That’s right, the Tennessee festival is pwning the competition in that category, as they usually do. Two people died at this year’s festival, both ostensibly from heat-related illness, although toxicology and autopsy reports haven’t been released yet (not to imply that drugs or alcohol could have had ANY part in this mess whatsoever…). That brings the Bonnaroo body count up to 10 since the festival began in 2002, and seems to indicate that perhaps…I dunno, maybe it’s time to make some changes? Listen, I trumpet for personal responsibility as much as anyone, and have limited sympathy for idiots. And spending all day in the heat and humidity of the festival, pounding copious amounts of booze (excellent for hydration!) and/or drugs, is kinda idiotic. But this is coming from a guy who, every year, stands in 90 degree temperatures at the Oregon Brewer’s Festival, consuming copious amounts of booze. Sooooo….it’s gonna happen. Thus, sad though it may be, the burden is on the festival organizers to find an answer. Maybe just “more” is the answer: More of the air-conditioned tents, more misters, more free water wells, and probably more medical personnel on-hand, particularly since the venue is approximately an hour away from the nearest medical facility.
**************
On another music festival topic, the lineup for Portland’s Music Fest Northwest was announced last week. The festival takes place from September 7 – 11 at venues throughout the metro area, and this year features headlining turns by Band of Horses, Iron & Wine, and Explosions In The Sky. Yes, just call this “MELLOW Fest Northwest”, as all three headliners are not exactly known for rocking the house. The Kills kick the festival off on Wednesday the 7th with a headlining show at the Crystal Ballroom, giving us one headlining act that can bring some punk-rock energy to the table. Other acts of note include Butthole Surfers, Archers of Loaf, The Joy Formidable, Ted Leo, Viva Voce, Blitzen Trapper, and the Thermals, though again, depending on personal tastes any of the over 90 bands signed to perform could be considered “notable”.
I personally have my sights set on the September 11 show featuring Band of Horses and Morning Teleportation. As previously noted, BoH can trend a bit mellow, but I love the idea of hearing them outdoors on a warm summer evening in the middle of the city. They are fresh off a tour opening for Pearl Jam and an appearance at the Sasquatch Music Festival (a death-free event in 2011), so they should be in good form and put on a great show. Check ‘em out below:I am certainly contemplating checking out the Iron & Wine show on Friday, September 9, as I keep missing them when they come to town. Which is often, by the way. In fact, I really hope that lead singer Zach Galifianakis…er, I mean Samuel Beam (I mean come on, they ARE the same person...judge for yourself below)…owns some property SOMEWHERE in the Pacific Northwest, because he’s around here an awful lot.
Not that I’m complaining; Iron & Wine is a true go-to artist when I am feeling contemplative, want to paint an emotional work of art, or put wistful thought to paper. Cuz I do all three of those things, A LOT. No but seriously, these guys make some beautiful music, and again, the thought of their folk-ish, mostly acoustic sound wafting over the streets of downtown Portland is a pretty appealing one. As some of you know, New Order is my favorite band, so when sharing some Iron & Wine with you, I just couldn’t resist making it a New Order cover. I leave you with this, take care until next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment