Which bands to see at this year's Virgin Free Fest
With Virgin Mobile FreeFest just about a week away, it's time to start thinking about the bands you don't want to miss at the free one-day festival Aug. 30 at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Since it started in 2006, the festival has showcased a wide range of bands. Last year, Bob Dylan, the Foo Fighters, Kanye West and Jack Johnson were all headliners. Talk about diverse.
This year's headliners, Weezer and Blink-182, are both worth seeing. This is the first time Blink-182 has toured since the California pop punk trio split up almost five years ago. And Weezer has long been a staple on the alt-rock scene ...
Besides the headliners, one of the best bands -- guaranteed -- will be The Hold Steady (pictured). Few bands are as dynamic as these guys, live (here's proof).
Girl Talk is definitely going to mix it up, too. Girl Talk (the stage name for Gregg Gillis) strings together snippets of pop, rock and hip-hop songs together to make an irresistibly danceable live show.
Other acts worth catching: Quirky songstress St. Vincent puts on an enchanting live show. Though Franz Ferdinand only had one hit in the U.S. ("Take Me Out"), they're really popular in England, and recently released a fairly funky new album, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand." And husband and wife duo Mates of State's last album, Re-Arrange Us, is their best yet.
Who are you looking forward to seeing?
For more on Virgin FreeFest, go to baltimoresun.com/virginfreefest
(AP photo)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
um..do people ehave thier tickets yet? I havent seen mine in the mail yet?
Posted by: Anonymous | August 20, 2009 3:42 PM
Anon,
Tickets are available at Will Call starting tomorrow (aug21). Tickets should be in the mail around the same time.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | August 20, 2009 3:43 PM
Since it was free, I could not pass up the chance to see P.E., Pete Tong, and Weezer. Everyone else? Eh, not so much.
Posted by: Chw | August 20, 2009 4:13 PM
Sam, you know me I am counting down the hours for the Steady. Also the Bravery, Weezer (depending on when the go on) and maybe Franz Ferdinand. Public Enemy is just sad to see nowadays.
Has the schedule of bands been released yet?
Posted by: sturmy | August 20, 2009 4:18 PM
Franz ferdinand, mates of state, the hold steady, the national, wale, and holy [expletive]
Posted by: ryan97ou | August 20, 2009 4:37 PM
Andrew Bird! Prolific whistler.
Posted by: Mary | August 20, 2009 4:37 PM
andrew bird is on the lineup? i haven't seen that listed anywhere...
Posted by: adam | August 20, 2009 5:04 PM
Does anyone know where there is a list of times for when each of the bands will perform at Virgin Fest? I'm not sure if I can stay the whole time...
Posted by: Stephen | August 20, 2009 10:35 PM
I have tickets, but still not sure if I'm gonna go or pass them off to a friend desperate to see Blink....
For those going...I def recommend you see Holy [Flip] ...I basically only want to see them and Girl Talk, so I'll likely skip out on it
Posted by: Terry | August 21, 2009 10:17 AM
In a moment of desperation, I promised my tickets to my little bro and his friend in exchange for helping me move. Wishing now that I would have tought of a different bribe bc I wanna gooooo!
I was most excited for Weezer, Taking Back Sunday and the Hold Steady. Was also looking forward to Franz Ferdinand although I don't know a lot of their stuff.
Maybe I will scalp. Or sit on the deck at my parents house and try to strain to hear, pending the correct wind direction. haha
Posted by: TAFKA CantonKate | August 21, 2009 4:49 PM
Hey guys, I heard Virgin's got 120-minute recharge cards for $10 but I can't find this anywhere. Anybody know about this?
Apparently the cards are only available to low-income people but I'm not sure. What's up with this?
Posted by: Jason | August 24, 2009 2:46 PM
The National! Does no one else like them?
Posted by: Car | August 25, 2009 11:57 AM
I second the National! Mr. November!
Posted by: Andrea | August 25, 2009 1:08 PM
has a schedule been released yet? i'd really like to know when the different acts are performing...
Posted by: Joseph | August 25, 2009 2:47 PM
ya I also heard about that 120 minute for $10 deal, my friend tried to get that deal and they said it was a "welfare" deal and only available to people that qualify.. I couldn't believe it, we're students and I don't know how virgin can offer a deal like that and not offer it to us...
Posted by: lest | August 26, 2009 4:24 PM
Sessa,
Have they released the schedule yet?
Posted by: Abject Disaster | August 26, 2009 10:14 PM
According to the FreeFest web site, schedule will be released Friday.
Maybe Sam can get the scoop though.
Posted by: JD | August 27, 2009 8:05 AM
Hey, sorry I didn't comment sooner guys. Yes, the schedule will be released Friday. I'll try and get it before then, but no promises.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | August 27, 2009 9:30 AM
Virgin music is ok. Pigtown music sizzles! Biggest difference between events...our beers are purchased with tickets. One ticket is $4 for or you can buy 4 for $12. These are 16oz beers people!!! Check out the website for more info.
Posted by: Adam Van Bavel | August 27, 2009 10:45 AM
Thanks Sam. They just posted a note on the Fesitval website that the schedule will be up tomorrow.
Posted by: sturmy | August 27, 2009 11:48 AM
Anybody going to the Steady show at the 9:30 club on Sat night?
Posted by: sturmy | August 28, 2009 4:01 PM
don't miss the hold steady. if this weren't free i wouldn't bother, most of the rest of the line up is 5 years past it's expiration date.
Posted by: cnelson | August 30, 2009 9:52 AM
sturmy, did you go to the show at the 9:30 club? i had a friends b-day to go to, so i couldn't make it.
Posted by: Allan | August 31, 2009 9:42 AM