Houston, after so many false starts, just might have a decent outdoor festival to call its own.
Fat Tony's freewheeling flow, an early high.Sure, the Free Press Summer Fest was hot and sweaty and filled with hipsters in ridiculous outfits with messy hair. But it was also a vibrant showcase for some of Houston's best acts and beyond.
My time was cut short because of tonight's Green Day show (look for that later tonight), but I caught several solid sets. Hilary Sloan -- brilliant solo act, go-to gal for many of the city's most creative outfits -- sported a nifty hat and violin during set with I Am Mesmer and Ryan Scroggins and the Trenchtown Texans. Scroggins warned of media evils during the twangy Devil Box (as I took notes on my iPhone).
Los Skarnales continues to prove why its one of the city's best live acts. Frontman Felipe Galvan brought energy and charisma that riled the crowd up into a dusty moshpit. White folks tried to cumbia, and my secret wish is now to be part of the band.
Nerdtastic guitar heroes the Young Mammals sported matching mini-fros during a reverb-heavy set. Most awesome? They're not afraid to smile onstage.
Fat Tony was an early standout, giving props to the Beach Boys and urging fans to "buy my shit!" via rhyme. He has the face and flourish of a true star. H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spit District) also offered moments of polished hip-hop spirit.
I wasn't quite as impressed with the endlessly hyped B L A C K I E, whose aggressive stance consisted of repetitive lyrics and pointless cursing. I have no problems with either, if they're used to build to something greater. But all I got was a lot of noise and not much impact.
The big stuff -- Explosions in the Sky, Broken Social Scene -- was still to come. But I felt satisfied.
My first impression...completely disorganized at the gates. I know it's the first year and all, but there are festivals all around the world to learn from. There's no excuse for making people wait in line for an hour as a penalty for buying their tickets early online. I got the Fancy Pants Pass and so far it seems like the sucker pass. I paid five times as much as everyone else and no one can tell me how to get my supposedly included drink and food tickets. Thank God for the tent and good bands. If not for these, I'd call this a hot steamy mess...
Broken Social Scene did more than just play a great set... they stopped after a few minutes to break up a fight and then finished their great set. Something you missed by going to George Straight... ugh, Green Day.
I too was suckered by the Fancy Pants tickets, paying 5x more for 4 drink tickets! Where was the private bar (that took the coupons we were given)? Where were the private RESTROOMS? Waiting in lines forever just to get IN to the freaking show?! BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE ONLY BEING GIVEN AN HOUR FOR THEIR SET (it takes them that long to just get warmed up)?!
I waited in the Will Call line for close to 30 minutes (yes, I CUT the line) only to get to the front of the line and see there was an A-L line and an M-Z line -- does it make sense that they might just screw the lists and have one fucking line?!
Sure, it's the first year, but come on! I've been to riots that were better organized!! This festival can't even be called second rate -- it's EMBARRASSING!
I am also a fancy pants pass holder and I waited in that line. Yeah, it sucked, particularly after being let in and being told I had to go back outside to get my vouchers and wrist band (waited 1+ hour and missed The Sword). However, in FPH Houston's defense, most of the people in line seemed to be able to recall the first ACL, which was one big clusterfuck. They ran out of water, long lines to get in (though not as bad as Summerfest) and a general disorganization. I've got faith the FPH will get their act together for next year.
Day 1:
The Bad: The enterance lines were completely disorganized. The lines weren't properly labeled so I too was in the wrong line for 30 mins till someone pointed me to the correct line (where I waited an additional hour despite buying my online tickets early). Also making people buy food & drink coupons is really unnecessary and a huge waste of time. There should have been more places to buy food. And they needed better security and crowd control.
The Good: Great lineup, Great sound & Free vitamin water. I appreciate the work Omar and the FPH staff did, they just need to better mangage some things. And It sounds like theyre doing well today (Sunday) despite the rain.
i agree with all the above comments...lines were ridiculous....having to wait to get coupons for 30 minutes and then another 30 for some lame burgers? nuh-uh, not good. great music thought :D
p.s. is there a better side of the hill to have this summerfest at? it was sooo steep and people kept slipping! it was crazy
Sure we can complain, but those first year hiccups are inevitable. I feel confident that the organizers will address them.
I loved the great young Houston bands, like Wild Moccassins and Young Mammals, but what a surprise Roky Moon and Bolt was! They need some love, because they are fantastic! I had never heard of them and they blew me away. Also loved the indie-hyped UME and the groove of The Southern Backtones.
Sure there were failures. I've been to nearly every major US music festival and there always are some. Let's hope the FPH guys took good notes and this becomes a successful and annual event (hopefully a little closer to the Fall, Omar!).
I think its a great thing for Houston. Looks like most people had a good time - despite the lines, food and water issues.
Not sure if this is true, but heard the organizers were offering Fancy Pants refunds. Might want to look into that.
Finally, I want to give a huge BRAVO to the amazing local talent that in my opinion carried this festival. I felt the headliners were pretty much scenery and pray that the folks that came out to see them at least took the opportunity to find and appreciate a local band that they didnt already know. I sure did (my list is too long to type out here). BRAVO! Keep up the good work.
As a follow-up to my initial post, I must admit the line into the park on Day 2 was virtually non-existent. I don't know if that's because people waited until later in the day to show up due to the rain or if the organizers made some changes. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and attribute it to the latter. I also managed to get my food and drink tickets that I was unable to obtain on Day 1 due to the lines. With a one gallon jug of water in tow, I stayed hydrated and enjoyed Prince Paul, Voxtrot, Buxton, and Of Montreal.
The privileges of the Fancy Pants pass were lost on Day 2 as the cooling tent appeared to be open to everyone. I'll definitely go general admission next year unless they do a better job with the perks associated with the other passes. And I second the comments about having it in the winter. Winter Fest!
Post new comment