The problem with music festivals is there are so many bands playing at the same time, it becomes hard to know where one should be. With the Tempe Music Festival this Friday and Saturday, I have decided to investigate and give you my guide to the highlights and tips on where to be to get the most out of the festival. I am solely focusing on the music. Just remember, there are beer gardens, guitar tents and skating exhibitions as well.
Day One
I enjoy showing up fashionably late, so the first band I plan on catching is The Ataris (8:30 p.m., Virgin Mobile KZON stage). While many of you probably remember their cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer," which got so much radio play last summer, this band has more ability than that of a cover band. The Ataris music is fun and filled with positive energy. They're your general power pop band. They write well-constructed songs and, from time-to-time, attempt to be intellectual in their lyrics.
In addition to watching a fun band, you might have the chance to join The Ataris on stage. Lead singer and guitarist Kris Roe says, "We have a kid from the audience get on stage and play guitar on a song with us every night."
Unfortunately, 15 minutes after The Ataris start rocking the Virgin Mobile stage, Chicago band Lucky Boys Confusion (8:45 p.m.) kick off an hour set on the Fender/Edge stage. At least for me, after 30 minutes of The Ataris, I will head over to see Lucky Boys Confusion (LBC).
LBC has been a guilty pleasure of mine for years. Their upbeat music in varying styles of punk, reggae and ska, coupled with lyrics about drinking and attempting to get the attention of ladies can only be described as party punk, which seems appropriate for a Friday night. I need at least 45 minutes of LBC's energized set to feel good about myself at the end of the night.
After the completion of the LBC set, making my way back to the Virgin Mobile stage for a slice of Cake seems imminent. I have never seen this band, despite the fact they have been around for such a long time. I have middle school memories of listening to Fashion Nugget, which I still feel is their best album. Their more recent albums have been rather stale. However, Cake has always been talented at incorporating funk and jazz into their more commercial style. I am curious to see how this translates to the stage.
Plus, then I can actually tell people if it's worth their money to check out a Cake concert. However, Cake starts at 10 p.m. and back on the Fender/Edge stage Ima Robot will be commanding attention at 10:15 p.m. This means I will leave the Cake performance early. I will suggest this for you as well.
There are two major reasons to see Ima Robot. First, they capture your attention immediately during their live performance, and they have taken time to make the visuals and stage interaction mesh with their indie rock style (think Hot Hot Heat and The Shins). In other words, they put on a great show. Also, indie rock is on the verge of becoming mainstream. If you want to see what all the hype is about, this is your chance.
Day Two
The second day of the festival, is a little lighter on the badass bands. However, there are two that are worth at least my time, if not yours.
If you have nothing going on Saturday afternoon, roll by the Pepsi Smash stage at 4:15 p.m. and spend 30 minutes watching Not Quite Bernadette. If you are into hardcore or screamo music, this is a good local band check out.
The only other band playing Saturday that is a must see is Pennywise. Pennywise has been around for 15 years and have maintained integrity by staying on the same independent label, Epitaph, even after the major labels came calling. This band manages to have a political purpose at appropriate times, anthems and straight up goodtime songs in a way that never feels unbalanced. Pennywise is the band that will not only encourage you to think for yourself, but help you have fun while doing so.
If you think my suggestions are pointless, or are just curious about what else is going on at Tempe Music Festival, check out their Web site at www.tempemusicfestival.com.
Reach the reporter at chelsea.ide@asu.edu.
