APW Live: Friday evening
The first edition of the All Points West Music Festival is officially underway, and New Yorkers can now proudly say that they have a festival of their own. Though things got off to a rocky start - mass transit had trouble handling the masses of people - most have made their way to the park and are now taking in the sights and sounds of Coachella east coast.
First and foremost, beers are between $7.00 and $9.00, limit five per customer. What’s more, not only do attendees have to consume each beverage within a designated area, but individual wristbands have five tabs to keep track of and limit consumption. A bit like Coachella’s policies, eh?
Of the performers who have hit the stage thus far, Michael Franti & Spearhead has been the day’s biggest highlight. Taking the main Blue Comet stage barefoot and under the setting of some rather dark clouds, one which would eventually produce rain showers, the San Francisco native began what proved to be a captivating set that drew a fairly large crowd. In fact, more people were present for Franti and company than stuck around for the following act - The New Pornographers.
Speaking of the Canadian outfit, their set was also solid, highlighted by the commercial-friendly “Bleeding Heart Show” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down”.
Mates of State brought a family feel to APW’s first day. With their young children watching from the side, the musical duo offered their usual bouncing sounds in a set mixed with songs primarily from their newest effort, Re-Arrange Us. It was great indie fun!
Currently, all the stages appear a bit backed up schedule wise. CSS has just taken the stage, more than a hour later than originally planned.
With Radiohead, Underworld, Girl Talk, and Andrew Bird still to come however, I think it’s safe to say those gathered at Liberty Park are in for a few more treats.
coachella doesnt keep track of how many beers you drink - haha.
state/city authorities dictate the alcohol permits and their crazy rules must be followed.
I know its put on by the same guy, but you cant compare this thing to coachella
I’ve never been to Coachella, but talking to Matt, he’s seemed to convey that the two festivals have similar policies when it comes to alcohol. We’ll scratch it for now though…
Nah, Coachella doesn’t keep track of the drinks. I was referring to the designated drinking zones. I’m not so into drinking at concerts to begin with, but it makes it almost impossible to enjoy a beer when you are stuck in a “beer garden” (a fenced off area) BEHIND the stage, where the sound is terrible. Unfortunately for most, it turns into chugging or “screw the concert and let’s get drunk.”
I have to say that my experience with the ferries was very positive. The staff was friendly and the boats were coming in and out of port with surprising efficiency and regularity. Aside from that, $9 beer was a little steep but the food choices were aplenty and not too expensive. As for the show, Girl Talk completely blew my mind and Radiohead was obviously perfect (as usual). All in all, it was a very good opening day if you just ignore the problems which are always associated with a mass turnout event. -brian