The thing is, though, I've got to be in Atlanta that week up until Friday the 20th. I've got to be in a conference for my work that week, and I have to be there until at least noon Friday. So if I go I will not be leaving until at least 12:30 or 1. However, I have just figured the mileage and based on an average speed of 80 mph, leaving at 1pm, I think I could make it to the fest by about 10:30 pm ... which means I'd be in time to see Vital Remains. (They go on at about 11:45) **Edit: I just remembered that CIM is in Central time zone, so it'd be an hour earlier there -- I might even make by 8:30 or 9.
The downside is I'd probably have to get a 2-day pass if I wanted to see VR, and I'd be missing some really cool bands earlier that day. On the other hand, I could skip that night and just get the 1-day pass for Saturday.
Either way, it'd help if someone wanted to ride along and split the gas money. This would really make up for a lot of shows I've missed this year. And I'm really ready for a road trip by now.
Here is the CIM website in case you want to check out the lineup:
http://www.centralillinoismetalfest.com/
