subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, May 12 2008 

Published: May 08, 2008 12:51 pm    print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

Norman Music Fest a blast

Judd Morse Staff Writer

Norman Thousands flocked to downtown Norman on April 26 to attend the first-ever Norman Music Festival. The event was wildly successful, with over 13,000 estimated in attendance. The event consisted of three stages. The western main stage was right across the railroad tracks on East Main. The secondary stage was several blocks down to the east, and the third was inside the historic Sooner Theater. Shows started as early as 11 a.m. on some stages, with groups on each stage playing approximately hour-long sets.

The Octopus Project, from Austin, Texas came on earlier than expected, delivering a solid performance. Member Yvonne Lambert masterfully played her theremin, a type of hands-free electrophone that produces sound based on the proximity of the player’s hand to its two metal antennas.

British Sea Power followed The Octopus Project, delivering what can only be described as a “rock show extravaganza.” It’s hard to imagine why British Sea Power wasn’t chosen to close down the event, and after their amazing performance at the festival, it’s a shame they didn’t. The band played hits and fan-favorites from all three of their albums. Frenzied fans chanted “easy, easy, easy, easy!” during “No Lucifer,” one of the band’s strongest new songs.

Guitarist Noble, who’s developed a reputation for leaving the stage during shows, at one point hopped on the shoulders of a fan and went for a short ride, all while still playing.

During another song he climbed up to the top of one of the side stage supports and executed some aerobic maneuvers. British Sea Power was far and away the best show of the event. I’ve personally had the opportunity to see BSP on two previous occasions, and somehow they always seem to put on a better show than the one before it.

A newly-reunited Chainsaw Kittens took the stage afterwards, playing at dusk. Frontman Tyson Meade reunited with Trent Bell, Matt Johnson, and Eric Harmon to officially bring the band out of retirement. Sadly, all indications point to this monuments reunion being a one-time event, as it’s doubtful that the legendary Norman band will stay together post-festival.

This is more of a shame considering how much these guys rocked. For a band that broke up in 2000, the Kittens played like they all still rehearsed together on the weekends. For fans like me who weren’t around for those shows in the 90s, the Kittens show represented a rare chance to see what I missed.

The Polyphonic Spree headlined as the final event, and they played to a packed and enthusiastic crowd. Their set featured lots of lights, brass instruments, and clapping.

The festival was a great first effort by the Norman Arts Council, and the overwhelming success has already drummed up hopes of a bigger and better lineup for next years. Although booking a better show than British Sea Power may be a perilous task.

print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.



Photos


Chainsaw Kittens performed at the first Norman Music Festival. Judd Morse/ (Click for larger image)

monster
wheels
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premium jobs

37657
Adjunct Instructors (Part-time Faculty)
Applications are requested for Summer and Fall 2008
instructors for da
...>MORE

37691
Part-time Transcriptionist
Needed for cardiology office.
Call 272-0715, ask for Tammie.
...>MORE

37637
Ready for a Career Change? Are you working late hours only to receive a disappointing paycheck? Would you rather work we...>MORE

37644
SECRETARY Position. 30 hours per week. High school diploma or equivalent. Must have own transportation & professional dr...>MORE

37800
MiSwaco - Drilling Fluid Specialist M-I SWACO, the worldwide leader in fluids management, has an immediate need for expe...>MORE

37832
FOCUS ON THE BEST! Delivery Driver - Ada, OK JOIN A GROWING BUSINESS. Starting pay $14.50 + incentive potential. ASK ABO...>MORE

37756
P/T REGULAR DRIVER Needed to work in mental health center in Ada, OK. Must have valid driver’s license, eligibility fo...>MORE

37833
"No Experience Needed - Paid Training Provided" Direct Care Professional Full-Time & Part-Time Shifts Available. $.50 pe...>MORE

37630
Guardsmark F/T & P/T openings for UNARMED SECURITY in Ada & Seminole Starting pay is $8 - $8.50/hr. Benefits include pai...>MORE

#37238
TRUCK DRIVER Class A CDL, tractor-trailer exp., good safety and driving records. Start at $13.24/hour. Rock/sand end-du...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index

rc