! We love love him so much and you probably wouldn't know about us if he hadn't put please be nice on YouTube. We played at DSGN Collective last October, which was super fun, so we're excited to return.

Is there anything else you would like to add or mention?
 Jacob: Well, we've got a new album coming out soonish. The longest one we've ever done, 13 songs. Some of the songs are like seven years old. Some of them are okay, some of them shouldn't exist. And.. uh.. [REDACTED].
 Austin: Have you heard that song that goes "shoot up or shut up" by Dead Milkmen? Life really is beautiful.

 
Find out more about Camping In Alaska on the MidWest Friends Fest website, where you can also stream music from all 21 bands, follow along on social media, and purchase tickets to the event. If Facebook is more your speed, check out the event page and be sure to RSVP to let your friends know you’re ready to have some fun.

Check out the stage lineups and set times below - we’ll see you at the fest!