I've been going to ProgPower USA from the beginning. Before that, I was attending the Powermad fest in Baltimore (I made it to the last three). The first time I went to Powermad, I seriously underestimated my funds, lived off of two very small meals for the entire weekend, and came back home with 75 cents in my pocket. I told that story to say this: no matter what my financial situation, I will support metal to the fullest of my ability. That's one of the reasons why I support ProgPower. In addition, the show gives me the opportunity to see bands I would never/rarely get to see in a live setting, not to mention a truly professional live setting. If I don't already know the bands that are playing each year, I'm turned onto something new. Also, I get the chance to meet the musicians who make the music that gets me through my daily routine, makes me think, and/or makes me connect with a particular feeling or period of my life. Finally, the show is a means of meeting like-minded music fans who listen to what lies beyond what the corporate media attempts to shove into their ears. For these reasons, the show is priceless to me. You simply can't get all of these benefits from any other music festival in this country. I think that covers it.
Stay metal. Never rust.
Met-Al