http://freepresssummerfest.com/ This was a very very fun time last year, and I hear it was a fun time in 2009 too. Tickets are on sale now for dirt cheap. 20 dollars for a two day festival thats as fun as this one is just crazy. I picked up a VIP ticket back when they were 30 a few weeks ago, I think those are up to 40 now (figured why not get the VIP when its that cheap). Both the past two years it had really good line-ups for the price, and last year it was very successful, so I think we will be seeing even bigger names this year. This year's the line-up should be coming very soon. No exact date given, but the Houston Press had an article about 3 weeks ago saying it was coming within a month, and Free Press Houston made a facebook post on December 28th saying the line-up was "right around the corner", so could be within the next few days. I'm pretty sure its definitely coming this month. Anyone going? Any guesses as to who will be playing? I can definitely take a bunch of guesses but haven't heard any rumors. The bigger festivals I can pretty much predict the line-ups because they have patterns they follow, but for a new festival like this thats still growing, I really have no clue.
Last year had trhe better headliners, 09 had the better allaround lineup. I've heard RUMORS of Cee Lo and Weezer, but just rumors.
Where did you hear the rumors from? Most persistent rumor I've heard is Arcade Fire, though a pretty credible source shot that down. Also heard one of the Wu Tang rappers will be there. Also, Beirut's dates fit with it. Haven't heard anything else. Also line-up is coming Monday
Houston, in the past, has never been a good market for the indie scene. Only recently have things picked up, but it was a dead zone for this scene for a long time. There is a reason why all the major indie bands only tour through Dallas and Austin and skip by Houston every time.
I heard people speculating Arcade Fire last year. How do you top Flaming Lips, though? Coyne knows how to put on a damn show. Members of Wu Tang would be a disappointment to me, though. They were just in town and it feels like a cash grab. But yeah, Cee Lo and Weezer sound a little too mainstream for Summerfest. I'm just hoping for a good punk/metal act.
I think Arcade Fire would be big enough and good enough to top the Flaming Lips. Arcade Fire is my ideal headliner but beyond that, The Strokes, Phoenix, Modest Mouse, or Sufjan Stevens could work. Also, people I'd like to play but wouldn't want to headline (Though they might would)- Animal Collective, Death From Above 1979, The National, MGMT, and Titus Andronicus. I really have no clue whose going to be on that line-up come Monday, and thats why I'm excited. I can pretty much guess stuff like ACL but I dont know how much bigger a budget they have at this or what they plan to do.
The local support shouldn't be that hard to figure out. Probably a handful from previous years... Yppah, The Manichean, Grrrl Parts, Grandfather Child, Somosuno, B L A C K I E, The Small Sounds, Eastern Sea. Maybe a few new ones like Female Demand, Paris Falls, The Escatones, Football Etc, Glasnost, Art Institute, Young Girls, Roky Moon and Bolt, Young Mammals, Caddywhompus. If they follow in the tradtion of a post-rock act... my guess is This Will Destroy You. Their album Tunnel Blanket got pushed back to June....and they are big enough now. (toured with Deftones and were recently interviewed by VH1[wtf?]). Although, I have to admit. I saw TWDY at SXSW last year in an 'ampitheater' type setting and they were balls. a good example.... Spoiler <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BPBJcAk9xgY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I didnt see Lymbyc Systym last year so I can't comment on that performance, but EITS was balls in 2009. Post-rock isn't designed for that setting. That sound needs to be contained. If they do get a post-rock band I hope it's someone like Junius, Caspian or Russian Circles, maybe even Red Sparowes who lean more towards metal. The sprawling ambient, quite/loud stuff just doesn't work in outdoor settings like Elanor Tinsley. bands that I am hoping for: Co-Pilot, Black Congress, Omotai, Eagle Claw, White Rhino, Big Fiction, Football Etc, Warbler PL, B L A C K I E, Ghost Town Electric.
Oh yeah, I'm sure there'll be plenty of local talent there, which I'm ok with, lots of great local bands around. Really excited to hopefully see the Wild Moccasins, Roky Moon and Bolt, BLACKIE, and a few more possibly. As for post rock, I can't comment a whole lot because I really haven't listened to much, but I know none of the post rock bands I listen to will be there (Mogwai is in Houston the month before, Sigur Ros isn't happening). And listening to that video of This Will Destroy You, eh, I agree, dont think that'd fit in the summer fest setting. Could definitely see Girl in a Coma being there, they are a local favorite. Also wouldn't be surprised if Daniel Johnston plays, which I'm ok with. I also would love to see GIVERS back. Das Racist seems to be hitting the indie fest circuit hard, could definitely see them here. I'd love Fang Island too. Also would love some electronic music there. Boys Noize would be awesome. Also my biggest hope for non headlining band is Titus Andronicus. I want to see them live very badly, and now they've skipped Houston 3 times on 3 separate tours (that went through Texas). I think they'd be perfect and I'd kill to see them. Their newest album is absolutely amazing.
Hey, that is a good call. I would love to see that happen. I dont know much about the indie circut...but And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead seems like a good fit to me. That would be my guess.
Not only should they have a bigger budget this year as last year was a HUGE success, but from AF's point of view its probably the best way to play your hometown again (Well Win and Will's hometown)
I'd love them there. I'm not so sure about headlining though. But they'd probably have to headline I suppose at this point. Or at least Panda Bear. I'd be ok with just him too.
well. boo hiss. Just found out that TWDY is def not playing. Here is to Junius(fest whores) or Caspian(road warriors). If they get Red Sparowes or Russian Circles I'd be satisfied.
