Prince PaulSat 8 Aug – Free Press Summer Fest
I arrived around 2:30 on Saturday to pick up my will call tickets. The line for will call was around the block; I think we waited 30 minutes in that stupid line until a man came out saying, "If you have printed confirmation, just go inside." It was a good idea at the time, but I didn't get my 2-day pass wrist band and had to wait in the same line (albeit a shorter version) the next day.
Since I missed Fat Tony while waiting in line, I mostly milled around until Octopus Project. The free Vitamin Water was a nice touch, although free real water would have been better. Come on, people. It's 100+ degrees in Houston this time of year. The least you can do is give out free water, which was advertised but never followed through.
Another complaint I have is the food/drink tickets. The line for those was longer than the actual food lines. Also, $2 and $5 options made it confusing. I had too many $2 ones, which were only good for water and soda. $5 worked for food (only burgers and sausage on a stick were offered). I know it's complicated, but next year, let us pay cash. Also, maybe get a local restaurant to sponsor. More food=more happy concertgoers.
Yeah, the heat sucked, but that's Houston.
As far as music goes, my only disappointment was of Montreal. They came on 30 minutes late (and were the only artist all weekend to do so). And this being the third time I've seen them, their schtick gets old. Sadly.
I did manage to see:
DAY 1
H.I.S.D. - During most of this set, I was looking for the free water. And some shade.
Octopus Project - A highlight of Day 1. Hadn't heard much of their stuff before and really enjoyed it.
The Sword - Not my thing, but they put on a good show. The metalheads were into it.
Broken Social Scene - Loved it. Great band to see at a festival. I don't think the effect would be quite the same if they were playing in a small club.
Explosions in the Sky - Also very good. Crazy trippy light show. I couldn't see the actual band (because I am short), but they sounded fantastic.
DAY 2
Sideshow Tramps - Sounded like a hoe-down.
Wild Moccasins - Excellent local band. They played a great set, and I bought their new EP and a shirt. Not bad for $10 total.
Prince Paul - The only bad thing about his set was when the folks in charge cut him off early. It was fun and dancey.
Voxtrot - Fun, but lacked substance.
What Made Milwaukee Famous - I dunno, I got kinda bored.
Devin the Dude - My personal Day 2 highlight. Devin's a great showman and a hilarious rapper. Enjoyed this set a lot.
of Montreal - Like I said before, they were late. I'm sure it would have been better if I had been able to see (again, I am short). The crucifixion of David Barnes towards the end was pretty cool. I'm pretty sure they got cut off too, since they wouldn't normally end a set on
She's a Rejector. But it's cool.
So, next year: more food, less lines, more shaded areas.
Overall a fun experience.
EDIT: I parked in the theater district underground parking lot downtown and it was only $7 all day. I'd strongly recommend that for all the folks complaining about spending $10 to $20.
I arrived around 2:30 on Saturday to pick up my will call tickets. The line for will call was around the block; I think we waited 30 minutes in that stupid line until a man came out saying, "If you have printed confirmation, just go inside." It was a good idea at the time, but I didn't get my 2-day pass wrist band and had to wait in the same line (albeit a shorter version) the next day.
Since I missed Fat Tony while waiting in line, I mostly milled around until Octopus Project. The free Vitamin Water was a nice touch, although free real water would have been better. Come on, people. It's 100+ degrees in Houston this time of year. The least you can do is give out free water, which was advertised but never followed through.
Another complaint I have is the food/drink tickets. The line for those was longer than the actual food lines. Also, $2 and $5 options made it confusing. I had too many $2 ones, which were only good for water and soda. $5 worked for food (only burgers and sausage on a stick were offered). I know it's complicated, but next year, let us pay cash. Also, maybe get a local restaurant to sponsor. More food=more happy concertgoers.
Yeah, the heat sucked, but that's Houston.
As far as music goes, my only disappointment was of Montreal. They came on 30 minutes late (and were the only artist all weekend to do so). And this being the third time I've seen them, their schtick gets old. Sadly.
I did manage to see:
DAY 1
H.I.S.D. - During most of this set, I was looking for the free water. And some shade.
Octopus Project - A highlight of Day 1. Hadn't heard much of their stuff before and really enjoyed it.
The Sword - Not my thing, but they put on a good show. The metalheads were into it.
Broken Social Scene - Loved it. Great band to see at a festival. I don't think the effect would be quite the same if they were playing in a small club.
Explosions in the Sky - Also very good. Crazy trippy light show. I couldn't see the actual band (because I am short), but they sounded fantastic.
DAY 2
Sideshow Tramps - Sounded like a hoe-down.
Wild Moccasins - Excellent local band. They played a great set, and I bought their new EP and a shirt. Not bad for $10 total.
Prince Paul - The only bad thing about his set was when the folks in charge cut him off early. It was fun and dancey.
Voxtrot - Fun, but lacked substance.
What Made Milwaukee Famous - I dunno, I got kinda bored.
Devin the Dude - My personal Day 2 highlight. Devin's a great showman and a hilarious rapper. Enjoyed this set a lot.
of Montreal - Like I said before, they were late. I'm sure it would have been better if I had been able to see (again, I am short). The crucifixion of David Barnes towards the end was pretty cool. I'm pretty sure they got cut off too, since they wouldn't normally end a set on
She's a Rejector. But it's cool.So, next year: more food, less lines, more shaded areas.
Overall a fun experience.
EDIT: I parked in the theater district underground parking lot downtown and it was only $7 all day. I'd strongly recommend that for all the folks complaining about spending $10 to $20.
