Tips for Festival Go-ers:
1. Eat before you go to the festival. Food and beverages will probably be expensive, so it's a good idea to at least have something beforehand, so that you're not hungry or thirsty during the first few hours of the fest.
2. Wear comfortable attire and shoes. With three stages, you'll be bouncing around from stage to stage, so make sure your wear comfortable clothing and shoes so your feet aren't sore by the end of the day. Flip-flops or heels may not be the greatest choice, so stick with some kicks. It might rain so be ready for that to.
3. Figure out your show schedule beforehand. Schedules have already been released so print out a copy and list all the acts you want to see. You can see the time, act, and stage conveniently this way.
4. Make sure to bring enough money. You'll need money for food, drinks, and perhaps merchandise. So stop by the ATM before you get there. The vendors will only accept cash, so be ready.
5. Drink plenty of water. It'll be hot, don't dehydrate or underestimate your thirst.
APW Schedule
Directions
Who to see at the festival:
Friday, July 31st
1:00-1:40 Heartless Bastards
4:25-5:10 Ra Ra Riot
Saturday August 1st
2:15-3:05 Cage the Elephant
6:20-7:10 Gogol Bordello
Sunday August 2nd
2:30-3:20 Steel Train
3:45-4:35 The Gaslight Anthem
Steel Train
For their work on “Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun,” Steel Train was once known as a jam band. Some still recognize the band best as a cover band, due to their 2003 release “1969,” an EP consisting of songs from--you guessed it--1969. But, no longer; years past, Steel Train has finally found their sound. The spotless bouncing pop of “I Feel Weird” to the more melancholy “Women I Belong To” bookend the 2007 release “Trampoline.” Reflective lyrics avoid the nonsense present in many of their contemporaries’ music, and the good clean pop music will have you dancing along.
Their stage presence is perhaps the most incredible part of the band--many have been turned into fans after seeing even a short set. The band’s energy is infectious.
Steel Train has toured with bands including Dear and the Headlights, The Format, The Hush Sound, Kevin Devine, and The Spill Canvas. They look to a fall release date for an as-yet-untitled album, and will be heading out on a tour with Sherwood, Hellogoodbye, and legendary 90s-band Hanson.
Root for the home team--go see Steel Train this weekend at All Points West. It won’t be the last.
--Bonnie Falconer
The Gaslight Anthem
New Brunswick's own folk/punk rock act, Gaslight Anthem easily take influence from the Garden's state's own Bruce Springsteen. The band has even toured with the Boss himself. The comparisons don't stop, but Neil Young is also included in the band's influence list. Coming from a scene that fostered underground punk acts, Gaslight has managed to embrace their hometown roots and reflect their love for Jersey both in sound and lyrics. Their song "We Came to Dance" goes: "And if they end it all, By the end of tonight, If the big bomb drops down, Over this quiet Edison sky. We'll blow one last kiss, To all the beautiful nights like this, Under these central Jersey sky."
With a sincere delivery that shines through nicely on the band's latest, The '59 Sound, Brian Fallon and co. indeed have "great expectations" for their performance. This fall they'll be headlining a U.S. tour with Murder by Death and the Loved Ones.
--Star Child
Quite possibly one of the funnest band on the festival, gypsy punksters Gogol Bordello make you want to dance. Bringing together a brand of music that is both catchy and crazy with instruments such as violin and accordian played fast, these New York lads are a band not to miss live. If you live World/Inferno Friendship Society or Flogging Molly, then Gogol is the band for you. So get ready to move and get sweaty.
--Star Child
I agree with your tips and some of your band recommendations (Cage the Elephant!!!!!) but even over Gaslight Anthem I recommend the Silversun Pickups. No one should miss them if they are going on Sunday. They will blow you away, even if you're not all that familiar with their music.
ReplyDeleteSee you there!