It's raining here at school, and I can't really complain. I'm content to watch the torrent of water pour down as I stay nice and dry in my third floor room. My desk is by the window so I can look out while I'm writing. Within view is the entrance to a nature trail, and I can't wait to explore it once the weather clears.
Here are some mellow tunes for your listening enjoyment. Also, if you haven't read it already, I highly recommend Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. It is laugh-out-loud-and-accidentally-snort-and-people-stare-at-you-oddly funny. I guarantee it'll brighten your day.
Somebody made this video and posted it on youtube. The baby reaching up at the stove at :26 cracks me up. I have no idea why. Probably because babies should be nowhere near stoves. Ignore me and my ramblings, haha.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rock & Roll, Back to School
Summer flew by, and now I get to go back to my second home: College. It'll be nice to see everyone I've missed over the break, and to blog from my desk as opposed to the kitchen counter where I've stationed myself for the past few months.
Here's a mix to jam while you pack, or in my case, attempt to fit my entire closet into a box.
Here's a mix to jam while you pack, or in my case, attempt to fit my entire closet into a box.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Festival Tips & Tricks
While I might not be an expert, I certainly learned a few things from experience while enjoying the shows at Lollapalooza. If you're heading out to a music festival soon (I wish I could go to Austin City Limits in September!), or if you're planning ahead for next year, check out these tips to help you get the best of the fest.
Tickets & Passes
This year, out of our group of four, two of us had passes, and two of us had tickets. Passes typically last the span of the festival's operating days, and allow one to exit & reenter the park. Tickets are usually only for one day, and often do not allow for reentry. If the shows you want to see are far between, sitting around in the blistering heat of the park when you could be ducking into an air-conditioned shop or mall outside the venue for an hour or two may help you decide whether you want tickets or a pass.
Another tip: buy tickets early. Availability may also determine whether you get a pass or single-day tickets. Most major music festivals have early-bird specials that can save you money on passes. Try to start looking into your ticket purchases at least four months prior to the festival.
Long Day's Night: Booking the Hotel
Now that you've got your tickets, it's time to book the hotel. When we booked our hotel for Lolla, we wanted to save on cash, since we knew we'd only be there to sleep. While the hotel covered our basic necessities, it didn't cover much else. Here's a few things to consider when trying to decide where to stay:
If you're driving to the Festival like I did, definitely invest in a GPS if you don't already have one. Most GPS' offer features beyond driving maps, and allow you to navigate around toll-routes to help save you money and can also show you the quickest routes or most gas-efficient. We also used our GPS for walking around the city (some GPS allow you to set them for walking and biking routes as well.)
If you (or someone else) decide to drive, save all gas receipts. It's easier to add all of the receipts up at the end and divide the total equally by the number of passengers when trying to figure out who owes what.
One the same note, keep a record of who owes what money in a notebook, or on a computer spreadsheet, or whatever works best for you. It keeps everyone honest, and is more accurate and efficient than trying to remember that so-and-so owes you $3.50 for the starburst you got them at the last toll plaza.
If the trip is longer than 18 hours in the car, just fly (if it's an option for you, you lucky dog!). Your legs and back will thank you. Just be sure to book your public transport in advance if you can to ensure everything gets done.
Packing
Much of this will be common sense, however, it seems that common sense is rather uncommon these days. Here's a few things you should definitely consider packing:
For the outdoor venue:
Much of this can work for regular concerts/shows as well.
You've got the tickets, booked the hotel, and packed your stuff. The only thing you have to do after counting down the months, weeks, and finally days are to get out there! While you're killing time in the mode-of transportation-of-your-choosing, study up on the venue's maps, policies, and activities. Besides shows, most venues have contests and giveaways planned by their sponsors, and the details are usually included on the venue's website. Know what sort of things will get you in trouble at the venue (obviously don't bring your pet alligator and Desert Eagle, leave those at home, please.) For example, most venues do not allow cameras with detachable lenses. I'm really into photography, so much of what I do involves cameras that have detachable lenses. Check with the venue to see if media/press passes are available. Be prepared to show I.D.
Purchasing Merch
Your favorite band rocked their set, and you want to show them some love by buying their ridiculously cool (and ridiculously overpriced) t-shirt. Here's a few tips for getting the show souvenir that lets people know you were there.
For anyone buying merch: after the show, about a million people rush the merch table, so if you can buy your merch before the show. Also, know what you want and have your method of payment ready. People are going to get testy if they have to wait while you stammer "uhh, maybe, I think...where's my wallet?"
Ladies:
I am so sorry to say this, but when it comes to concert shirts, we get ripped the buck off. You're in line thinking, "well, I usually wear a medium, so I'll just get that," and the shirt you get looks something like this:
"What is this?! A baby shirt?!" you cry in outrage. & That's when the guy working the merch table looks like he wants to bite your head off.
Tips: American Apparel is not your friend. Unless you are naturally very thin, and may or may not disappear when you turn sideways. If you can buy the same printed shirt in men's sizes, do it, because it will fit better, and you will be happier with your purchase (and yourself) because you won't have to squeeze into a baby shirt. Unisex shirts also tend to run more true to size, and fit better.
If you absolutely refuse to buy a men's t-shirt due to print/style/what have you, buy your women's sized t-shirt one to two sizes larger than you usually wear.
Tip: If you know you will need to see multiple sizes of the same shirt, ask for all of the sizes you need when the merch person takes your order. It will save you both time, and keep the crowds from eating you alive.
If all else fails, buy a poster. Take it home, get it framed. T-shirts fade. Posters are forever.
Food, Glorious Food
Once you're settled in the venue and know the lay of the land, you might be feeling a little hungry, especially if you traveled through the night and arrived at the venue an hour before it opens, like my friends and I did. My cousin was with us, and she is vegetarian. One thing about huge festivals: the bigger the festival, the more variety in the food choices. Lollapalooza had something for everyone in our group, and we were more than satisfied with the choices. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to look into it before the festival.
M. V. P. (Most Valuable Piece...of Information)
Don't let little things ruin the entire day/ trip for you. Enjoy the shows, and the people you're seeing them with. Make memories, see that band you're not sure about, try new food. Talk to other people at the shows. Be open minded. Most importantly though, have a blast! You traveled far and paid lots of hard-earned cash from that part-time job at the local mall, so you deserve to have the best music-venture possible!
Peace, Love, Good Music, & Enjoy your Next Adventure!
-- L.V.
Tickets & Passes
This year, out of our group of four, two of us had passes, and two of us had tickets. Passes typically last the span of the festival's operating days, and allow one to exit & reenter the park. Tickets are usually only for one day, and often do not allow for reentry. If the shows you want to see are far between, sitting around in the blistering heat of the park when you could be ducking into an air-conditioned shop or mall outside the venue for an hour or two may help you decide whether you want tickets or a pass.
Another tip: buy tickets early. Availability may also determine whether you get a pass or single-day tickets. Most major music festivals have early-bird specials that can save you money on passes. Try to start looking into your ticket purchases at least four months prior to the festival.
Long Day's Night: Booking the Hotel
Now that you've got your tickets, it's time to book the hotel. When we booked our hotel for Lolla, we wanted to save on cash, since we knew we'd only be there to sleep. While the hotel covered our basic necessities, it didn't cover much else. Here's a few things to consider when trying to decide where to stay:
- Location-- How far is the hotel from the venue? How far are you willing to commute? We drove about 40 minutes into the city each day for the show, but if we could've stayed closer and taken public transport, we probably would have.
- Amenities--Do you want to have a refrigerator or a microwave in your room? We didn't have either, since it would cost extra to have them. Most hotels have a microwave that is accessible for hotel guests, but it might be good to get the fridge for the room, even if it does cost a bit extra. That way, you can keep all of the water you need during the day cold at night. In our case, the ice machine in the hotel was broken, and that made it hard to fill the coolers we brought!
- Read the online customer reviews of the hotel-- for a more candid idea of how things really work in the hotel in terms of service, food, quality, etc. For example, the most prominent customer review of our hotel in Chicago read: SMELLY HOTEL-Y. This became the joke of our trip, but the hotel actually didn't have a horrific odor like we expected. However, the other reviews that suggested that the service could have been better were accurate. It would explain why they ran out of plastic-ware during the breakfast buffet that ran out of food when only ten people were there.
If you're driving to the Festival like I did, definitely invest in a GPS if you don't already have one. Most GPS' offer features beyond driving maps, and allow you to navigate around toll-routes to help save you money and can also show you the quickest routes or most gas-efficient. We also used our GPS for walking around the city (some GPS allow you to set them for walking and biking routes as well.)
If you (or someone else) decide to drive, save all gas receipts. It's easier to add all of the receipts up at the end and divide the total equally by the number of passengers when trying to figure out who owes what.
One the same note, keep a record of who owes what money in a notebook, or on a computer spreadsheet, or whatever works best for you. It keeps everyone honest, and is more accurate and efficient than trying to remember that so-and-so owes you $3.50 for the starburst you got them at the last toll plaza.
If the trip is longer than 18 hours in the car, just fly (if it's an option for you, you lucky dog!). Your legs and back will thank you. Just be sure to book your public transport in advance if you can to ensure everything gets done.
Packing
Much of this will be common sense, however, it seems that common sense is rather uncommon these days. Here's a few things you should definitely consider packing:
For the outdoor venue:
- bring a back pack with comfortable straps. You'll need it for carrying your things while inside the venue. Most venues will have a size restriction on the bag, so check that out beforehand on the venue's website. However, most standard (school) sized backpacks are acceptable.
- Gallons of Aloe. Gallons. & Sunscreen. Loads of that too.
- Athletic/workout clothes. You dress for success at work. You're going to see successful musicians, so all you have to do is dress for comfort, 'cause at 1:30 in the afternoon in 100 degree weather, that's all that's gonna matter.
- extra socks. Nobody likes wet socks. Nobody.
- Rain boots. If it rains the morning of/ during the show, the area in front of the stage will be a mud pit. But you'll be the perfectly prepared person wearing the rain boots, and you can stand there and smile smugly at the silly people in their ruined shoes.
- Garbage bags to line your backpack. In case you don't have a poncho, lining your backpack will help protect your stuff ( or you) from inclement weather.
- Toilet paper & hand sanitizer- just trust me on this one.
Much of this can work for regular concerts/shows as well.
- thick shoes. By thick, I mean if some big biker guy accidentally steps on your foot while you're being tossed around in a mosh pit, it's not gonna break it. Don't wear sandals, flip flops, or anything else that leaves your little piggies vulnerable. Sneakers are usually your best bet.
- Dress comfortably. If you know you're going to be moshing, don't wear your best ensemble. Likewise, if you know you will not be moshing, wear something comfortable for being crammed in standing room only with 500 people. Unless you can go to the bar, in which case, wear whatever you want.
- Condense your stuff. Ladies, I know we're all about the ginormous purses, but unless you're trying to get your stuff snatched, slim it down to just a wallet, or a wristlet.
You've got the tickets, booked the hotel, and packed your stuff. The only thing you have to do after counting down the months, weeks, and finally days are to get out there! While you're killing time in the mode-of transportation-of-your-choosing, study up on the venue's maps, policies, and activities. Besides shows, most venues have contests and giveaways planned by their sponsors, and the details are usually included on the venue's website. Know what sort of things will get you in trouble at the venue (obviously don't bring your pet alligator and Desert Eagle, leave those at home, please.) For example, most venues do not allow cameras with detachable lenses. I'm really into photography, so much of what I do involves cameras that have detachable lenses. Check with the venue to see if media/press passes are available. Be prepared to show I.D.
Purchasing Merch
Your favorite band rocked their set, and you want to show them some love by buying their ridiculously cool (and ridiculously overpriced) t-shirt. Here's a few tips for getting the show souvenir that lets people know you were there.
For anyone buying merch: after the show, about a million people rush the merch table, so if you can buy your merch before the show. Also, know what you want and have your method of payment ready. People are going to get testy if they have to wait while you stammer "uhh, maybe, I think...where's my wallet?"
Ladies:
I am so sorry to say this, but when it comes to concert shirts, we get ripped the buck off. You're in line thinking, "well, I usually wear a medium, so I'll just get that," and the shirt you get looks something like this:
 |
| *to scale. |
Tips: American Apparel is not your friend. Unless you are naturally very thin, and may or may not disappear when you turn sideways. If you can buy the same printed shirt in men's sizes, do it, because it will fit better, and you will be happier with your purchase (and yourself) because you won't have to squeeze into a baby shirt. Unisex shirts also tend to run more true to size, and fit better.
If you absolutely refuse to buy a men's t-shirt due to print/style/what have you, buy your women's sized t-shirt one to two sizes larger than you usually wear.
Tip: If you know you will need to see multiple sizes of the same shirt, ask for all of the sizes you need when the merch person takes your order. It will save you both time, and keep the crowds from eating you alive.
If all else fails, buy a poster. Take it home, get it framed. T-shirts fade. Posters are forever.
Food, Glorious Food
Once you're settled in the venue and know the lay of the land, you might be feeling a little hungry, especially if you traveled through the night and arrived at the venue an hour before it opens, like my friends and I did. My cousin was with us, and she is vegetarian. One thing about huge festivals: the bigger the festival, the more variety in the food choices. Lollapalooza had something for everyone in our group, and we were more than satisfied with the choices. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to look into it before the festival.
M. V. P. (Most Valuable Piece...of Information)
Don't let little things ruin the entire day/ trip for you. Enjoy the shows, and the people you're seeing them with. Make memories, see that band you're not sure about, try new food. Talk to other people at the shows. Be open minded. Most importantly though, have a blast! You traveled far and paid lots of hard-earned cash from that part-time job at the local mall, so you deserve to have the best music-venture possible!
Peace, Love, Good Music, & Enjoy your Next Adventure!
-- L.V.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday Swag Day (Day 3 in the Park, 8/7/11)
We awoke to rain falling on the pavement outside our hotel window, but that wasn't going to stop us from enjoying our last day at Lolla. By the time we got on the road, the rain had dried up, the sun was out, and hotter than ever (as my new sunburn can attest to).
Our mission on Sunday, besides seeing as many shows as possible, was to collect "stuff we all get," better known as "swag." Huge festivals like Lollapalooza have vendors and sponsors who set up tables to promote their product and give away freebies, and as college students (and one high school student), we were more than happy to take advantage of the offer. We got free Lollapalooza bandanas & canvas tote bags from Toyota, as well as sweat bands, yo-yo's, and binoculars among other things. Best piece of swag? After leaving Lollapalooza for the day, my brother got a call from one of the Toyota sponsor tents saying he had won their scavenger hunt today, and would be receiving an iPad 2. He will not stop talking about it, but I have to admit, it is pretty cool that someone can actually win the contests!
Besides collecting swag, I checked out some new artists:
Artist Spotlight: Fences
Hailing from Seattle, Fences brought their unique alternative sound to Lollapalooza.
Have a listen:
Next, we checked out Noah & the Whale at the Bud Light stage. The crowd was so big, it spilled over into the standing area for the Playstation stage!
When we made our way into the crowd for Cage the Elephant, we noticed the sky was turning a furious shade of gray.
Even though storms were imminent, Cage the Elephant put on a great show with tons of energy.
While transitioning across the park to see the Arctic Monkeys, the storm hit, and it hit hard. The giant LED screen by the stage flashed "weather delay." People ran wildly through the rain, and some crazier folk even started mud wrestling. The people watching under the raised VIP tents then began cheering on the mud wrestlers, and the whole thing took on a gladiator-esque feel.
The rain wasn't enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd, though. As the rain slowed to a stop and the Arctic Monkeys greeted the soggy crowd, their cheers grew to a roar.
Soaking wet and freezing (they don't call it the "windy city" for nothing!) we determined we couldn't possibly stay through Explosions in the Sky and Foo Fighters, as much as we wanted to. The rain had kicked in again, this time like someone had dumped a giant bucket on Chicago, and we knew it was time to head back to the hotel for the night. We concluded this final, successful day at Lollapalooza, and it's safe to say we came, we saw, and we conquered the best music festival of the summer.
Guess I'd better start saving for Lolla 2012 :)
Our mission on Sunday, besides seeing as many shows as possible, was to collect "stuff we all get," better known as "swag." Huge festivals like Lollapalooza have vendors and sponsors who set up tables to promote their product and give away freebies, and as college students (and one high school student), we were more than happy to take advantage of the offer. We got free Lollapalooza bandanas & canvas tote bags from Toyota, as well as sweat bands, yo-yo's, and binoculars among other things. Best piece of swag? After leaving Lollapalooza for the day, my brother got a call from one of the Toyota sponsor tents saying he had won their scavenger hunt today, and would be receiving an iPad 2. He will not stop talking about it, but I have to admit, it is pretty cool that someone can actually win the contests!
Besides collecting swag, I checked out some new artists:
Artist Spotlight: Fences
Hailing from Seattle, Fences brought their unique alternative sound to Lollapalooza.
 |
| Fences |
Have a listen:
Next, we checked out Noah & the Whale at the Bud Light stage. The crowd was so big, it spilled over into the standing area for the Playstation stage!
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| I managed to snap a shot of Noah & the Whale with my telephoto lens. |
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| Storm rolling in over Grant Park |
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| Crowd for Cage the Elephant |
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| Someone got a great 18th birthday present, because frontman Matthew Shultz jumped into the crowd shortly after I took this picture. |
The rain wasn't enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd, though. As the rain slowed to a stop and the Arctic Monkeys greeted the soggy crowd, their cheers grew to a roar.
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| Even severe weather couldn't keep Arctic Monkeys fans from supporting their band. |
Guess I'd better start saving for Lolla 2012 :)
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| Downtown Chicago |
Sunday, August 7, 2011
I Believe in Horizons Now (Day 2 in the Park, 8/6/11)
Day 2 in the park allowed us to build off of mistakes we made yesterday, such as wear athletic shorts (never wear jean shorts to an all day concert event. You will regret it!!), reapply sunscreen regularly (as my brother's severe v-neck burn evidences), and take breaks for meals (I know the shows are incredible, but the food is also really good!)
Going into the park, my cousin, brother, and friend all went to see Walk the Moon. However I was going to the show I'd been talking about pretty much non-stop since I bought my tickets and agreed to go on this wild adventure: An Horse. They did not disappoint.
Artist Spotlight: Julia Easterlin
While waiting front and center for An Horse to come on, I was presented with the opportunity to hear a new artist: Julia Easterlin. I was incredibly skeptical at first, but I'm glad she proved me wrong. Using a track loop system, Easterlin was able to create her own back-up vocals, as well as other sound effects she made using various claps, snaps, and ska-like noises. I feel like she would make a great beat-boxer, but I think that's out of her genre. With her powerful voice, Julia Easterlin is like Sara Bareilles meets Regina Spektor, meets Imogen Heap, meets KT Tunstall. Like woah, a mix like that is bound for success.
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| Julia Easterlin explaining to the crowd how her track loop board works. |
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| Julia Easterlin and company |
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| Julia Easterlin |
Here's a video that shows how Easterlin combines her sounds onto the loop track to create her song, "Straight Away."
If you like what you hear, show Easterlin some love and get free downloads at her website, http://www.juliaeasterlin.com/
An Horse, Walk the Moon, and Local Natives, Oh My!
I was front and center against the media pit fence when Kate Cooper and Damon Cox took the stage. Yes, they may be relatively obscure in the states right now, but I can only see them going up from here. Having toured with Manchester Orchestra and Death Cab for Cutie, among others, these guys know where the cool kids are at.
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| Damon Cox of An Horse rocking Ray Bans during the sound check. |
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| Kate Cooper |
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| Damon |
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| So much love for this picture of Kate, haha. At one point, an inflatable beach ball had bounced onto the stage, and Kate, without breaking stride, or leaving the mic, kicked it in perfect soccer-volley style back into the crowd, which erupted into cheers. |
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Ooh la la Lollapalooza! (Day 1 in the Park, 8/5/11)
We blew into the Windy City around ten in the morning, and the day soon became a whirlwind of activity. After parking the car, waiting for almost an hour outside Grant Park, and finally making our way into the venue, it hit us: we did it! We made it to Chicago, and the day was only going to get better.
 | |||||
| Above: fountain and Chicago skyline inside Grant Park. We made our way through the crowds to our first show of the day: Wye Oak. After battling through some technical hi-jinks, Wye Oak pulled through and had a great show. They even played Dogs' Eyes! |
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| Sony Stage set up for Wye Oak |
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| Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak |
After grabbing a bite to eat, my brother, friend, and I determined which shows we would go to next. I dragged my brother to Grace Potter & the Nocturnals where my cousin was already camped out for Coldplay who wouldn't go on until 8:30 that night. This brings me to my next segment:
Artist Spotlight: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
I had never seen Grace Potter & the Nocturnals live until Lollapalooza, but I am so incredibly glad I didn't pass them up! They had so much energy, and were exciting to watch. The crowd went wild for hits "Medicine" and "Paris (Ooh La La)." Even my brother admitted it was a good show, even for having been unfamiliar with all of the songs. This was Grace Potter & the Nocturnals first performance at Lollapalooza, and I can assure you, after the performance they gave, it won't be the last. |
| Stage setup for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals |
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| One of several stuffed tigers on the amplifiers. At one point, Grace Potter actually threw one into the crowd. The other one (similar to the one pictured above) was too heavy for her, and it just fell into the media pit, haha. |
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| Grace Potter & the Nocturnals |
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| Grace Potter |
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Long Road to Lolla
Tomorrow is gonna get here too soon. I still haven't packed, or gone grocery shopping for my trip to Chicago to experience the music festival of the summer, Lollapalooza.
I will be spending 13 hours in the car between Thursday and Friday. The lengths I will go to for live music, I tell you! We're all fine with switching off between drivers, and I made a playlist that's 6 hours long. It's just driving through the heart of western PA at night that has us a bit concerned. Anyone ever see Deliverance? No?Allow me to fill you in:
Message: If you hear banjos, DRIVE FASTER.
Going back to the playlist I made, here's 5 tracks off the list that's gonna get me through this ride:
and for making memories of having a full-blown car sing-along at 4 am?
Thanks for reading/listening, and stay tuned for more shenanigans from Chicago!
- LV
I will be spending 13 hours in the car between Thursday and Friday. The lengths I will go to for live music, I tell you! We're all fine with switching off between drivers, and I made a playlist that's 6 hours long. It's just driving through the heart of western PA at night that has us a bit concerned. Anyone ever see Deliverance? No?Allow me to fill you in:
Message: If you hear banjos, DRIVE FASTER.
Going back to the playlist I made, here's 5 tracks off the list that's gonna get me through this ride:
and for making memories of having a full-blown car sing-along at 4 am?
Thanks for reading/listening, and stay tuned for more shenanigans from Chicago!
- LV
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