RVA Music Fest 2011
by Josephine Stone
QuailBellMagazine.com
QuailBellMagazine.com
"Crazy for You" by Best Coast
"Jump on Stage" by Girl Talk
This summer a new tradition may have been born, the hipster youth of Richmond, VA just being the first to see the small newborn's head crest. The baby's name is RVA Music Fest and it can be hoped to grow up to be a beautiful, beautiful thing.
RVA Magazine and Phull Entertainment joined forces to supply a two-day music festival that on Saturday, September 10th invaded most of the city's bars with local indie bands, and on Sunday, September 11th shut down 18th street and E. Main with headliners Best Coast and Girl Talk from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Electricity and the sound of wallets shrinking was in the air on Sunday evening as spry concert-goers passed through the gates after paying the $30 entry fee. This sort of price in the first year of a fest sponsored by a free magazine shocked me and seemed to filter the crowd that came in. The only people I knew were those working at the bars and some friends who had finagled their way into being VIP "hype girls" for free entry and booze. For everyone else who didn't have a job or connection in the Bottom, the price was too high.
After walking through the security check point a young woman asked if we'd like a free bottle of water and a portable fan at a stand educating passers-by of the deadly rotten egg smell of natural gas. A few more steps and a couple of older men next to a giant inflatable Monster energy drink waved their arms in the air and yelled, "Come and try one!" The ticket at this point had almost paid for itself. Who knew we'd be getting free stuff? (And additional weird entertainment?)
RVA Magazine and Phull Entertainment joined forces to supply a two-day music festival that on Saturday, September 10th invaded most of the city's bars with local indie bands, and on Sunday, September 11th shut down 18th street and E. Main with headliners Best Coast and Girl Talk from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Electricity and the sound of wallets shrinking was in the air on Sunday evening as spry concert-goers passed through the gates after paying the $30 entry fee. This sort of price in the first year of a fest sponsored by a free magazine shocked me and seemed to filter the crowd that came in. The only people I knew were those working at the bars and some friends who had finagled their way into being VIP "hype girls" for free entry and booze. For everyone else who didn't have a job or connection in the Bottom, the price was too high.
After walking through the security check point a young woman asked if we'd like a free bottle of water and a portable fan at a stand educating passers-by of the deadly rotten egg smell of natural gas. A few more steps and a couple of older men next to a giant inflatable Monster energy drink waved their arms in the air and yelled, "Come and try one!" The ticket at this point had almost paid for itself. Who knew we'd be getting free stuff? (And additional weird entertainment?)
For a new event, the fest was sure to please the many privileged that made it in with its huge event feel. Its supply of ten different local bands and eclectic mix of DJs rocking the first two stages didn't hurt, either. An early evening visit to the DJ tent proved awkward without the cloak of night or alcohol to fuel the dub step-fueled fury. Heads bobbed around the periphery, watching small children, uninhibited, occupy the center of the tent. Later in the night this would be a hoppin' spot.
Band after band graced the second stage, where I was finally educated on the sweet sounds of Goldrush and Black Girls. No BS Brass Band were a crowd pleaser as usual, but I had only heard the accolades of the others without hearing their actual music. Having been a fan of Prabir and the Substitutes, I was pleased with the slight difference in sound provided by Goldrush. Prabir minus the Substitutes, plus a bit of the Richmond Symphony with a double-bass and violin player equaled a surprisingly danceable mix of pop and classical. Black Girls were a personal favorite at stage 2. The whole set was lit up by the dancing and singing of the whole band. With soul-infused rhythm, Black Girls provided just enough to get the tense crowd moving with lyrics that were catchy and clever.
Restaurants that lined the festival opened tents in their backdoor and doubled as food vendors, bordering the beer truck that sold a small variety of draughts for $5 a Solo cup. After time spent at Mars Bar for $2 PBRs and a cup of Halligan's fries later, the main stage was prepped and ready for Best Coast. I am personally not a surf rock-type fan, with melodic monotones floating amidst a back drop of slow guitar strums, but Best Coast's "Crazy for You" is a hauntingly beautiful tune that has echoed in my car stereo for weeks. Best Coast sounded as great live as they do recorded, drawing stragglers from all over the fest close to the stage. The trio spoke of how tired they were because they'd been on tour for a long time. Richmond was one of their last stops and they were happy to be heading home. The relief in their voices added to the relaxed nature of the already smooth set.
In no time Best Coast was out and a high tide of mash-up fans pushed toward the front. Girl Talk was center stage with his signature sweatpants and MacBook ready to rock the River City. There is no warming up for a Girl Talk set and the crowd erupted into raucous jumping and grinding as soon as he hit play. Being my third time seeing him over the past three years, I always expect a full energy dance party for at least an hour--and I was not let down. I was, however, a little disappointed that the set list seemed almost identical to the one played months prior at the National. Perhaps I should have expected this as it was another show within the same tour.
After the confetti blowers blew their last and all of the beach balls and balloons had been popped, it was time to call it a night. The minute-long mash-up that consisted heavily of white noise and blinking white lights that is Girl Talk's signature finale left the crowd with chests heaving and covered in sweat. Another job well done and a perfect way to punctuate the first RVA Music Fest.
With the hope that future fests' prices will greatly decrease, I hope there is a next, and a next, and a…
Band after band graced the second stage, where I was finally educated on the sweet sounds of Goldrush and Black Girls. No BS Brass Band were a crowd pleaser as usual, but I had only heard the accolades of the others without hearing their actual music. Having been a fan of Prabir and the Substitutes, I was pleased with the slight difference in sound provided by Goldrush. Prabir minus the Substitutes, plus a bit of the Richmond Symphony with a double-bass and violin player equaled a surprisingly danceable mix of pop and classical. Black Girls were a personal favorite at stage 2. The whole set was lit up by the dancing and singing of the whole band. With soul-infused rhythm, Black Girls provided just enough to get the tense crowd moving with lyrics that were catchy and clever.
Restaurants that lined the festival opened tents in their backdoor and doubled as food vendors, bordering the beer truck that sold a small variety of draughts for $5 a Solo cup. After time spent at Mars Bar for $2 PBRs and a cup of Halligan's fries later, the main stage was prepped and ready for Best Coast. I am personally not a surf rock-type fan, with melodic monotones floating amidst a back drop of slow guitar strums, but Best Coast's "Crazy for You" is a hauntingly beautiful tune that has echoed in my car stereo for weeks. Best Coast sounded as great live as they do recorded, drawing stragglers from all over the fest close to the stage. The trio spoke of how tired they were because they'd been on tour for a long time. Richmond was one of their last stops and they were happy to be heading home. The relief in their voices added to the relaxed nature of the already smooth set.
In no time Best Coast was out and a high tide of mash-up fans pushed toward the front. Girl Talk was center stage with his signature sweatpants and MacBook ready to rock the River City. There is no warming up for a Girl Talk set and the crowd erupted into raucous jumping and grinding as soon as he hit play. Being my third time seeing him over the past three years, I always expect a full energy dance party for at least an hour--and I was not let down. I was, however, a little disappointed that the set list seemed almost identical to the one played months prior at the National. Perhaps I should have expected this as it was another show within the same tour.
After the confetti blowers blew their last and all of the beach balls and balloons had been popped, it was time to call it a night. The minute-long mash-up that consisted heavily of white noise and blinking white lights that is Girl Talk's signature finale left the crowd with chests heaving and covered in sweat. Another job well done and a perfect way to punctuate the first RVA Music Fest.
With the hope that future fests' prices will greatly decrease, I hope there is a next, and a next, and a…
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