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.