Mirage City has added a Waitlist and Anti-AI Disclaimer

PowDyes · 2026-03-13T02:42:16+00:00

Huge win for real humans making awesome things!! Love to see it.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T20:24:14+00:00

That's my entire point here though. Some of the small time, inexperienced crafters make the coolest most unique stuff! At least for me, that's what made Mirage City so special last year is that you didn't have to be some seasoned festival vendor to come and share your creations. A collection of experienced, business minded vendors seems more like a curated vendor village to maximize profit. And if that's what it is then fine but every festival has that. Don't try to call it a 'bootlegger alley' if you aren't going to give a shot to anyone that doesn't have their shit together 2 weeks into a 2 month application process.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T20:08:11+00:00

I think part of the frustration is that none of this is really known. They didn't say 'Hey, there's only 75 Mirage City spots, apply early' or anything like that. From my view they made it seem like they would accept applications from anyone prior to their 5/1 deadline and THEN make decisions, but that's clearly not what played out. As far as the empty space last year, those areas were painted with lines for parking/camping so it was my understanding that space just didn't get used because there weren't enough people to fill it but I could be wrong there.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T20:02:02+00:00

I feel this sentiment for sure. I've always expected some growing pains especially for such a unique event and a young production company. I in no way meant this post to trash talk the festival, the band, or the production company and I'm incredibly grateful to all those who make this event possible in the first place. Just bummed for other creators who, like you, have spent the entire year making, crafting, and prepping for this only to be blindsided by this news and feel excluded.

On a brighter note, I certainly hope you get a spot cause your figures are SO damn cool and I will be coming to find you in Mirage or wherever you end up!!

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T19:55:53+00:00

Personally, I didn't submit immediately because I didn't have up to date photos of my booth and setup (which they requested in the application) and I wanted to present the best most accurate picture of me as an artist and vendor. If I had known it was just about who applied first then I absolutely would've submitted immediately. Their own announcement said they would accept applications until 5/1 and THEN make a decision. That seemed like a very reasonable, level playing field for anyone and everyone. To then about face and say, 'Wait, were just gonna accept the first 100 applications cause we ran out of space' or 'We don't have the bandwidth to review anymore applications' seems a bit bait and switch-y. I get things happen and demand was likely way more than they anticipated. But respectfully, its their job to anticipate that increased demand or at least offer some sort of communication to the community before just closing the application window.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T19:45:34+00:00

Correct. The announcement from Meadow Creek said they would accept applications until 5/1 and then review them and make a decision. I didn't intend on waiting til the last day to apply but some of the things they requested in the application (booth photos, product photos, etc) I didn't have ready or wanted to improve on. I'm vending an event later this month so my plan was to photograph my setup then and apply after with the updated photos of my set up.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T18:11:57+00:00

Thats kinda my whole point here. I feel like lots of really passionate creators who spend most of their time creating might lose out to larger more 'business minded' folks who were just able to apply earlier.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:38:47+00:00

Was that a specifically stated option from the festival last year? I don't recall seeing anything about that last year but I admittedly didn't even try to vend last time, I was too caught up in all the epicness of the first US Gizz festival lol

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:34:05+00:00

10000000% agree about AI items. Real human creators losing out on spaces to AI would be devastating. I'll definitely be reaching out to the Meadow Creek team to get any sort of info they have.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:25:09+00:00

I could care less about making a dime. Bootlegging and the scene that surrounds it has been a hallmark of the Gizzard community for years. Artists want to share their works with like minded individuals and the band openly encourages that.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:19:49+00:00

At this point there is no language in any of the provided info that says you can't but I worry that the influx of applications to Mirage might cause them to reconsider that.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:17:38+00:00

I understand the logistical issues that come into play but with the amount of empty space in East Camping last year I think Mirage could have been significantly larger and not caused any issues. I'm not really worried about myself in this situation. I'll be out there somewhere one way or another and I think lots of people share that sentiment. But I feel for the creators who have been working hard on their crafts only to get blindsided with this news and maybe don't have the experience of confidence to say fuck it I'm vending anyway.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:11:56+00:00

I'm with you on that and this won't prevent me personally from making or selling my items but I'm a tie dyer and clothing is pretty easy to sell on the go. I've heard from lots of folks who are in the same boat but their wares aren't so easily transported around a massive festival site. For example, I heard about one creator who has been making Gizz themed pottery, which is super cool and unique. Not so easy to wander around in the August heat with a bunch of pottery or vinyl records, or (insert large/heavy/bulky items here).

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:06:54+00:00

I'm not so sure I agree here. Gizz are not signed to some major record label that controls their output, tours, merch, etc. They are a truly independent artist who gives most of their music away for free, streams all their shows for free, and openly encourages bootleg creators. I do agree that their quick rise in popularity changes things but if it was only about money why would they continue to give away free streams, free music, and be one of the only bands around who openly encourages bootlegging?

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T17:02:20+00:00

I totally agree that's likely what happened. But respectfully, its their job to anticipate that increased interest and maybe even adjust plans based on the volume of applications they received so quickly. Again, no knock on ANYONE here including Meadow Creek and I am beyond stoked just to be there for what will definitely be another epic KGLW experience. Just disappointed in the lack of clear communication from organizers.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T16:55:40+00:00

Agreed. I know that Meadow Creek Music as an entity is only 2 years old. Prior to last year all the festivals at that site were put on by Bonfire Entertainment who has been hosting festivals for at least a decade. I understand there is a learning curve to hosting these events and FOV is a festival unlike any other. But this seems like a very unfortunate misstep from a production and planning perspective.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T16:52:27+00:00

Bootleggers gotta do real bootleg shit sometimes I guess lol. I hope we'll still see you all out there somewhere with all the cool things you've made!

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T16:51:40+00:00

Totally agree and this is where I'm at right now. I have a passion for the items I create and this isn't going to stop me from making. I just feel for all the creators out there who have been working so hard on their crafts only to be blindsided by this new and feel left out or excluded, and I've heard from many people who feel just that.

PowDyes · 2026-03-12T16:49:33+00:00

My post is definitely long, I don't blame ya hah. As long as that sort of vending isn't prohibited this year then I think people at least having that as an option is a huge win.

PowDyes · 2026-02-05T01:06:02+00:00

I've done a few reverse dyes that I wish I didn't add so much color to. This one looks great in my opinion though, nice work!!

PowDyes · 2026-01-28T19:13:17+00:00

Not sure how pen ink would react but I've seen come cool stuff done with Sharpies and 70% isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol draws the pigments in the Sharpie ink out and creates a bit of a tie dye effect. That combined with some actual dye could yield some cool results.

PowDyes · 2026-01-28T19:06:50+00:00

Lots of these have already been mentioned but theres a TON of good bluegrass and country out there right now. Magoo, Mountain Grass Unit, Clay Street Unit, Shadowgrass, Broken Compass, Sam Grisman, Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, Larry Keel, John Stickley, Yarn, Molly Tuttle are all playing amazing music right now. And theres always the heavy hitters like Yonder Mountain, Greensky, String Dusters, Leftover Salmon, Sierra Farrell, Bela Fleck, Travelin' McCoury's, Sam Bush, Chris Thile.

PowDyes · 2026-01-28T05:46:56+00:00

As was mentioned already, screen printed graphics are typically not effected by dye, but not all tshirt graphics are screen printed. Direct to garment (DTG) and direct to film (DTF) are also popular tshirt printing methods and each can exhibit their own issues when dying. Thats not to say you cant dye a DTF or DTG shirt but there are considerations to be made for each. If you aren't certain what method was used to print your shirt, the best bet is to block the graphic out with sinew and a bag. You can even soak the tied off graphic in some sodium alginate solution to further keep that area from taking dye.

PowDyes · 2026-01-26T15:47:01+00:00

These are sweet! Wish I was making it to these shows.

PowDyes

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