One of the more disturbing sights at Rockfest
Two years ago it was insanely hot and I got something in my eye.
Last year it rained the whole time I was there and I got so much mud on me I had to go home and change before I could go anywhere else.
This year it was cold. Not late-December/January cold, but cold enough that I didn’t wear shorts and I had to put on a hoodie. I still wasn’t warm enough. Still, it was the best time I had at Kansas City’s premier gathering of misfits and undesirables, although that isn’t saying a whole lot.
The response time on my phone’s camera stinks, but this delightful pixie had a large knife hidden in her boots. She was using it to untangle her beads.
Despite this year’s strong lineup I was disappointed in a lot of the performances. Hinder and Alter Bridge, two of the bands I was really looking forward to, didn’t do anything for me. The two standouts I saw were Art of Dying and – suprisingly – Papa Roach. I’ve never been a huge fan of theirs, but Papa Roach put in a solid set and really knew how to work the crowd. I’ve previously written them off but I’m going to check out some of their stuff beyond what I’ve heard on the radio.
One of the interesting things I noticed this year is that more people were at the second stage. In previous years the second stage had a small crowd because it featured lesser-known bands. However a lot of the acts put on better sets than those on the main stage. This year was no exception but the crowd was larger and more into the music than previous years. Another thing is that the organizers did a better job with the food tents. There were more of them and slightly better quality than previous years. As usual there was no shortage of beer tents. I realize that this happens because they sponsor it, but only having Miller and (I think) Coors available really bites.
The weather ended up driving me out before Stone Sour’s set. I really wanted to see them but spending hours in the cold was beginning to chill me to the bones. Overall I had a pretty good time but I don’t know if the hassle of the drive, parking, and 30 minute hike to the Liberty Memorial is worth it. Unless they book someone spectacular next year or move it to a better venue this may be my last one.
These two young lasses were enjoying their weekend away from finishing school to perform for the crowd in exchange for beads.