Sunbear of WeWoreMasks recaps the local extravaganza this hot, humid, music filled weekend. Thanks, Sunbear!
photo credit: greeneyeri
The second annual Free Press Summerfest music festival descended upon Eleanor Tinsley Park this past weekend, at nearly double the size of the inaugural run last year, proving that yes, Houston is a city that cares about and loves its music. Our neighbors, Austin boasts the smug motto of being the “Live Music Capital of the World” and though that isn’t without merit, Houston has simply had it with being overlooked, not only as a tour stop for major acts, but for its diverse local talent. Summerfest is the marriage of those very ideas: that our local bands can play alongside the best of the best, with acts ranging from our own darling Wild Moccasins, to the extravagant Flaming Lips whose presence hasn’t been felt by Houston in 10 years. The musical diversity was palpable: everything from the southern twang of Tennessee’s Lucero, to the eloquent indie pop of Canada’s Stars, to southern rappers Slim Thug and Bun B representing Houston’s burgeoning rap scene. And the bears were there to witness its greatness.
We’re packing up and heading to the Bayou City once again for the 2nd Annual Free Press Summerfest. This year’s headliners include: The Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, Bun B, Ra Ra Riot, and many more local natives trying to breakout at Houston’s sophomore shindig over the two sunny days.
I’m going to go ahead and assume the Summerfest planning committee addressed some of the premiere issue they encountered last year, given their obvious success and impending increase in attendance. Let’s just hope Eleanor Tinsley Park can withstand the full force of The Flaming Lips, though I suspect Wayne & co. will be giving a tame dose of their psychedelic pandemonium.
Check out some photos from last year’s kickoff.
Hope to see y’all there. Cheers!
(Yes, this means you Houston friends.)
Guest writer Stephanie C. recants her tales from Saturday.
I had my doubts, after all it is Dallas. And still, my natural inclination is to be a Dallas hater and complain and write about the few things that would help what is hopefully the first annual Homegrown Festival grow into its own for years to come. But, dammit…we had fun. It was cool, cool for Dallas at least. Read More
Lakewood, arguably the most neighborly neighborhood in East Dallas, presented the city with a local festival this past Saturday on what turned out to be a fantastically sunny afternoon (no thanks to the weather forecasts). Though expectations were low, Lakewoodstock attendance was relatively high, providing nearby residents with an unorthodox day activity for the kids and kinfolk. Read More
Austin group The Laughing sweep into town today with a nighttime gig at The Cavern on Lower Greenville
Read More
MeVersus is heading East to sister-state Louisiana for a Cajun-style monster mash this Halloween. Goblins and ghouls will be accompanied by the likes of Justice, K’Naan, and The Flaming Lips at this year’s Voodoo Experience 2009. Get dressed, get tickets, and get funky!
As our departure approaches, MeVs is gathering last minute materials in preparation for upcoming Monolith Festival. Self-certified veterans of the festival circuit now, we wanted to bestow some words of wisdom/caution to all the festival newbies out there planning on trekking north to Monolith or even those attending the oh-so-awesome Austin City Limits in our backyard in October. Read More
A healthy mixture of both excitement and anticipation are conjuring here at MeVs HQ for upcoming extravaganza Monolith Festival September 12-13 at nearby Red Rocks Amphitheater – arguably the best live music venue in America. Here’s a little look ahead at what’s in store: Read More
No one in the crowd thought twice about enduring the dusty winds at the annual Hot Sauce Festival in Austin, Texas this weekend. Though temperatures were predictably high, the city still turned out to participate in the long-lined taste tests of Lone Star culinary fame. Read More
My first impressions of Austin as an incoming freshman back in 200_ were forever scorched in my mind with the introduction of the Austin Chronicle “Hot Sauce Festival”. Free admission with upwards of 15,000 spectators and more than 350 entries every year, this iconic end-of-summer festival is a must for locals and or any newbies to Austin looking to expand demolish their prepubescent taste buds. Read More
