Promoting environmental responsibility, independent businesses, sustainable goods and services, and all through the magic of art and music.
And in the end, what’s cooler than that?
For the second year in a row, the White River Arts and Music Festival – better known as WARMfest – set up shop in Broad Ripple Park over this Labor Day Weekend. For this year’s lineup, we have a mixture of popular national recording artists, along with local, homegrown talent from right here in our city.
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to take on this festival this time. Not just because I’ve gotten sick after the previous two I did this summer, but because I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather, and I remember sitting in my car for two hours while a storm moved through and the first day was called. However, this is a new year, and plus, am I really going to say “no” to a festival that includes Mutemath, Of Montreal, and some of my favorite local bands? Of course not. So I grab my keys and my ear plugs, head out the door, and make my way towards the park.
Since covering every aspect of a festival is next-to-impossible, this will be presented in journal format. The following is everything as I saw it, so sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Noon: I meant to leave before now, but I overslept, and I promised I’d get the Haste The Day podcast out today. No worries though. The first band I want to see doesn’t go on until 1:30. Plenty of time.
12:30: On the road again…I just can’t wait to get on that road again…
12:45: Turn signals were one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. It’s a shame they no longer put them on cars…wait, what?!
1:15: I made it to Glendale, which is serving as a parking lot for those who didn’t get one of the VIP passes to use the park’s parking lot. There are a few cars here, and several others are patiently waiting for the charter that’s going to the festival. Eventually, it shows up and we board the chilly bus. What lies ahead? We’ll know soon.
1:25: I’ve picked up my credentials and I’m ready to go, and not a moment too soon. The first band on my list today is about to take the Hawk Stage.
Remember Ghosts of Kin? The duo I met during the Acoustic Live Challenge? They impressed me during the competition, but now it’s time to see them in something closer to their element, and in a more relaxed environment when the stakes are virtually nothing.
1:30: I have to admit, it’s a little nice seeing them perform like this. It’s more relaxed, and even though the crowd might be smaller, they seem more enthusiastic to see them. Plus, as festivals usually go, this stage is right next to the front entrance, perfect for attracting passers-by as they come and go.
As for their performance, the thing that always impresses me about them is their attention to detail. Their sound is very tight – Jessie Phelps’ voice can really carry any performance, and Alan Long is really good at guitar. There’s no substitution for great chemistry, and they really seem to have this together.
1:45: I’m loving this performance, but unfortunately, I’m not loving the fact that I just realized I lost my car key, forcing me to leave the stage area and retrace my steps throughout the entire park, all the way to the charter bus I took in and back to the Glendale parking lot. It’s a moment of panic, for sure, but I do eventually find it. I’m relieved, but I can think of a million different ways I would’ve liked to spend the last hour (most of them don’t cause this much anxiety).
2:45: It’s back to the park. I’m still coming down from this near-panic attack, but music is great therapy, and Sugar Moon Rabbit has already taken to the Hawk Stage. Let’s head back over.
I haven’t seen this band since 2011, and I remember they really impressed me back then. Not just with their catchy rock/funk sound, but also with how engaging they were. It’s one thing to be able to play your music, and it’s another to make a connection with the crowd.
The latter is something Sugar Moon Rabbit does better than most. Not only do they put on an entertaining show, but they make the audience part of it. Frontman Trevor Potts jumps off stage and sings amongst those who made their way over to this neck of the woods. On top of that, he hands tambourines to a select few and even throws around a few frisbees. It almost feels less like a rock show and more like a big party for those who like music. It doesn’t hurt that they have the musical skills to back it up. You can’t help but dance along, and after losing my keys, this is exactly what I needed.
3:30: Now it’s time to go wander around “festival land.” By that, I mean the rest of what WARMfest has to offer.
It might be me, but it feels like the festival was scaled back this time around, and not just because there are only 3 stages this time (Hawk, River, and the main Heron). Maybe last year they tried to do too much and wanted to focus more on quality rather than quantity, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. The Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace that took up a good portion of the area was yesterday and has been reduced to a handful of vendors along the river; the main stage is noticeably smaller in scale; and there don’t seem to be as many people this time (though the threat of inclement weather could be to blame this time). It’s cloudy out right now, and the gusts seem to imply that something is moving in this way. I know the weather was calling for rain, but please hold out, Mother Nature. I promise, it’s not just me begging you this time…
3:45: I do quite like those United State of Indiana shirts, but alas, my money is quickly dwindling based on the number of food trucks lined up next to the River Stage towards the back of the park, and at least 3 of them are all selling lemon shake-ups. What can I say? It’s a fairly warm day (no pun intended), and I’m not just going to turn down my favorite fair beverage. These trucks picked a prime spot to line up. While everyone waits in line for their food or drinks, they can enjoy live music. Now, who’s up next?
4:00: The River Stage might as well be renamed the “Joyful Noise Stage,” as many of their artists are performing today. To do it one better, their merchandise tent located off to the side is not only selling music, but they’re printing limited edition vinyl on-site.
Anyway, Sebadoh is on now. I’ve not heard of them before, but I’m kind of impressed with the level of energy they bring to the stage, and it looks like those in the crowd appreciate it as well. Except I can’t help but think that they’re moving through things at a ridiculous pace. This thinking is perpetuated mostly by the band admitting they didn’t realize how long they’ve been playing and saying that they got through it sooner than their allotted hour. They continued to play, albeit it at a much more relaxed pace. For not knowing much about them and only catching a handful of songs, I dig it.
5:00: Festivals like this are great for wandering. Even though there are only 3 stages this year, you can still turn a corner and find something to do. This time, my curiosity brings me to a converted park pavilion that has added a few LED lights, turntables, a bar, and has been cleared of picnic tables – better known to everyone at WARMfest as the Heron Stage. It’s at this I find a large crowd gathered under the roof. Not because of the weather (it’s still cloudy, but no precipitation) to watch the enigmatic Andy D perform.
I’ve never seen him before, I’ve only heard the myths. Operating on a completely clean slate and an open mind, I can say this: his show isn’t the prettiest, and his music might not evoke any complex emotions, but damn if it isn’t one of the most entertaining. The man jumps and dances around on stage like his life depends on it, and he definitely puts his heart and his soul into everything he does. It’s a great way of connecting with the audience, and the fact that he goes out into the crowd and dances around/with them is also a nice touch. There are plenty of serious acts out there, this one if just pure unadulterated fun.
5:20: It seems like even more clouds are moving in and the wind is starting to pick up. With memories of last year dance through my head, I think I’ll go over here to the side hoping that the forces of nature can hold off on the precipitation. I want to see Mutemath and I can’t do that if it storms…
5:30: No sign of the dreaded “festival wall” in sight. What I do see is the stuff that goes on outside of the music. Some of the vendors located towards the entrance inform and talk to curious passer-bys; a bungee cord trampoline attraction and a rock climbing wall give kids and adults some entertainment and physical exertion; and around the River Stage, lawn chairs and blankets have been set up towards the back while children play with the frisbees and beach balls they got from one of the sponsor tables. The kids going around with the bubble gun also add to the fun and inviting aesthetic that the festival wants to bring (and they are for the most part).
6:00: Dinner time!
6:15: The crowd has been pretty modest for this second day of festivities, but seemed to have turned out for this next act. Sound check is going on right now, and the drummer for the next band is taping a headset to himself. Not sure if this is a look or for practicality, but hey, to each their own.
I’ve never seen Mutemath before, and it looks like my wish is coming true. According to WARMfest’s Twitter feed:
ATC Radar confirms: All the bad weather is south of B’ton, eastbound. We’re in the clear again! Thanks, Mom’s Nature! #WARMfest2014!!
— WARMfest (@WARMfest) August 30, 2014
6:30: Mutemath has been introduced and it’s showtime!
I know there’s a certain connotation to bands you’re not entirely familiar with: sometimes it feels like their set can drag on and maybe you’re having problems trying to find something to grasp onto. This is especially the case when you’ve been at the park all day and festival fatigue begins to set in. With Mutemath, there was none of that. I had heard wonderful things about these guys from various friends over the years. What I didn’t expect was to be sucked in from beginning to end, and begging for me by the time they left the stage.
Visually, it was nothing like what we would see from of Montreal later in the evening (more on that later), but performance-wise, there may not have been a band tighter and more precise than Mutemath. You couldn’t help but dance around and admire their infectious energy. A few people around me feel the same way, two-stepping the night away and getting others to join in.
7:30: I’m definitely enjoying this performance, but sadly it must end. The way this one concludes involves frontman Paul Meany going out into the crowd with drummer Darren King following suit, a drum solo involving every member, playing around with effects pedals, and an eager crowd eating it all up. Fatigue may be setting in, but Mutemath was definitely the pick-me-up that I need to get through the rest of this night.
7:35: of Montreal won’t go on for another hour, and besides, I need to walk around to recollect myself after what I just saw. My wandering leads me back to the Hawk Stage, where Chicago-based The Kickback has already taken the stage.
There are no gimmicks with these guys. It’s just straight-up rock n’ roll in all of its raw and gritty glory. There’s definitely an edge to them that I haven’t heard in a lot of bands today. It feels like they have a story, and that’s always something I can appreciate.
While that’s going on, I can’t help but wonder if they’re a little nervous. Their on-stage banter in between songs is all over the place, and it’s generating a few laughs amongst those who stuck around to watch them. Maybe they’re nervous, or maybe that’s just them. It contrasts a little with what they do when the music starts, but if we’re judging this on pure entertainment, they’re worth a listen. Definitely enjoyable.
8:25: While The Kickback is still on stage, they mention wanting to finish so they can go over and watch of Montreal on the River Stage. They also mention that they have puppets that aren’t really puppets, masks, and other surprises. Intriguing for sure, and since I’ve never even seen/heard of them before, I’m interested. We’ll be hightailing it over to the River Stage after The Kickback is done.
8:27: Onto the River Stage.
8:29: It’s kind of remarkable seeing everyone gathered at this one stage at the end of the day. The fans and media personnel gather in front of the stage; those who are tired or have children set up lawn chairs and blankets a little bit further back; said children are playing and having a good time kicking a beach ball around or blowing bubbles; and even a group of fire dancers are putting on a show in the very back of the area (and chasing and growling at anyone who wanders too close. Hey, they do have fire…).
8:30: But now, it’s time for our final act of the evening. Bring on of Montreal!
While Mutemath was more performance-centered, this one definitely didn’t skimp on the theatrics. Three people in bodysuits coming out every so often to do things like wrestle on stage or pass around a seemingly miles-long string of balloons into the crowd or perform skits in the middle of the song. It’s a little distracting, but it does add to the aesthetic.
I’m at a loss for words trying to figure out what’s going on, but there are plenty of people around me who are enjoying themselves. Some dance and sing the night away, others are still passing around the balloons, and one father even took to wrapping his daughter with said balloons.
As distracting as the theatrical element is, I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on the actual musical performance. of Montreal is very good. They’re very engaging and their sound is on-point. Take away the visual aspect, and there’s still plenty here to keep you interested.
As the clock ticks closer to the 10:00 end time, the band performs one last song while their 3 masked figures fire off confetti into the crowd (or at least try to. It is kind of windy out) before bidding everyone farewell until next time.
But the cheering never stops. These people want more, and before too long, of Montreal is more than happy to oblige. They play a few more songs, and even take to going out into the crowd to meet and greet those standing by the front barricade (a-la what The National typically does, but on a smaller scale). As the night ends, two of the masked figures crowd surf as the final note rings out. At this point, 10:00 comes around, and the second day of WARMfest is now in the books.
10:00: Time to head towards the exits. Those who paid to park in the park hop in their cars and drive off into the night, while others hop on their bicycles or walk back home. As for the rest of us, we’re waiting by the front gate for the shuttle bus that will take us back to Glendale.
It’s starting to get late, and the bus is much cooler than what it’s doing outside. While many of us are tired, there’s still the excited chatter of what everyone saw and did during their day. From my seat, I overhear those who talked about how this was the only day off they would have this weekend, and how they wouldn’t have spent it any other way. Judging solely by reactions and expressions, I’d say this day was a success. Plus, it managed to stay dry, keeping me from writing a not-so-anticipated sequel entitled “WETfest 2: The Sequel.”
10:10: I’m back in my car about the begin the drive back home. I could really go for another one of those coffees I had earlier in the day.
11:15: I’m home and I think I’ll start writing my review. Then it’s back to Broad Ripple tomorrow for the 3rd day of WARMfest. What am I, crazy? Yes, a little, but when there’s an art and music festival going on in my city, I’m not just going to say no. Plus, many of my favorite local acts take the stage. Of course I’m not going to miss that.
2:35: Oh yeah, sleep is a thing, right? Guess I better get to bed. Good night, world. Sweet WARMfest dreams…
4:00: I really hate my insomnia…
WARMfest Day 3 coming soon…