CoS at Wakarusa (Day 3)
Another day of great weather set the scene for day three. To start off the day I had to check out the Prairie stage. This is a unique feature for the festival in that they put a fourth stage in the campground area for smaller local and regional acts. Great American Taxi (Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon’s side project) kicked off the afternoon nicely with some high energy Colorado country blues, setting the feel for the day. This is a different sound for Herman who is used to playing more bluegrass than blues, but having seen them twice now, he does it well and knows how to play to a crowd, combining both originals and classic covers. This also made three sets for Vince this weekend since he was set for a main stage slot both for day three and four with Leftover Salmon.
Next up was Alejandro Escovedo back at the main festival grounds. I had heard his name passed around by 
musical circles, but had never heard any of his stuff, so with my strong curiosity in tow, I went to see what all the noise was about. Alejandro played a great straight-forward seventies rock set of mostly originals from his long career, as well as an Iggy Pop cover. With help from a cellist and violinist, he combined old style rock ‘n roll with hints of country, early punk rock, and traditional Spanish guitars throughout, making for a diverse sound that I had never heard live before. Alejandro also had a habit of name dropping, dedicating almost every song of his to someone from the seventies rock era including the New York Dolls. He also paid tribute to the late Bo Diddly for another one of his tracks.
After a trip down rock and roll’s memory lane, it was time for some Dr. Dog. This was another band that I had heard about for some time now, but for whatever reason never looked into. However, once again, the enthusiasm of my festival companion sparked my interest once more. Having been slated to play next to Leftover Salmon’s time slot there was next to no one there which made the set that much more intimate. The set was an amazing blend of sounds that could be likened to a combination of the Beatles and the Pixies for a band that was soulful, cryptic, and catchy all at the same time. Carried by incredible vocals from the bassist, and haunting harmonies, it was a set to remember for the day, and I will defiantly be seeing them on the main stage on day four.
Following this set, again on a curious whim, I moved on to check out the Old 97’s. I had read about these guys in a Fleet Foxes interview as they listed them as a major influence, and after catching the last 45-minutes I can now see why. Being almost country alt-rock, they were more high energy that the Fleet Foxes, but had a simplicity about them that made it easy to enjoy. Yet another band has come to my attention today marking this day as the one for new music and the following of curiosities.
Ben Folds was one of the last bands of the night, and unfortunately was somewhat of a disappointment for me, and the rest of crowed as they slowly walked out during the set. Coming on twenty minutes late, he played a set that mostly ignored his hits and was very anti-climactic, especially for myself who has been listening to him for some time now, and was looking forward to seeing him. He did manage to muster a few sing alongs with the crowed, but by the end of the set people were ready to wake up again, and so with no encore, I moved on disappointed.
The day ended with the last 45 minutes of the STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector Nine) set which included there well known light show and high energy electro jam style that has made them so famous amongst currently touring bands. Having built their fan base from word of mouth and non-stop touring, they were veterans at working a crowed who was for the most part enjoying this set with chemical enhancement. This was a much better venue for the group since it allowed them the space and time to play on the main stage and provide a show that only adds to their status as a must see band.
Day three ended earlier, but having been running on four hours of sleep from the night before, it was nice to relax and see new music with lots of time to reflect and explore.
Escovedo photo via Back to Rockville, Dr. Dog photo via The Pitch…
Jun 10th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
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Jun 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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