On the Eve of the Festival there are only 5 open Midpoint slots on the showcase schedule. That isn’t too bad for over 240 spaces. I know in years past, local groups filled in the slots. Some years some artists took up a second slot at a bigger venue, especially those who played at 9PM, when the crowds are the thinest.
It will be interesting hearing the stories of bands that just don’t show up. When the van breaks down just North of Columbus and they don’t have the bread to make it to the show…the song just writes itself.