The day's headliner Helmet sent out guitar and drum technicians for roughly an hour's worth of tuning and sound-checking. The heavy metal songs that followed once the band got on stage were so technical and precise, the preparation seemed justified.

I talked to Stefan Schachtell, one of Georgetown Music Fest's promoters, and he estimated 800 people showed up today. It looked like at least 400 stayed for Helmet, and they all knew what they were getting into. Guys in their thirties slammed into each other near the stage, grimacing while fiercely shaking their heads. Helmet pounded out pulverizing jams and the crowd reacted like they'd been waiting for it forever.

Then everybody ate BBQ from the guy selling hot links and ribs outside the Fest's gates. Horror of horrors, he'd run out of ribs, so everybody ate the links. They went fast and the BBQ master vowed to return tomorrow with more ribs "for his people."

Oh, and I talked to the girl from Megasapien and told her she sounded like Sunny Day Real Estate. She said it was a compliment, and she was right.

Best part of today? The weather, which was cool but not cold as Helmet wrapped things up. Second best part? Cancer Rising.

More Georgetown tomorrow!