Published: May 08, 2008 12:51 pm            

Norman Music Fest a blast

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.

        

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