We've heard from some great bands. We've heard some wild stories. Now let's hear it for the fans, businesses, and organizations that have made the 8th running of the MidPoint Music Festival a success.

Cincinnati is blessed with one of the best music scenes in the nation. Yeah, we can point to Esquire *listing us in the top ten cities that rock or *Spin *dubbing us "Rock City," but what it really comes down to is people showing up and making it happen. Cincinnati...you did that*.

From the conception of rock 'n' roll in 50s and 60s, the great soul of the 70s, dance and metal in the 80s, and the raw grunge of the 90s, Cincinnati has always represented itself as a music town. Today is no different.

More than 260 bands played at the festival in 2009. Many of those were local. The rest wanted to play here. In fact, the festival had more than 1,000 bands and artists apply to showcase at MidPoint. They want to play...in Cincinnati...because of it's people.

More than 15,000 fans showed up to support the music. More than 2,800 of those fans rode in Scion Streetcars to get around town. Twenty one venues opened their doors to offer showcases. Fifteen organizations partnered with us along the way. Sixteen businesses sponsored the festival to provide essential operating cash, services, and assistance. And countless other blogs, radio and TV stations, and newspapers spread the word about this year's festival.

Yes you, the people of Cincinnati, made it happen. You all rock.

Our Downtown and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods were teeming with activity. Streets were full. Businesses were busy. Life was good.