*Writer’s note: this is once again being presented in journal format*
It’s 6am, it’s currently pouring outside, my morning run with my good friend Kelly was postponed due to the aforementioned weather, and as I drift back into a state of slumber for a few more hours (I slept all of 2 hours the night before thanks to a combination of the new Doctor Who and the #EverySimpsonsEver marathon), visions of last year’s washout soon fill my head…
Maybe it’ll be better later on(?).
I’m on my way out to WARMfest at Broad Ripple Park for another day of art and music. What’s on the agenda today? A lot of my favorite local Indy bands, one of the first acts I ever got to interview, and a national artist who will provide a “Bittersweet” ending to my weekend of fun.
I’m not lying when I say I was skeptical about how WARMfest would go this year. Between the weather and the feeling that maybe they scaled back things this time around, there were many questions when I took my first step on the grounds yesterday. However, I walked away impressed with what I had seen, like maybe they were going for quality rather than quantity. Needless to say, I’m anxious to get back out there again later this afternoon. I only wish Mother Nature agreed with me…
11:30: I have until 1pm to get there. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go get ready, and by that, I mean take all the necessary measures to make sure I don’t lose my keys this time…
Noon: Once you start watching the Simpsons marathon, you can’t stop watching the Simpsons, and it’s this reason that I have to drag myself away from the TV so I can get to the park.
12:30: It’s a little cloudy out again. We really lucked out yesterday, but…ah (expletive deleted), it’s pouring, and I haven’t even gotten off the highway. Please tell me it’ll clear up by the time I get there.
1:15: The rain has stopped (for now), and now I’m just waiting here in Glendale for the shuttle so I can get over there.
1:30: So far, so good. The ground is a little wet and it’s a little dark out in the distance, but nevertheless, I’m determined to have a good time today while praying for the rain to hold off. For now, it’s off to the Hawk Stage, where my good friends in Audiodacity have already gotten the party started.
Generally, every band gets about 45 minutes-1 hour to perform, but the band who was supposed to follow couldn’t make it, so today, we get a supersized Audiodacity set. This means about 2+ hours of fun and funk in the park, which actually kind of suits them. They’re definitely the kind of band that thrives on that high energy performances where you can lose yourself and forget all about how long they’ve actually been on stage.
Speaking of suits, it’s a little strange seeing them in normal clothes for a change, and performing in the afternoon, but I digress.
Their crowd isn’t huge, but it’s a decent turnout. A few stand around the tables or set up chairs in the shade (the sun is starting to peek out for the first time all weekend, believe it or not), and some move towards the center to dance along. The band even catches the attention of one person heading out to the River Sessions before his wife drags him away.
As for their performance, it’s definitely a far cry the late nights at the bar that I’ve become accustomed to, and maybe the atmosphere takes away from it a little, but there’s no denying what they bring to the table, which is a fun and engaging performance. Definitely the jolt I needed after skipping my coffee again.
2:30: Audiodacity is still performing, but I’m a little hungry, and since I skipped getting a funnel cake at the State Fair this year, I’m off to the food trucks over by the River Stage for one.
2:45: Funnel cakes: taste like…regret.
2:53: I feel…miserable after that funnel cake. Let this be a lesson: don’t act on indulgences sometimes.
I feel like I need a nap, but I’m walking back over to the Hawk Stage to see Audiodacity finish things up with a fury of breakneck rhymes, bass grooves, trumpets and saxophones, and plenty of dance moves from the crowd. Have I mentioned how entertaining these guys are?
3:00: Audiodacity has wrapped. We have a little bit of time before our next band takes the stage. Some of the crowd is filing out while others are making their way towards this small-ish stage. I think I might stay put. This next one could turn into a doozy…
3:30: I’ve known the guys in Max Allen Band for a few years now, and I’ve always admired what they bring to each performance. Their attention to detail, their stage presence, and more importantly, their ability to get a crowd going.
And it’s not just me that admires this. A few people from our Indy local music scene are also here to take it all in, from those who are performing during this weekend or others who are here with their families. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of community within the scene.
For those who don’t know, Max Allen Band is a jam band that can belt out an hours-long set like I can ramble during a review. Unfortunately, they only have 30 minutes today. This means not a lot of crowd interaction this time while they let their music do the talking. What makes Max and co. even more impressive is how effortless they make it look. They literally play everything with their eyes closed, giving a performance that feels like it’s driven more by heart than by a setlist written out on a piece of paper. As someone that goes to a million shows, a mechanical band is never something you want to see, but these guys are anything but that.
3:55: Unfortunately, I must leave for a few moments. Not because I lost my keys again (they are safely fastened to my media badge lanyard), but because, I have a friend making her way to Broad Ripple Park, and I promised I’d go meet here. Back to Glendale I go!
4:25: Back at my car. Waiting waiting waiting…
4:33: She’s here. We exchange pleasantries and make our way back to the park grounds. Since she hasn’t been here all weekend, we walk around for a time before stumbling upon a band at the River (Main) Stage.
4:45: But not just any band. It’s Guided By Voices.
I will admit, I’m not exactly familiar with their work, aside from the fact that they were writing songs and gaining a massive following since before I was even born. I tend to be a little leery towards bands in their 50s reuniting and performing shows for the sake of nostalgia, but there’s different about these guys. Something that seems to be lacking from a lot of those shows done by aging rock stars:
Heart.
There’s a lot of cynicism with bands like this, but damn if they didn’t lay everything out there on that stage. Parts feel very rough gritty, but that may be what they were going for. They sound nothing like a group of people pushing 60. They have all of the energy of a group of kids playing the punk clubs in the 80s. Reportedly, they’ve called it quits again. So if this is the last time I ever get to see them, I’m glad I stopped by when I did.
5:45: That was fun, but now it’s back over to the Hawk Stage. A few friends of mine I haven’t seen in a while are about to go back on, but first, the Nicey Treat truck!
6:00: Back over at the Hawk Stage, and quite a few people have gathered here. It’s also nice to see the sun peeking out during what’s been an otherwise gloomy weekend. We’ve had the threat of turning WARMfest into “WETfest 2: The Sequel,” but we may have dodged another bullet. Before I jinx things with that statement, uh…next band!
Local rockers Hero Jr. are back for the second straight year. While I think it was cooler seeing the on the bigger main stage last time, this one might suit them a little better. After all, shows are more fun when they’re more intimate, even if we are out in the open.
To put it best for those who haven’t seen them, Hero Jr. is a rock n’ roll band from the 70s trapped in the bodies of 4 guys who live in 2014. Their attitude, their sound, and the way they put such an emphasis on energetic live performances.
I’ve always admired how much they put into each performance. Not just how well each song translates to the stage, but the way they carry themselves on stage. This is them in their element, and they’re having the time of their lives up there, while those in the crowd nod, dance and sing along. To put it simply, it’s everything you want to see from a rock show. Their aim is to entertain, and that they are.
Out here in the crowd, it’s a mixture of adults who typically see them at the bars, as well as a few kids who don’t normally get to see them (something about bars being 21+ in this state). Some people are even furiously dancing along to their blend of rock. It’s a scene you would typically see from an Umphrey’s McGee show. A little unusual maybe, but it does add to the vibe of the show. A beach ball is also being tossed around, just not very well. We’re not very good at keeping it going (oops).
7:00: After an hour of rock, they close it out and move things out of the way for our next performer. I’ve been thoroughly rocked (pun intended), and we’re not done yet.
Unfortunately, I must bid my friend farewell. So it’s back to lone-wolfing this evening at WARMfest (“I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel.”). I’ve got 30 minutes before the next one, so I guess I’ll go back to the food trucks. Macaroni is a good dinner option, right?
7:40: That crawfish mac n’ cheese was great, but I took too long. It’s back to the Hawk Stage, where I see an even bigger crowd has gathered to witness another one of Indiana’s own. We’ve seen rock, funk, indie, and jam bands today. So how about the blues?
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is in the midst of telling us all where he learned the guitar, and much like everyone who gathered, I’m hooked. Rev Peyton is definitely someone who doesn’t concern himself with current trends or trying to deviate outside of letting the music speak for itself, and even though he may not be that young buck from Brown County anymore, he’s still someone that carries that blue collar attitude to his live performances. There’s no programming, sampling, or even a bass guitar to be found. Just homemade guitars and washboards, and that grit that could only come from someone who was “born bred and corn fed.”
As for what’s on the stage, it’s almost like 3 different personalities doing their own thing, but somehow, it works. Rev. Peyton is a chaotic force who looks like he should have smoke coming out of his guitar based on how hard he’s playing it, Washboard Breezy Grey is calm and collected, and Ben Bussell seems to be somewhere in the middle, wailing away on drums and watching his poor cymbal literally kicked around the stage by Rev Peyton. A roadie attempts to set it back up, but it’s again kicked seconds later, sending this crowd into a frenzy.
To sum it up, it’s a blues show that feels more like a punk show. What’s more fun than that?
8:30: Having witnessed two high-energy bands in a row, I may have finally hit the festival wall. You know, the unfortunate feeling of being exposed to too much of a good thing right before the final act is about to go on the main stage?
But I have a job to do. So after a stroll back over to the River Stage (and seeing many of the vendors packit up for the evening), let’s do this.
Much like I was almost one calendar year ago, I’m back at the main stage to watch Big Head Todd and the Monsters close it out.
Now for those who stuck around and saw BHT’s set from the previous year, it was a lot of the same, but on a slightly smaller stage (physically) and with less lawn chairs set up in the crowd. Actually, just put this on the other side of the area, and it’s just like last time, but that’s not take anything away from the performance. There’s a reason he’s back as the headliner: he’s engaging, knows how to captivate an audience, and you can’t disagree when you have legions of supporters singing along to every word. While I’m not a huge fan – I couldn’t even tell you one song he plays – it’s pretty cool taking all of this in.
As for his set, it’s a nice mixture of favorites old and new. There’s nothing too extravagant going on (unlike last night), but it’s a nice example of just letting the music speak for itself and just creating an experience that way.
Unfortunately, I have finally hit the dreaded “festival wall.” I’m reaching full capacity on how much music I can take in for a day before I start checking out. No! Not now! It’s almost over! Thankfully, I have the good vibes of everyone else around me to help carry me to the finish line.
Without warning, the band bids a fond farewell before leaving us standing in the dark and willingly applauding until the gates open the next day. We want more, and they’re more than happy to oblige. They come back for an encore and perform a few more songs to the delight of those who stuck around before sending us on our way. Tired as many of us may be, there’s still a lot of chatter about how great day #3 was, on the walk back to the front gate, in the parking lot, and even on the charter back to the parking lot at nearby Glendale.
Now, how am I going to put all of this into words?
Final verdict?
While yesterday was spent admiring bands from near and far, today more local-centric outing was everything I had expected it to be. I’ve always said that this scene can stack up again any band out there on the national level, and today proved it. Sure, Big Head Todd and Guided By Voices were great, but there’s plenty to like in our mixed race Indiana music scene, but none of them can flourish without having an opportunity to play at a festival like this. Plus, when I don’t have to write a sequel to “WETfest,” that’s always a win.
So thank you, Mother Nature, and thank you, WARMfest. See you all next year!