With the mass of DIY touring bands that come through Kalamazoo, it’s easy to get a sense of jaded on the “same old same old.” While I would personally boast that the musical experiences available in Kalamazoo from week to week are highly varied and innumerable, it’s not hard to find yourself wondering, from time to time, if you’re actually up for another show.

If you’re looking to break up the monotony, but still enjoy DIY art, look no further! Eric Ayotte (of Plan-It-X Records association, and long time pal of our little city) is stopping in with his traveling film fest, The Gadabout Film Fest.

The Gadabout is a collection of short films from all over the world, ranging in style, and submitted by anyone willing to throw themselves into the mix. Every year a theme for the fest is picked, and a line up fitting that theme goes on tour, just as a DIY touring band would. So we’ve got amateur artists, showcasing their art for cheap all over!

As an example of what has previously been featured (but wont be this time around, so I’m not ruining any of it for you) is this sort documentary about an avid pinball fanatic

This year’s program is SPEECHLESS, showcasing several short films featuring zero dialog.

Opening the night at 8:00 will be Eric Ayotte himself, who is a seasoned folk musician, and one of my absolute personal favorites.

We’re kicking off this thing at 8:00 at the Vine Neighborhood Association. Please bring donation just like any other show or what have you (5 encouraged but not required). Respect the venue, the folks who traveled here and set it up, and your fellow film viewers. Be kind, rewind.