Volunteering at Voodoo

By Andy Sipe

With its impressive lineup including Rage Against the Machine, The Smashing Pumpkins and several other big names, Voodoo Fest had a flavor all its own. Some might call it Creole, others just plain f-ing good as hell. All I know is I didn't have to pay to get in, and neither did you.

There is little doubt in my mind that free entry to such an event would be a cause for hysteria among many music fans, but for some reason hardly anyone I talked to inside the actual event grasped the concept of such a golden ticket. So, as do most people with secrets, I will spill the beans.

About three weeks before Voodoo, I was searching craigslist.com for gigs. I was poor, and looking to make a couple extra bucks. Little did I know there were a ton of promotional positions open and in dire need of people like myself to work the Voodoo festival. Well, I applied, and then I found out Rage was playing. I then proceeded to scream like the above mentioned, and wound up getting a job at a tent in the merch section. I only had to work two to three hours a day, and could devote the rest of my time at the festival to doing whatever the hell I wanted. So I did. And here’s my story.

Friday morning was a buzz with scrambling promo vendors, last minute gerry-riggings, and lackadaisical bodyguards who were still trying to memorize the color codes of the lengthy wristband system. Anyone who looked like they had to be someplace to help set up a tent, or tweak a mic on stage was allowed to enter the back gate completely unchecked by security. I walked in several times without anything but a smiling nod from several different local police.

What this meant was anyone who had the misfortune of not owning expendable bens for the exuberant ticket prices, could have moseyed on inside the festival with no obligations such as I did, at least on Friday, networked themselves into a weekend job at some random tent, and got to see all the bands they wanted for nothing more than a little expended energy you could replenish with a few slices of peanut butter and jelly. Even sneaking into the LOA (VIP) lounge was tough but not impossible.

I'm guessing since it was a Friday morning, most people were still at work, or driving to the concert from various parts of the country. So I took the opportunity to walk around and examine the layout of everything. There were lots of dreadlocks, everywhere I went, accompanied by flowing tie-dye skirts, and black band T-shirts. Vendors like Playstation and Southern Comfort that didn't quite fit the Cajun stereotypes (of say voodoo palm readers, handmade hemp tote bags, and Creole cooking) camouflaged themselves amongst the Spanish moss, black mud, and live oak trees. I decided to take advantage of same for myself, since I had forgotten to apply a thick coat of 50 proof sunscreen on my susceptible Irish skin.

The heat of the Louisiana sun mixed with a mild oceanic/Mississippi River breeze created a laid back climate for observing the scene. Even within the macho infringing security jock trenches separating the massive roaring crowds huddled around the main stages, the guards were routing on the bands as loud if not louder than we were. Perhaps they were looking for action, or just interested in seeing what chaos would ensue once the bands appeared under the colorful array of lights. Either way, the general tone of the festival had started off on a good note, and you could really feel the excitement in the local music tents, which gave the local bands an intimate fireside chat spirit. Not even the mosquitoes and the smell of port-o-potties could dampen the anticipatory air.

[More to come.]

Planning a schedule for a busy Vegoose

John Robison

As this year’s Vegoose festival gets ready to tear up the Vegas music scene with indie, rock, hip-hop and more, I have begun to attempt the map out of bands I am putting in the “have to see or die” category. So, Here in a nutshell is the proposed schedule I intend to keep. Of course, you never know what may happen at such an event…

To start the Saturday festivities, I will be checking out the performance by Gogol Bordello. The little bit I have heard from this band has already blindsided me with awesomeness. In fact from, what I have heard and the hype surrounding the band, I think the festival has them misplaced as an opener.

Soon after I plan on checking in with Blonde Redhead. I know very little about this band and that always gets me hyped. Usually when you already love a band you come to watch them with a level of expectancy– of wants and needs, I want the band to play these certain songs, I need the band’s audio to be exactly as I imagine it to be. So, when you see a band you know little to nothing about all your expectations do is take a backseat and be ready to enjoy a new and different sonic buffet for your already noise damaged ears. Then I plan to check out Atmosphere, who I am very, very psyched to see.

I am not a huge fan of rap and hip-hop but do have a good stable of albums and artists I appreciate. Atmosphere to me is like a no joke version of Eminem. His rhymes are powerful and strike home with several messages and I can only expect a outstanding performance. Being in total hip-hop mode at this point I will shuffle over to the Public Enemy performance. Whenever you get a chance to see a group of legends in concert, try not to pass up the opportunity, and how can you not want a personal experience with seeing Flavor Flave up on stage doing his thing, giant clock and all.

From that point I will be enjoying the indie darlings The Shins. I am not a huge fan but as I see it their fans are rabid over them. I need to see first hand what the hype is all about. Will I be converted to the House of Shin? We shall see. Next I had a big decision to make. Queens of the Stone Age or Iggy Pop and the Stooges. I have seen Iggy a long time ago and have never enjoyed the Queens of the Stone Age live, so Queens of the Stone Age win this one out. But why wouldn't festival planners give fans a break by not scheduling those bands at the same time?

Finally, I'll end the night with one of the most anticipated performances of the night with Daft Punk. Not to shabby for a day full of music.

On Sunday, I am much less familiar with most of the afternoon bands so it will be a learning experience. Kicking off the day, I will be in the crowd watching Pharoahe Monch. Sitting tight at the same stage, next up will be a band by the name of Ghostland Observatory. And while waiting with pure excitement for the Muse show to start I will kill some time watching Umphrey’s McGee.

Finally after a day of listless wandering and music experimentation (on my end of course) I will be immersing myself in the hypnotic yet aggressive world of Muse, a band I have been looking forward to seeing for a very, very long time. Ending the night with Rage Against the Machine an oldie but goodie.

And at the end of it all I am sure the massive helping of sun, music and far too expensive beverages will knock the life out of me, leading me off into what is sure to be some very strange dreams.

Gogol Bordello

Ever heard of Gypsy punk? If not, then it's high time you take a listen to the distinctive sound(s) of New York City band, Gogol Bordello. Although originated in the states, many of its members hail from Eastern Europe. One might raise an eyebrow at the mention of a group that combines gypsy music, punk, dub, and even cabaret. Well yes, it's weird, but it's the good kind of weird. Gogol Bordello's music is conceptually unique and most important of all, the songs are really good and fun to listen to, which is more than can be said about a lot of other experimental bands. The live shows are packed to the brim with energy and masterful musicianship, so if they're ever in town, be sure to grab tickets. It's a must-see.

Personnel: Eugene Hutz (vocals), Sergey Rjabtzev (violin), Yuri Lemeshev (accordion), Tommy Gobena (bass), Eliot Ferguson (drums), Oren Kaplan (guitar), Pam Racine (percussion, dance), Elizabeth Sun (percussion, dance)

Upcoming: Vegoose, October 26-28

Video for Bordello's "Start Wearing Purple"
Video by mikevance

Vegoose

October 26-28, Las Vegas NV
The Sam Boyd Stadium

Now only in it's third year, this festival has successfully drafted some of the worlds biggest musical acts. The main portion of the festival will take place on the two final days, complemented by a series of night performances at various venues around Las Vegas. Just when you though Vegas couldn't get any more wild, Halloween weekend rolls around and the party really gets started.Put on by the same people as Bonnaroo, this festival features pumpkin displays, costume contests, and other spooky festivities.Who said Halloween was just for kids?

Headliners: Rage Against the Machine, Daft Punk, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, moe., Iggy & the Stooges

A Video Entitled: What is Vegoose?

Video by Vegoose

Gogol Bordello

http://www.gogolbordello.com/

Ever heard of Gypsy punk? If not, then it's high time you take a listen to the distinctive sound(s) of New York City band, Gogol Bordello. Although originated in the states, many of its members hail from Eastern Europe. One might raise an eyebrow at the mention of a group who combines gypsy music, punk, dub, and even cabaret. Well yes, it's weird, but it's the good kind of weird. Gogol Bordello's music is conceptually unique and most important of all, the songs are really good and fun to listen to, which is more than can be said about a lot of other experimental bands. The live shows are packed to the brim with energy and masterful musicianship, so if they're ever in town, be sure to grab tickets. It's a must-see.

Personnel: Eugene Hutz (vocals), Sergey Rjabtzev (violin), Yuri Lemeshev (accordion), Tommy Gobena (bass), Eliot Ferguson (drums), Oren Kaplan (guitar), Pam Racine (percussion, dance), Elizabeth Sun (percussion, dance)

Upcoming: Vegoose, October 26-28


Video for "Start Wearing Purple"
Video by mikevance
http://www.youtube.com/user/mikevance

Vegoose

http://www.vegoose.com/index3.htm

October 26-28,Las Vegas NV
The Sam Boyd Stadium

Now only in it's third year, this festival has successfully drafted some of the worlds biggest musical acts. The main portion of the festival will take place on the two final days, complemented by a series of night performances at various venues around Las Vegas. Just when you though Vegas couldn't get any more wild, Halloween weekend rolls around and the party really gets started.Put on by the same people as Bonnaroo, this festival features pumpkin displays, costume contests, and other spooky festivities.Who said Halloween was just for kids?

Headliners: Rage Against the Machine, Daft Punk, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, moe., Iggy & the Stooges

What is Vegoose?

Produced by Vegoose
http://youtube.com/user/Vegoose

CMJ Music Marathon playlist

For 27 years, CMJ Music Marathon has rocked with the best of them. Our history is a veritable hall-of-fame list of thousands of artists representing diverse genres who have played career-defining shows at New York's legendary venues. CMJ Music Marathon is sure to deliver thousands of emerging artists this year, so stay tuned with CMJ to preview the acts on this playlist.

Porcupine Tree

Concieved almost 20 years ago in the UK by frontman Steven Wilson, Porcuine Tree has since brought a new meaning to progressive rock by incorporating elements of psychadelia and metal into its music. The metric changes, deep lyrics, and the fact that every part is meticulously planned-out all add to Porcupine Tree's appeal. The music is often dark and brooding, but one doesn't have to feel angry to listen to it. On top of everything else, they're all really experienced musicians that produce songs that are both head-banging and intellectual.

Personnel: Steven Wilson (vocals, guitar), Richard Barbieri (keyboard), Gavin Harrison (drums), Colin Edwin (bass)

Upcoming: Voodoo Music Experience (October 26-28)

Video for "Fear of a Blank Planet"

Voodoo Music Experience

October 26-28, New Orleans LA
City Park

The long-awaited Voodoo Fest is just around the corner, this year's being extra special in that two of the most famous reunited rock bands (those of course being Rage and the Pumpkins) are coming together for a weekend that falls in the ranks of Burning Man in terms of surrealism. After City Park was flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, VME is back in its original venue and could easily be one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world. The fact that the city of New Orleans has been through so much adds to the overall magic of the festival. And nothing brings people together like good music.

Headliners: Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Tiesto, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Toots and the Maytals

A Short Doc About Voodoo 2006

Video by ArtisanNewsService

Voodoo Music Experience

October 26-28, New Orleans LA
City Park

The long-awaited Voodoo Fest is just around the corner, this year's being extra special in that two of the most famous reunited rock bands (those of course being Rage and the Pumpkins) are coming together for a weekend that falls in the ranks of Burning Man in terms of surrealism. After City Park was flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, VME is back in its original venue and could easily be one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world. The fact that the city of New Orleans has been through so much adds to the overall magic of the festival. And nothing brings people together like good music.

Headliners: Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Tiesto, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Toots and the Maytals

Voodoo 2006

Video by ArtisanNewsService
http://youtube.com/user/ArtisanNewsService