I’m Dan and I have coordinated our biggest annual festival HASSLE FEST for the past four years. This year’s fest (#9!!!) is fast approaching, and even as I type this, I’m not quite sure how we’ve managed to pull this off. If for nothing else, BRAIN Arts/Boston Hassle is known for bringing you the wildest, weirdest and most awesome performers that can be found on this planet. The lineup this year is packed with heavy-hitters, including DAN DEACON and PERE UBU. Yeah, you read that right. DEACON. AND. UBU. Xiu Xiu, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Obnox…oh yeah, and ONO will be returning this year too. For local representation, the awe-inspiring dance moves of Ed Balloon, hip-hop stylings of Solo Sexxx, and the garage rockness of Nice Guys are just some of the talent that has been assembled for your listening pleasure this year. Not to mention there will be an immersive art installation by top local psychedelic projection artist Chris Konopka. We are psyched.

As always, this amazing/audacious/anxiety provoking artistic marvel would never happen if it weren’t for the incredible work done by our dedicated team of volunteers. Organizing and executing an event of this size is no easy task, and I am forever grateful for every single person who has contributed to this cause.

See you all at ONCE Ballroom in Somerville on November 10 & 11. We’re going to have a hell of a party.

—Dan M.