We resisted writing about this because we'll be out of town and therefore unable to experience its awesomeness. Then we got over ourselves. Next week is the first annual POPPED! Festival, which runs from Monday, April 9 to Sunday, April 15. Our earlier allusion to your hymen comes from the fact that as much as you try to be in the know, you may not be as familiar with some of the bands as you'd like. Never fear, XPN is here. (Never thought we'd write that.) We've seen coverage about it on other media outlets, but we like this page because we can listen to mp3s from some of the bands, watch videos, and click links for prime MySpace stalking. If we were in town we'd turn on and tune in to Pattern is Movement, Dr. Dog, and Golden Ball, at a minimum.

The organizers have thought of everything. Good bands, great venues, and even a volunteer program for people who want the experience, but whose pockets are emptier than a dancefloor hook up. Speaking of, Making Time is hosting the official POPPED! after party next Saturday night.

So while we're whoring it up in Vegas, hoping that the slogan is true and our bad behavior really does stay there, support your local artists. Because there's nothing better than falling in love with a new band. Except, perhaps, effing the guitarist. But starfucking is so last year.

POPPED! Festival
April 9-15, 2007
Various venues
Tickets here