NearFest Newbie Questions - please help

[KenSchwartz]

Hi everyone,

Well, it's time for me to put up or shut up (and I know most of you are hoping I just shut up).

Anyway, I've always thought that if any of these 'fests signed Eloy to play, then I would have no choice but to go. But I'm looking for a bit of info from those in the know...

1. With this being the last NearFest, in conjunction with the strength of the line-up (at least in my opinion), am I going to need to go the more expensive "patron" route in order to assured of tickets? Or do you feel that I'm very safe if I wait until the March 3rd date for tickets?

2. When do the festivities end on Sunday? I will have roughly a 4 hour drive, so I have to decide if I need to book a hotel thru Sunday, or if it ends early enough to drive back after it is over.

thanks in advance...

Ken