Once again the theme of keeping the festival green flowed through the area with many stationed recycling centers as well as informational areas on alternative energies. There was even an air conditioned dome in the canter of the race track that was fueled from bio-diesel. After roaming the groups we decided we should do what we came there for, check out the bands.
Cat Power and KT Tunstall were the first two acts we checked out. Cat Power seemed a little too mellow for me on the North Stage even though she (aka Chan Marshall) had gripping vocals. I headed to the South Stage where KT Tunstall was already jamming out to a nice sized crowd. I was more impressed with KT Tunstall as she was up there on stage just having fun, singing, and smiling. Her voice reminded me of Melissa Etheridge and as she strummed away at her guitar I thought to myself how right her music was for this outdoor festival.
After a rather calm beginning, I was happy to finally get a little excitement courtesy of punk rock gypsies Gogol Bordello. Their set was full of signing and dancing and even a red bucket solo. Violins and accordions accompanied the normal band set up with a lead singing who had a sweeter mustache than Borat.
I also got a kick out of the Spanish MC going insane on the crowd as well as the two female helpers who cam out a couple times to scream bloody murder into the mics. It was nice to see these guys be a part of this festival as they are truly unique and by the smiles I saw around me it was a perfect act to have on board.
Lupe Fiasco really came off to me as still a novice or perhaps just a little immature. During his performance his microphone kept cutting in and out causing him to become a little upset. Jokingly he asked for a mic with a cord while the sound techs tried to remedy the problem, but instead was stuck handling an out of order electronic device. Once the sound was fully restored and a little solo entertainment, he started saying how this would be the last time he would ever come here (referring to Virgin Fest), and kept his back to the crowd to tell his DJ how he didn’t want to be here (Baltimore). Even though most of the festival goers took time out of their day to see him and crowded all around the South Stage, he bailed out fifteen minutes early leaving many with a bad impression
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
Wasn't STP there?
2 - Sandra Possing
I have to say, I was very impressed with the green aspect of the festival as well. Hopefully all festivals in the future will follow this example and build on it.