The 2012 Sound & Fury Fest is less than one month away.  Taking place July 20, 21 and 22 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA.  This year’s lineup will feature headliners and hardcore powerhouses Bane, Blacklisted, Comeback Kid, Earth Crisis, H2O, Terror, and Touche Amore, along with 50 other acts spanning three days from July 20 through 22, 2012.  Individual day passes are on sale now exclusively through festival presenter No Sleep Records and can be purchased at http://nosleepstore.com/product/845/sound-and-fury-festival-2012-ticket.\
But, what is Santa Barbara like?  We caught up with fest co-organizer Ray Harkins and made him answer our Stomping Grounds questions so that you’ll know before you head over there for three days of killer music.  He told us where to get some records, an ice cold root beer and more…
What’s your town’s nickname?
The American Riviera  
What’s your nickname for the town?
Drunk College Kids 
What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?
It would have to be seeing two fraternity guys fighting one moment and the next, completely passed out in their own vomit. 
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
State Street is the go to spot, great shopping and something for everyone down there. 
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Well, it would have to be ours as there aren’t any other festivals that really cater to independent music, although Ebullition Records is still located in Goleta (just outside SB) and has a great selection. 
What is the best time of year to be there?
It’s California and we don’t have weather so anytime of the year is fine. 
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
Oprah Winfrey has one of her many homes around here. 
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Since I myself am straight edge, I would have to say Bev Mo for the great root beer and selection. 
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Santa Barbara isn’t that type of town, no real punk rock-ness about it.
 
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
It’s long gone now but a placed called The Living Room or The Pickle Patch (essentially a living room with shows put on by the now famous DJ, Steve Aoki). One of the best shows I saw at The Pickle Patch was Botch in 1998 and The Living Room was Avail in 1997. 
What is your favorite local band?
Lagwagon, hands down. Although they have broken out of just this scene.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Pizza Guru, serves up a great vegan piece of pizza. 
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Morning Glory Music used to be the spot to go and I think I found a copy of Bloodlet’s Ethnogen on Red vinyl. 
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Santa Barbara Independent is the best spot for everything happening in the city. 
What is your favorite local shop?
Nothing I already haven’t mentioned. 
If you could have the fest anywhere else, where would that be?
Due to a recent amazing trip I took there, I’d have to say Gothenberg, Sweden.