Okay, so Day 1 was a literal wash, and despite my disappointment, it was ultimately their call to make, and in the end, I believe they did make the right one. Now it’s a new day, the slate is clean, and I’m determined to make this WARMfest experience something to remember (for better, not for worse).
So why am I so confident today will be better? For a few reasons:
1. From what I have seen, there are no threats of thunderstorms (of course, we are in Indiana, and you know how that goes…).
2. I have two interviews lined up.
3. I drank plenty of water and got enough sleep for once.
4. Maybe most important, I won’t be alone today, my good friend Kelly will be joining me for the festivities. As they say, it’s best to go with someone, and when it comes to concerts, she’s one of my favorites.
I’m awake, I’m refreshed, and my vegan-inspired coffee drink has been consumed. As that one show once told me: “Allons-y!” (or “let’s go” for those who know French).
Quick Note: Since covering everything about a festival is next to impossible without splitting my body into 5, this will be written in journal format, with everything you’re about to read being presented as it was through my eyes.
12:30 p.m.: The rain really made a difference in the weather. It’s a little bit cooler today (about the mid-80s) and not nearly as humid. Also, those clouds are definitely helping matters today.
Kelly is running late (also, so was I…) and I’ve already entered the grounds. My first stop today is at the Heron Stage, where a few familiar faces are set to take the stage.
I first met the Max Allen Band a few years ago during a Battle of the Bands at the Hard Rock Café. For those who have not heard of them, they’re a trio that blends elements of jam bands, funk, and of course, rock. They’re energetic, infectious, catchy, and just a whole lot of fun.
And by the looks of it, everything that was just said still rings true.
I’ve known these guys to be able to perform 1 hour+ sets, but like all bands, they’re only given 30 minutes. That being said, they keep talking to a minimum and crank out some of their originals, much to the delight of some of their friends, families and fans who turned out as soon as the gates opened. Overall, not a bad way to start things.
1:00 p.m.: Kelly actually got here about 15 minutes ago. Now that Max Allen Band has exited and the next one is getting ready to set up, it’s time to wander up and down the Vintage Marketplace. Honestly, I’m intrigued by the Keep Indy Indie booth, but alas, I’m going on vacation soon and I need money for that. I did score a pretty sweet United States of Indiana sticker though.
1:30 p.m.: Around the stage during the last band, I started seeing some people wearing wacky suits and one person in clown makeup applying fingernail polish. Okay, I’m intrigued. What’s going on?
The answer is simple: this is a group known as the Blue Monkey Sideshow. I talked about how diverse this festival is, but I never expected anything like this. Rather than being music-oriented, they’re exactly who they say they are, which is, a group of people who describe themselves as “what happens when you don’t pass ISTEP” performing sideshow-esque feats of strength, concentration and illusion that’s nothing short of entertaining.
Clearly, others feel the same. Many families have chosen to lay blankets or towels on the grass and watch in awe of feats such as lying on a bed of nails or walking on glass. Well, some of them at least. Seeing as some booths towards the entrance were handing out beach balls, you can imagine that some of the younger attendees were having the time of their lives just throwing and kicking around a little vinyl ball. Then again, I was also like that many years ago.
1:55 p.m.: Maybe it’s the cooler weather, maybe it’s because the bill looks a little bit better on paper, or maybe it’s because those who had tickets for Day 1 were allowed entry for either today or tomorrow. Regardless, attendance seems to be up today. Plus, so far every act I’ve come across has brought their “A” game, which definitely makes for a more enjoyable experience.
2:00 p.m.: The main stage (River Stage) looks to be a rocking place today. It’s also the site of where some of the best of Indy will be performing. Up next, it’s a singer describe to me as one of the best voices in Indy. An artist who has been at it for years, performing her heart out to the adoration of the press and music lovers alike.
That’s right, it’s time to watch Jennie DeVoe.
Now what can be said about this performance? Better yet, what can be said about Jennie DeVoe that hasn’t already been said? Her lyric are soulful, her vocals are among some of the most powerful I’ve ever heard, and this crowd is here to show their appreciation. Though it’s mostly people with lawn chairs who have parked it to watch her, there is one person totally into her performance, dancing along like no one is watching.
For the skeptics, just know that there is a lot of amazing talent from right here in Indy. You just have to know where to look.
2:30 p.m.: I have an interview lined up, but even with a media pass, I can’t get backstage. No worries. A quick phone call is made. We’ll meet afterward. Meanwhile, I need a popsicle. The sun is starting to peek out and it’s getting a little toasty…
3:00 p.m.: What may be the band I’ve been waiting this whole time to see is starting to set up. I’m excited, and by the few who have started to congregate towards the River Stage, they feel the same way.
3:15 p.m.: Almost without warning, hometown heroes Hero Jr. have taken the stage. Much like MAB, I first saw these guys during the same Battle of the Bands, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Even though I’ve seen them several more times since then, I’m always excited to see what they have to offer this time around.
Hero Jr. can best be described as a pure rock n’ roll band. No gimmicks, no theatrics and no exceptions. Just four guys rock and have a great time doing so. What amazes me about them the most is how they’re always able to make every show different. The songs may be the same, but the performance is anything but.
As for today, I’m used to seeing them play in tiny bars, yet this main stage setting suits them perfectly. Combining their usual energy with the feeling that only performing in your hometown can bring, they’re in rare form as they crank out a few familiar favorites and even a new one they’ve been working on. I’ve said this about them before and I’ll say it again: it might not be long until they’re actually headlining a festival stage like this. Stay tuned…
4:00 p.m.: Hero Jr. is hanging out around the communal merch table, which features merchandise from other performers from the day, as well as official WARMfest gear. I grab frontman Evan Haughley for a quick interview. They’re actually from here, and they have a lot of friends and family about, so I don’t want to keep him too long. We talk mostly about performing, being a touring band and new music. A lot of good stuff. Always nice catching up with these guys.
4:15 p.m.: I have another one coming up later, so what to do for the next few hours? I could check out the Heron Stage, where JD Wilkes and the Dirt Daubers are playing. Why not? I’m seeing a lot of people dancing and one member has an upright bass. They’re loud and they’re energetic, and this translates into a very fun performance.
However, Kelly is still around here somewhere. Where did she go?
5:00 p.m.: I have found here. Where would we be without cell phones?
On a more musical note, some people like country. I’m not one of them. Everyone else seems to be having fun, so I won’t rain on their parade, since we had that yesterday. Still too soon?
5:30 p.m.: Kelly must leave soon and I have a band I promised I would go check out, so I bid her adieu and make my way over to the Hawk Stage to see an act with arguably the coolest name ever:
Machines Are People Too.
Their manager had emailed me about reviewing their set, and I wanted an interview. So we’ll be doing both. I’m not very familiar with them, but this is why you go out to shows.
Hailing all the way from Nashville, TN, MAPT is a synthpop band programmed to perform, have fun, and make sure anyone in attendance isn’t standing still. Seeing as a group has gathered in front of the stage dancing the afternoon away, I’d say this is a successful outing. They’re very energetic, full of life, and even if they might be a little road-weary from hitting the summer festival circuit and supporting their latest EP, they show no signs of slowing down.
The highlight of the day might have been their cover of “What Is Love,” which also prompted a few people around me to bob their heads, a-la A Night At The Roxbury. Overall, this is a very impressive outing for a band who has never been to Indianapolis before. I’d imagine those seeing them for the first time will wonder when they’ll be back. I know I will.
6:45 p.m.: Nice chatting with them. Great group of guys! The weather is starting to cool off a little, and by the looks of it, many are getting ready for our main event.
7:15 p.m.: Dinnertime!
7:25 p.m.: It’s amazing who you run into at some of these places. Yesterday it was an old journalism school acquaintance. Today, it was a photographer I’ve had the pleasure of working with in the past. We may have gone our separate ways, but it’s always nice to catch up.
8:00 p.m.: The vintage marketplace is starting to close up shop, and there aren’t many places to wander about until Big Head Todd. It’s been a fun day, but also a little long. Especially if I still have to write two reviews and get ready for Mumford tomorrow. I guess I’ll go stake out a spot by the main stage.
8:25 p.m.: Anticipation is building, and final preparations are taking place on stage. Some people are getting last-second beers from the Sun King booth, while others just converse amongst each other. Like I said, it’s been a long day, but most people here aren’t showing it. I’d say that’s a good sign.
8:30 p.m.: And here…we…go…
Big Head Todd & The Monsters is not a band I typically listen to, but I’m always anxious to check out those I’m not familiar with. What I come to notice is a veteran band that blends traditional rock, keys, pop and more to give everyone here something to write home about (and wannabe bloggers who need to write reviews…).
Seriously though, for a band with this many miles behind them, you expect them to have it all figured out, and they most certainly do. Musically, they’re very tight; They know the importance of putting on a show for everyone; and even after all these years, they still legitimately enjoy what they do.
As for the crowd, it’s very sporadic, has many have gathered by the front gate, while others are content with setting up lawn chairs and blankets towards the back and just enjoying the music. Me? I start out moving closer, but felt awkward that I didn’t know any of their songs. Plus, I’m not quite sure what the traffic situation will be, so I move towards the back.
9:15: Beach balls in the audience might work better if people are paying attention to their surroundings. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Their undivided attention is just on the stage. Clearly, Big Head Todd is doing something right.
9:45 p.m.: Without warning, they exit the stage, effectively leaving everyone here wanting more. We all know an encore is coming. You might as well oblige.
9:50 p.m.: And oblige they do, breaking out just a few more songs to send this crowd home happy. As the clock ticks closer to, the stage lights come back up and it’s time to head home. Now where is that shuttle…
10:05 p.m.: Overheard on the shuttle: “the wheels on the bus go round and round…” Someone needs sleep.
11:00 p.m.: So here I am. At home, exhausted, and still smiling about how much better Day 2 was. Will I be out there again for Day 3? I’m still not sure, so if this was the last time I step foot onto Broad Ripple Park, I’ll spend the next year or so hoping and praying that WARMfest can become a regular thing. I had fun, my friends enjoyed it, and everyone I talked to loved it.
Will it become a tradition? We’ll see…