All Points West Music Festival (Day 2)
Day 2 was an episode straight out of LOST. Text messages arrived 1 hour after they were sent and I was left stranded on a pseudo-island to fend for myself. The day started just like Day 1, I jumped on the E, transferred to the PATH at WTC, and go onto the LightRail at Exchange Place. As I was waiting for the LightRail, I got tapped on the shoulder by my friend Adam and his girlfriend Perrie. We walked in together. As we approached the entrance the day started to reveal itself. There was a line to get in, unlike yesterday when I walked right in.
We sent texts to Jeff to let him know we were in, and walked all the way to the far side beer garden. After waiting on a 10 minute ID check line, we got into the garden and waited another 20 minutes for some beer. We each drank 2 beers and I got up to head over to Kings of Leon. I had no idea of knowing that would be the last time I saw any of my friends that day. They were all planning on seeing The Roots at 7:15. My plan was to catch 45 mins of Kings and then meet them over there. I lied down on the grass towards the back and watched KIngs play a bunch of songs I didn’t know. I did recognize 1 song but it wasn’t either of my favorites - Arizona or Knocked Up. The sun was starting its descent and it was truly enjoyable to be there.
At 7:10, I got up and walked over to get a slice before settling in around The Roots. I sent texts to Jeff, Adam and 2 other people to find out where they were. No response. The Roots came on and I stood in the back waiting to meet up with my friends. I’ve seen The Roots at least 10 times and I swear every time I see them its a different ensemble on stage. This time they had a tuba (played by Tuba Gooding Junior). As always, they rocked although they did seem a little more “rocky” than “rappy” this time. I didn’t realize until half way through that they didn’t have Scratch, or Rhazel, or any other scratch human/machine. This definitely detracted from the sound somewhat. I love the scratching.
After The Roots, at 8:15, I walked over to the beer garden to grab a drink and try and find my friends. Unfortunately, they were not letting anyone in to the beer garden! The crowds were too large. Defeated, I walked over to Radiohead and sat down against the bleachers in the back. Then a miracle happened. I got like 10 texts from my friends. Apparently it was 7:30 and they were all enjoying beer in the garden. Shaking my head like Daniel Faraday, I could only imagine what Desmond must be going through at this point! Then another message came in saying they were exactly where we were last night for Radiohead. I got up and started fighting like a mad man through the crowd to reach the spot. I wasn’t just fighting the crowd, it was getting darker every minute and Radiohead was sure to take the stage any second. I eventually got to the spot and couldn’t find anyone. I thought I saw Jeff twice but it was just some other tall dude in a tee-shirt. Then the sun officially said its goodbye and Radiohead entered stage right. Game over. I stood shoulder to shoulder with strangers for about an hour then made my retreat back to the outer crowds. I watched for another 45 minutes or so, then got a chocolate soft serve and called it a night.
I am leaving in about an hour for the third and final day. I am extremely excited for Jack Johnson tonight! It’s just me and Jeff today, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we don’t lose each other.
