From rappers to electro acts to indie rock to comedy, this weekend's
All Points West Festival in Jersey City looks to be a happening, diverse time. With so many performers and some slight scheduling conflict, including complaints with the overlap in times from Coldplay, MGMT, and Ghostland Observatory, it can be tough to figure out what acts to see. Despite, being a New Jersey festival, there are only two Jersey acts, Steel Train and The Gaslight Anthem. However, there are a number of New York based acts like Gogol Bordello, Ra Ra Riot, We Are Scientists, The Postelles, and big timers Yeah Yeah Yeahs and MGMT. But first, we offer some tips for how to survive the festival.
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 ScheduleDirectionsWho to see at the festival:
Friday, July 31st
1:00-1:40
Heartless Bastards4:25-5:10
Ra Ra RiotSaturday August 1st
2:15-3:05
Cage the Elephant6:20-7:10
Gogol BordelloSunday August 2nd
2:30-3:20
Steel Train3:45-4:35
The Gaslight AnthemSteel TrainFor 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 AnthemNew 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
Gogol BordelloQuite 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
