ah, ok, yeah, i know what you mean. I guess a lot of the stuff I listen to is fairly mainstream if you're using that definition (classic rock and the like), but then again, I can't see too much of the mainstream liking, say, vinnie moore, eric johnson or guthrie govan (when he's not playing with mr rascal) either. I just like the stuff I like, and just because a mainstream audience might like it too, it doesn't make it any less valid (not that that's what you're saying, just pointing it out).
regarding the bands you mentioned at those festivals, i think i might have heard of vader. :lol: