Why I love music festivals
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I am currently processing all the photos I took at this past weekends, Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, NJ and it was a total blast. Sat night's headliner was the first Pearl Jam concert in 3 years and last night Smashing Pumpkins closed out the festival That, in of itself, makes for a memorable weekend but that's not the thing I love. It's always finding a few acts that blow me away that weren't on my radar before.
The top 2 from this festival were Reignwolf and Orville Peck. Reignwolf was every bit as good and intense as the first Clash show I saw. They killed like few acts can. The second one, Orville Peck, was a surprise too. I knew the name, but hadn't investigated at all. The first thing you notice that he ALWAYS wears a tasseled mask in character, on stage and off. The second is he writes some damn fine country songs and performs the hell out of them with his excellent band.
I will post a few photos of the various acts over the next few days (got to get them to clients first). Not a bad way to spend a glorious weather weekend on the beach in New Jersey. Not at all.
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Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Vann Kliburn
(No subject)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
Good business if your a drug
Good business if your a drug dealer.
^ And I'd hate to see them if they were drinking Heavy!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
I've got to say that Sea.Hear
I've got to say that Sea.Hear.Now didn't have the excesses you see at many festivals. Over 50 some hours all over the festival grounds and surrounding area, I did not see anyone slinging anything except a few spare wristbands and some of the limited edition merch. There was exactly 1 person who over imbibed alcohol that medical had to deal with. Plenty of cannibis use with no hassles. The cops had a "I don't see anything" vibe from beginning to end. Being on the beach in September in NJ is always just about perfection temperature wise, so the setting lent itself to general good feelings and good time.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
Thank God it wasn't held in
Thank God it wasn't held in Pt. UnPleasant!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: GDTRFB
...or here:
...or here:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/preston-police-multiple-drug-arrests-11170007...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
I've tried and tried but they
I've tried and tried but they just aren't for me. I want to go to a show where everybody there wants to see the band that is playing. That's what makes it interesting for me. The audience - band energy.
Festivals are great parties, but at any given time half the audience has no interest in the band that is playing, and for the first three songs people are moving in, and then the last three songs people are moving out and the fans of the next band are moving in. Getting people to STFU is hard enough when everyone there wants to see the band at festivals it's not even an option.
That said I've seen some good performances that I would other wise never see, but the it doesn't make up for the rest of it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
I can barely tolerate an
I can barely tolerate an opening act anymore
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High
Yep. Promoters add openers to
Yep. Promoters add openers to attract more fans but they generally tend to drive me away.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
I find the above comments
I find the above comments about not wanting opening acts or going to see acts they have never seen interesting because I have always thrived on seeing something new to me. Different strokes, I guess.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
First photo from the Sea.Hear
First photo from the Sea.Hear.Now Festival is of one of my favorite artists of all time, Patti Smith
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Yes that used to be the case
Yes that used to be the case but these days I'd prefer to just go see an act and then head home. It may even be a new band or something I haven't seen before so I get that but I paid to see a full show by them...An opening act usually just pushes back the starting time for who I actually paid to see and in the curfew world shortens the amount of stage time they have. Take the recent four Zappa/crimson shows I saw: great opening act but....the one show that didn't feature them(Albany) had 2 solid sets of crims (3 hrs). the others, one set of about 1.5 hrs. If I could pay to go see Zappa band on their own, I would do it. But then I'd want 2 full sets of them..
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
I wasn't expecting much from
I wasn't expecting much from Billy Idol but he surprised me in a live setting. All the hits and a few new songs, all of them rocking.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
While I had heard the name
While I had heard the name mentioned before, Orville Peck really wasn't on my radar before this past Sunday. Sure he wears a tasseled mask all the time which is somewhat of a gimmick. One thing that isn't at all phony is that he writes some great country song and everyone seems to be getting in line to work with him. I will be digging a lot deeper into his music. Besides, one can't hate on someone who plays a Gretsch White Falcon.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: donster
A festival is like running a marathon. Lots of planning and strategy IMHO
Saw the Outlaw Fest in 2000 with 5 friends. 5 bands starting at 3-4pm.
I went for Van Morrison. By the time his ~8pm set started, my companions were shot or asleep in their seats.
My preference would have been to skip the first two bands, roll in slowly during Tedeski Trucks and drink in Van & Willie.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
A festival is like running a
Truth. Planning is essential to get the maximum enjoyment out of any festival. Of course, part of my planning includes what acts I HAVE to take photos of combined with who I want to take photos of and who end up being the wild cards that may be someone I have heard good things about or even that their name intrigues me. When it's all done I have never thought I messed up.
Anyway, here's another photo that just came off of contractual embargo. Pearl Jam was probably the group the most people wanted to see and they didn't disappoint. Since this was their first performance in just under 3 years, fans from all over the globe flew in to be there. I met people from Asia, Europe and the South Pacific who were beyond excited to see their favorite band...so much so that almost all the Pearl Jam merch was sold out on Friday night BEFORE the official start of the festival. I had never seen PJ in person before and I was also impressed. It takes a confident band to open up their first show in 3 years with 2 of the first 3 songs being new and unreleased. Both rocked hard and were the right choice.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
Fantastic photos skifurthut!
Fantastic photos skifurthut!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
I just clicked on this thread
I just clicked on this thread for the first time. Great shots Tony.
"crystal clear" and classic
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: donster
Strong work, Ski...
Strong work, Ski...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Denny
I always catch the opening
I always catch the opening band. I been going to shows since 1971. My dad took me when I was a kid, 12-13. But he didn't dig the rock shows, more a jazz guy. He did get what the allmans and dead were doing musically.
Some openers are bad, dictators opening for ZZ, Xanax 25 opening for blues traveler. I needed a Xanax 25 to stick in my ears.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
Still buzzing over the
Still buzzing over the performance by Reignwolf at Sea.Hear.Now. It's been a long time since I was so blown away by a band that I had no clue even existed.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
The worst opening band I saw
The worst opening band I saw has to be Rachel Sweet who was kinda of Britney Spears one hit wonder opening for the Jerry Garcia Band at the Orpheum in Boston.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
^
^
Funny you should mention Rachel Sweet in this thread. i saw her opening John Hiatt right after her album dropped, and on her 16th birthday at The Bottom Line. Both acts were broadcast live on WNEW-FM and she wasn't too bad. Still, it was as weird of a bill as her opening for JGB. Hiatt was in his darkest period so there was a stark dichotomy between the two acts. Top that off with her being on Stiff Records and a good portion of the audience was wear the old "If it ain't Stiff it ain't worth a fuck" t-shirts and there was a very weird and creepy vibe that night.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee
Well, yeah, they played
Well, yeah, they played heavily on the Lolita ethos marketing the young Rachel Sweet. I've enjoyed listening to her first couple of records recently. She had a good mix of retro girl group sound mixed with late 70s Pub Rock. She was perhaps the most mainstream accessible of all the Stiff acts. She also has a good head on her shoulders. She put her music career on ice and went to college, and when she came out of school, transitioned into acting. Other than a song for John Waters' 1988 movie Cry Baby she hasn't recorded again, but has done very well for herself. She sold Madonna's old house in Hollywood for $5.5 a few years back.
Nice shots Tony. Thanks for the recommendations on Reignwolf and Orville Peck, I'll check them out.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Thanks for the pics tony,
Thanks for the pics tony, they all look great. Perfect?
I spent an hour or so surfing reignwolf videos after you posted that. Interesting.
Maybe a little gimmick-y, but the guy has real, raw, rockstar talent. 100%.
John Hartford is the only other musician I can think of who played a kick drum while they rocked out
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
Yeah Rachel pretty much got
Yeah Rachel pretty much got booed off the stage that night through no fault of her own. The dead heads were dicks that night but then again Boston.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Rasputin O'Leary
Loved music festivals from my
Loved music festivals from my 1st in 1970 - Tapawingo Ski Area, Headliner Rhinoceros (never heard of em, I was 11, went with a couple of my older brothers, it was a real eye opener) - to my last - Outlaw music Fest in Hartford with Avett Bros Willie Mule Phil. And plenty in between.
The best fest ? After Watkins Glen it had to be the yearly multi-day brain fry motherload Gathering Of The Vibes. Always bought tix early not caring who was on the bill. Best thing about those festivals was you, us, the family. To me the bands were almost secondary to the vibe of the community in attendance. We were the show. Always cool that some of the neighbors you just met always seemed to know about some of the bands you never heard of, so you always had a recommendation on who were the must see's. So much fun it was hard getting that shit eatin grin off your face,, so much shenanigans going on I'm surprised it wasn't illegal, just a fucking human be in blast. Sad when the good times come to an end (GDead + Allmans gone,, I always thought they'd always be there for me). Strange timing when the GOTV festival went belly up just about the same time my back really went south. It wasn't that I had my fill of the multi-day barrages, it was getting too hard to handle for my crotchety old ass. One day festivals are even too long for me now too. And with these covid mutant variants running rampant, that Zappa Crimson show may have been my last. Now get the fuck off my lawn punks, I'm on couch tour. I sure do miss that brotherly community vibe tho.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
Worst pairing of bands I ever
Worst pairing of bands I ever saw was in 1978 at a HS gym.in Rockford, Il. Harlem HS gymnasium. Have terrible photos of it. Was like 2nd row.
Molly Hatchet opening
And Angel closing, Angel was a total joke!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Gathering of the Vibes was
Gathering of the Vibes was kinda the last straw for me. The only festivals I've attended since have been the first 10000 lakes fest and a few local type bluegrass fests. Oh and that one in trumansburg, grassroots?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nebulous nelly
>And Angel closing, Angel was a total joke>
I hear Punky was more fluid than Jeff Beck
Not much of a festival fan.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Rasputin O'Leary
LOL Bozzio was infatuated.
LOL Bozzio was infatuated.
Hey doc, were you there for Hatchet or Angel ? Either way the promoter should be dipped in a vat of K Y jelly.
Caught Missing Persons at the Agora back in the 80's with Terry + his wife Dale Bozzio, Warren Cuccurulo, and Patrick O'Hearn. Fun stuff
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Rasputin O'Leary
Watch "Missing Persons -
"Missing Persons - Destination Unknown • TopPop"
https://youtu.be/g1pahozFjK0
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nebulous nelly
Bozzio was infatuated?
Steven Tyler was willing to pay to see. I believe it was more than an infatuation.
Which one is Punky?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
I was there for Molly. Which
I was there for Molly. Which rocked my teenager ass. Loved southern rock then and now. And it was just down the road so in reality I was there for just a concert.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Rasputin O'Leary
< which one's Punky ?
I knew doc, just bustin ya
< which one's Punky ?
Damned if I know. Take yer pick, they all look the same.
There must have been some serious ROTF LMAO moments rehearsing P's Whips. Fuckin Frank
One more time for the world
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
I guess it was 1979
I guess it was 1979
https://www.setlist.fm/venue/harlem-high-school-loves-park-il-usa-4bd563...
A year later I was a Jerry fan.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
Each time I've caught a set
Each time I've caught a set by Ani Difranco, I've enjoyed her energy and her songs. It was the same at Sea.Hear.Now.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
I've mentioned Remember Jones
I've mentioned Remember Jones before here and this local act keeps getting better and better. They are best described as a campy rock and soul revue headed up by front man, who happens to have a great, great voice, Anthony D'Amato. Although I was close with a camera later in the set, there were costume changes, large furry animals and a gaggle of drag queens. Great music and a fun time for all.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
The Sunday night headliner
The Sunday night headliner was Smashing Pumpkins. Bar a few songs, I've never been much of a fan. I was pleasantly surprised on how solid they were on stage. Billy Corgan is an odd dude, for sure. With the super saturated lighting and him wearing a pure white makeup base on his face, photographing him was tough. I did get a few and this is one of them.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
While I could go on posting
While I could go on posting until next years festival, I won't. There were some performers I liked, some I didn't and a few were somewhere in the middle...just like a festival should be.
That being said, I think Sea.Hear.Now will be around for awhile. The seem to listen to the audience, vendors and talent and have adjusted things to make it more enjoyable for all. It tilts a bit more to an older demographic and with no camping the sketch factor is minimal. Hanging on the beach with lots of music and a surfing comp happening at the same time is not a bad way to spend a weekend at the Jersey shore.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
Strings and Sol was a great
Strings and Sol was a great festival experience, and certainly one of the most unusual ones I've ever been to...well run and capacity is / was under 1000 people.
In this pic the main stage is in the back on the beach and the pool stage in that white gazebo structure.
Of course this shot is from several years ago, pre-COVID.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
First festival. 3 days for
First festival. 3 days for $12.
32,000 tickets sold / 100,000+ showed up. Pagans did security. Open air drug market. No horizontal surfaces for camping except some roads just bulldozed into the woods.
Kingfish with Weir was originally on the bill. Everyone thought Jerry was flying in by helicopter to do an Old and In The Way set, but it never happened..
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
God damn that lineup smokes!!
God damn that lineup smokes!!!!!!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: comic book colors on a violin river...
We were at our annual Camp
We were at our annual Camp Jam in the Pines ( Fall and Spring) in Hammonton, NJ a bit south of where you were. It is deep into the pine barrens at a beautiful campground, features a lot of South jersey/Philly's finest local musicians and most are my friends...so it's very special. Got turned onto some new music and enjoyed others I have seen before. TONY TRISCHKA was a special treat playing with some local friends and the guy that replaced Jeff Austin in Yonder ( Jacob Joliff)...but he has left the Yonder now also.
It was a great time and now I am prepping for a little festi that supports sober living, it is held on the grounds of Enlightened Solutions in Egg Harbor City. We raise money to provide those that do not have Ins or $$ to get sober if they desire. I have made 200 jars of jam so far, as i vend at this festi...hot apple cider, cookies, jam, jellies, cider donuts and my homemade organic hand sanitizer...<3
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skifurthur
^
^
Nice photos of that festival, Cumberlyn.
As for the other festival you are prepping for, contact me via the e-mail in my profile and I may be able to help out.