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The Strange Came and Conquered at StrangeCreek Campout 12 – 2014 Festival Review

The 12th annual StrangeCreek Campout took place at their traditional location that is Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, MA over the 2014 Memorial Day holiday weekend. Hosted by Wormtown Trading Co, this music festival has become a yearly tradition for dedicated fans, also known as “worms” or “creek freaks”, to enjoy a few days of “good times, great music and each other”. The 33 acres of woods and open areas left plenty of room for folks to explore and play for the weekend, while the three stages and cabin sets supplied a never-ending musical soundtrack.

Friday started with Eaturaura kicking off the main stage with their electronic dance music while B.A. Dario got the groove flowing on the River Worm stage with their heavy jams. The River Worm stage was the farthest, but worth the walk for it was located right by the Green River that saw festival goers consistently enjoying the rocky beach throughout the weekend. Wild Adriatic had great stage presence on the main stage as they threw themselves into their set of pure rock and roll and Consider the Source beckoned to the masses with their Middle Eastern hard jams. Turkuaz proved that you can’t stop the funk with the heavy rain that fell that evening as they still blasted apart the main stage, while Upstate’s Eastbound Jesus performed on a soggy Vernville stage with a sincere “North Country Girl” set closer. The Vernville stage was just on the outskirts of the woods in a clearing, in between the main and River Worm Stages, next to a graffiti tent of colorful weekend memories that were drawn. Donna the Buffalo sang out easy-going folk tunes to a sea of fans in rain jackets as Primate Fiasco was sheltered by the trees; their fans were deep into the mud and into their psychedelic Dixieland. The big headliner of the night was Zach Deputy, a one man band of funky soul with loops of spitting beats and contagious rhythm. Deputy recalls the fond memories he’s made at StrangeCreek, reminiscing of his first sets played there and how it “popped his festival cherry”. The late night music was held in the three cabins setup near the community bonfire and in the craft vendor village. Jeff Bujak held his Silent Disco set known as Silent Bujak with dance crazed techno and a stand out remix of Talking Head’s “Naïve Melody”.

Gabriel Marin of Consider the Source

Saturday brought sunshine and Hot Day at the Zoo to start the day off with their unique acoustic bluegrass blend that they have named zoograss . Combining progressive folk with rock and roll, the quartet put a new spin on classic favorites as they went from the Grateful Dead’s “Cumberland Blues” into a funky “Foxy Lady”. Domino Theory won hearts with their Americana light rock jams like “Everybody Love My Mary Jane” and guests were treated when Scott Murawski, guitarist from Max Creek, sat in for a few songs. The Lee Boys performed the always needed slide guitar soul saving for the festival. The Jiggle the Handle reunion brought together New England jam band fans for Max Creek drummer, Greg Vasso, and company for a set of improvisational rock and a wicked rendition of Paul Simon’s “I Know What I Know”.

The big act of the night, and for who the festival is partly named after, was Max Creek who shared the stage with a large inflatable duck mascot. The set started with some light plucking and bounce from “Windows” followed by Mark Mercier whispering out Paul Simon’s “Diamond’s on the Soles of Her Shoes” as the whole band brought out the upbeat island rhythm. They covered The Beatles “Come Together” with a serious jam that came marching out of it before ending the set with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” a traditional folk sing-along. As Silent Bujak took over the Holistic Cabin again, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong bounced in your face funk right next door around the Wormtown Cabin.

Sunday’s weather emphasized everyone’s gratitude and love for the StrangeCreek festival. With love in the air, the day started with a wedding on the main stage during the acoustic and adorable duo of Flagship Romance. They have smooth sailing ahead of them with their gentle love ballads as they serenaded the newlyweds and other festival goers who were treated to a full on reception with hot buffet. Plenty of guests were still arriving with day passes still available, and with a blue sky forecast, the last day of StrangeCreek was shaping up to be beautiful. Rev Tor Band filled the air with a light reggae gospel spell with their jazzy guitar riffs as Ryan Montebleau stood tall and solo with “75 and Sunny” being a great representation of the festival itself.

Alan Evans of Playonbrother

One of the most talked about tribute bands on the scene, Z3 is a Frank Zappa tribute trio and were joined with original Zappa band member, Ed Mann, on the main stage for an extra dose of authenticity. The Juicy Grapes squeezed out some soulful funk and sensual female vocals while Alan Evans Playonbrother rocked out with fresh material and a solid Cream cover of “Sunshine of Your Love”. Be on the lookout for Playonbrother at this year’s Catskill Chill as they will dedicate one of two sets entirely to Cream. The main stage came to an end with an all-out bust out from Rusted Root, as they celebrated their 25th anniversary with a set of world rock and percussion of all shapes. StrangeCreek continues to be a special gathering of first timers and longtime wormers in a family friendly environment full of music and good times. With a successful 12th year under their belt, StrangeCreek only has the best to look forward to.

If you’d like to hear some music from the festival, check out these free downloads from a few sets over the weekend:

Bay Road – Zach Deputy – Lee Boys – Jiggle the Handle

Max Creek – The Alchemystics – The Main Squeeze

June 3, 2014
Peakin’ (And Leavin’) at the Beacon for The Allman Brothers

The Allman Brothers Band has called it quits – in their Monday statement to announce the makeup shows the band had canceled at the Beacon Theatre in New York City when Gregg Allman fell ill in March, the band stated the October dates will be their last. Though Gregg had previously denied reports of a break-up, this statement appears to all but confirm the end is near.

Since forming in 1969, The Allman Brothers Band has split twice, first after 1976 (then reunited in 1978), and again in 1982 (to be reunited in 1989). Over the 45-year span, the boys out of Macon, Georgia have earned a legendary status in the music world. After its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, the band earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), as well as a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Jessica” in 1996. Rolling Stone Magazine named the Allman Brothers on several “All Time” lists since the start of the new millennium, including Greatest Artists (No. 52), and Greatest Albums (No. 49 – for At Fillmore East) . In 2003, the magazine composed a list of 100 Greatest Guitarists: Derek Trucks (No. 81), Dickey Betts (No. 58), Warren Haynes (No. 23) and Duane Allman (No. 2) were all named. (Curiously, when the magazine composed a similar list in 2011 only three were named, with Trucks moving up from No. 61 to No. 18, and Haynes dropping off the list entirely.)

The group announced the makeup shows would be at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Oct. 21st, 22nd, 24th and 25th. Those with tickets for the four canceled shows (from March 25, 26, 28 and 29) can use them on the corresponding dates, or can obtain refunds, before Aug. 1. Additional shows for Oct. 27th and 28th will be their last shows.

The Allman Brothers Band are scheduled to appear at Mountain Jam, June 8th, at Hunter Mountain, followed by Scranton, PA’s Peach Fest for August 14th-17th.

The band has had a long-standing residency at the Beacon, spanning several years. It had celebrated its 40th anniversary there in 2009.

June 3, 2014
June Storms in With a Blaze of Metal Glory

In a one-two punch that even the most fanatic of moshers couldn’t ignore, the beginning of June 2014 brought new singles of Metal Glory from two of some of the most esteemed bands among headbangers.

Yesterday, Sweden’s Opeth, known for mixing absolutely brutal riffs and growling vocals with progressive psychedelia akin to King Crimson, released their newest single “Cusp of Eternity” from their upcoming 11th studio release, Pale Communion. Like their last album, Watershed, the death metal vocals remain absent as the band continues to head towards the path of progressive rock. However, unlike that last album, this single at least indicates a more focused effort, with a nice flow and a decidedly “evil” feel to it. Check the animated video out on Vimeo here.

Today, Upstate NY’s Mastodon released the second track from the forthcoming Once More ‘Round The Sun. If any band on earth has captured the fire Metallica left behind with 1990’s The Black Album, the Atlanta foursome is it. The newest track “Chimes at Midnight” seems to find a home somewhere in between the bare bones metal of the last release “The Hunter” and the blinding changes and underlying spooky vocals of Mastodon’s early days.

June 3, 2014
Preview: Sold-Out 2014 Governors Ball To Deliver Strongest Lineup Yet

Governors Ball, relatively new to the festival scene, is hitting Randall’s Island in New York City with force this coming weekend, June 6-8 2014. Growing from humble beginnings in 2011 as a one day festival with a dozen or so smaller acts, the 2014 festival is bigger than ever, having sold out while there were still just over two weeks to go before the show and is headlined by the likes of Jack White, Outkast, and the Strokes, among many other well known acts. Even in its beginning, Governor’s Ball has attracted more people than even Dave Matthews’ Caravan tour stop at Randall’s Island.

Several bands who have made or will be making other big festival appearances such as Coachella and Lollapalooza will be headlining each of the days, mixed in with smaller bands you may or may not be familiar with but promise to deliver a strong performance set against the Manhattan skyline. The four stages will have something for everybody, from indie/alternative rock to hip hop and electronica. With 68 bands scheduled at this time – and who knows what last minute surprises there may be – there were be plenty to choose from. has a few acts of note to see, both on the headliner and supporting band side.

Day 1 Headliners: Outkast, Phoenix, TV On The Radio

Outkast reunited this year after a seven year hiatus, taking the opportunity to celebrate their 20^th anniversary (which passed in 2012 while on break). While they don’t have any new material since 2007 there is a bit of hype about their return. Try to be cool with Phoenix. The alt-rockers from France are still riding the wave of their chart-peaking 2013 release Bankrupt!

Don’t miss: Damian Marley, Bastille, Neko Case, Little Comets, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz

Day 2 Headliners: Jack White, The Strokes, Skrillex

The lineup for Day 2 is jam packed with festival goodness. Jack White and Skrillex both have sets going on simultaneously. Lazaretto, Jack White’s second solo album, will be officially released June 10, just a few days after the festival. What better way to get the ultimate live preview of some new tracks than in the company of thousands of others? Likewise, dubstep artist Skrillex released his latest album, Recess, in March.

Don’t Miss: Spoon, Broken Bells, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Naked & Famous, Sleigh Bells

Day 3 Headliners: Vampire Weekend, Interpol, AXWELL Λ INGROSSO

Governor’s Ball wraps up with the hometown talent of Vampire Weekend and Interpol along with Swedan-based house duo Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso. Vampire Weekend released their chart-topping Modern Vampires of the City about a year ago.

Don’t Miss: Head and the Heart, Cayucas, Wild Belle

With Governor’s Ball’s strongest lineup yet this year, festival organizers have done a decent job with scheduling the four stages such that festival-goers can catch most of what they’d like to see. Since it is difficult to be in two places at once, there are a few overlapping sets where you may have a tough choice to make between stages (i.e., Jack White vs. Skrillex). We suggest looking at the full schedule posted at lineup.governorsballmusicfestival.com and making an itinerary in advance. The website makes this easy, featuring an interactive tool that allows you to make your own festival schedule and share with friends on Facebook and Twitter. There’s even an iOS and Android app to help guide you through the lineup.

The music doesn’t stop at 11pm. Well, Randall’s Island will hush to the chatter of the crowd at 11 but there are a number of after shows going on starting anywhere between 9pm and 11:30pm at venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Output Club, Brooklyn Bowl, Irving Plaza, Knitting Factory, and Grasslands Gallery will host several of the supporting bands along with others. Some after shows are sold out already, but the rest still have tickets available, and you can enter to win tickets to all of them here. The Strokes only recently announced a warmup show at the Capitol Theatre on May 31^st, but tickets sold out rather quickly.

Governor’s Ball, 2013

Location/Lodging: Nestled on the East River between Queens and Manhattan (approximately parallel with the northern end of Central Park/115^th Street), there is certainly plenty to do on the off hours of the festival for those who would to spend the earlier part of their afternoon off of Randall’s Island, especially since there is no lodging on the grounds. Randall’s Island is easily accessible by subway, bus, Manhattan Ferry, the Brooklyn Shuttle, bike, and even car/taxi. Governor’s Ball has partnered with Hotels For Hope to provide brokerage services to help attendees find a room, and for every room booked through this service $2 is donated to Answer the Call, a charity benefiting the widows and children of fallen FDNY and NYPD service members. So, check out this hotel search tool before going direct to the hotel to help a great cause.

Governor’s Ball offers a wide array of activities suited for the whole family (and yes, the festival is quite family friendly). Art installations will be on display – “surprises are in store” according to the festival. A photo booth will be set up, taking both stills and motion GIFs set against a logo backdrop. Lawn games will be set up in a tailgate help-yourself setting, so grab some friends and meet new folks over some corn hole and bocce. A face & body painting station will be on hand to add to your festival flair. There will even be a silent disco – a dance party with a live DJ performance pumped through wireless headphones.

Hungry? So are we thinking about what’s on the menu. Hint: it isn’t your typical nacho and cheese concessions. Foodies will be in for a treat with over 54 NYC-area vendors – food trucks, caterers, restaurants – showcasing their grub. From specialty sandwiches to Lebanese and Asian goodies to coffees and Italian ice, just to name a few, the festival experience will be well rounded with this spread. Not to mention gluten free and vegetarian offerings.

Couldn’t get your ticket in time? General admission is sold out but there are a very limited amount of VIP and Cabana tickets available, but at a price.

Still not able to make it? Be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates from Governor’s Ball throughout the weekend!

Check out the Governor’s Ball Official Spotify Playlist to preview this year’s performers here or rdio lineup mix here.

June 2, 2014
Boston Calling Music Festival, May 23-25, 2014

Friday’s start of Boston Calling 2014 was a little far off from a “summer” music festival as the grayish-blue cloudy skies and chilly air swept through City Hall Plaza. “Banana Pancakes” singer and one of the most chill Dads out there, Jack Johnson ,noted humorously, “So Boston this is what you guys call summer? I had to put shoes on,” something that’s likely uncommon for the Hawaiian native. The weather however seemed to have no affect on the singer/guitarist as his voice sounded remarkably similar to what’s heard on his records and with his band including dazzling pianist Zach Gill, Johnson was able to bring the summer vibes to Boston. Upon one fan’s brief speech earlier in the night of discovering good music during Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ performance, Johnson responded during his own set, crediting Fugazi as the gateway introduction to his love for music.

Prior to Johnson taking the stage, the crowd heard performances from Cass McCombs and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The Edward Sharpe gang brought sing along tunes that kindled high spirits and enraptured the city in one feel good atmosphere. Still to this day, nearly five years since their first album released, one song remains as absolutely relevant as it ever did, and that’s the widely popular “Home.” The group played the song acoustically and there’s just something about the realness of front man Alex Ebert’s voice and lyricism that paraded a calming nature over the crowd. Their performance also featured storytelling from Alex Ebert as well as members of the crowd. At one point Ebert went over the railing and into the crowd to take a phone from a girl who was filming. The singer filmed back up on stage before returning the video to the delighted fan. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros carried out an involved show with their fans that broke down the barrier between audience and performer.

Though Saturday’s rainy overcast weather hung over Boston, spirits were high amidst the crowd with acts like Death Cab For Cutie, The Decemberists and The Head and The Heart all putting on great shows.

The last day of the festival featured some indie bands who been around for a while like Built To Spill, Brand New and Modest Mouse. Brand New front man Jesse Lacey credits both Modest Mouse and Built to Spill with much of their own band’s start up inspiration, saying that they likely wouldn’t be here without them. Brand New gave a straight up rock and roll show, smashing over amps and breaking off lights and using them to play their guitar for thunderous sounds. The night’s headliner, Modest Mouse, lit up Boston with everyone’s favorite dance party disco groove “Dashboard” and the well-known hit “Float On,” both of which had the audience in high applause. Tegan and Sara, another early 2000’s indie band, played Sunday to an excited crowd with heavy synths and stadium-like drums, fitting for their newest album.

This May’s Boston Calling festival brought connections between bands and their inspirations, gave the audience an important role in performances, and fought weather with spirits aided by music- pretty impressive for only the third-ever event.

June 2, 2014
Dave Matthews Band Springs SPAC Into Summer

It’s summer time again in Upstate New York which means a couple of things: the weather is gorgeous, people are hiking in our state parks, and another season of concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is underway. Jack Johnson may have had the first major show of the season, but on Friday May 30th, Dave Matthews Band kicked off a two night stand at the venue. A regular stop on the band’s summer tour, the nearly-sold out crowd was ravenous all evening, standing, singing, and swaying along to every song the band played through two sets.

To start the show, Dave Matthews came on stage solo for a special acoustic set that is starting every show this tour. Stating how “It’s always nice to spend a weekend here in Saratoga” and that SPAC is one of his favorite venues to play, he went right into a cover of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time since July 20th, 2012. After the song finished, the rest of the band took the stage and they went into a rousing rendition of “Two Step.” Ending the set with “Stay (Wasting Time)”, Dave stated that they would be back shortly for the electric portion of the evening.

After about a half hour break, the band retook the stage with a full light show and everyone plugged in for what would be a great two hour set of music that spanned his whole career. The one-two punch of “Don’t Drink the Water” and “American Baby” had the crowd loud and engaged right off the bat. One thing that cannot be understated is the relationship the crowd has with the band. There are few other crowds that have the devotion and love for the Dave Matthews Band that his fans do. The double encore of “The Space Between” and “All Along the Watchtower” capped off a great evening of music. Now that the annual weekend of Dave Matthews has come and gone, summer is here and it’s looking to be a great one in Upstate New York.

Set One (Acoustic): A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Two Step, Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd, What Would You Say, I’ll Back You Up, Tripping Billies, Sugar Man, Stay (Wasting Time)

Set Two (Electric): Don’t Drink The Water, American Baby, #27, Belly Belly Nice, Lie In Our Graves, Rooftop, So Much To Say > Anyone Seen The Bridge > Too Much, Proudest Monkey > Warehouse, #41 > Granny, Grey Street

Encore: The Space Between, All Along The Watchtower

June 2, 2014
Hearing Aide: Tommy Alexander’s ‘Basement Soul’

Jenke Records is a Vermont-based record label started by Tommy Alexander in 2011. For many artists, self-releasing music on a personal label is a matter of maintaining complete creative control. For Alexander, however, the opportunity to run the business side of his music seems to be just as important as the influence that his Burlington label has on its community.

By providing over one hundred donation-based classes per month, a communal recording studio, and a youth outreach program through Jenke, Alexander prioritizes his philanthropic efforts as highly as he does his music.

In his latest release, Basement Soul, the first full-length in Alexander’s solo discography since 2012’s Bogart the Ghost, Alexander focuses on the societal outlook he has developed over the years. Dominated by acoustic guitar and genuine lyricism, the album is filled with a stirring sense of experience and passion.

“Dreams to Dance” opens with a hauntingly fitting musical saw. It sings before two guitars enter the track, followed by Alexander’s vocals. It’s an emotional song, and Alexander delivers the lines, “I’m gonna be your fire / I’m gonna be your flame” as a percussion section builds in the song’s conclusion.

The tracks “Another Man’s Story” and “Nobody’s Cryin’” deal with absent relationships, using string sections and intricate guitar picking to highlight Alexander’s themes.

Basement Soul is truly a solo album. It’s an album that characterizes Alexander’s travels and his past, crafted with the creativity and the control that results in twelve of his finest tracks yet.

Key Tracks:

June 2, 2014
King Crimson Reunion Starting in Albany

King Crimson is one of the most legendary bands in the prog-rock scene to ever take the stage and, they will have a reunion for a full tour for the first time since 2009.

Albany, New York’s own The Egg has the privilege to be the first stop on the tour on September 9th and 10th. The tour will roll south to New York City’s Best Buy Theater on September 18th, 19th and 20th for a special three-night run.

This has been a highly sought after show ever since Robert Fripp, the founding and only consistent member of the band, announced last September that the band would be getting back together. The line up is expected to include Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Bill Rieflin, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Mel Collins and Jakko Jakszy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAAqAnCBNKQ

The shows in Albany go on sale on June 6th at 11AM, and at noon for each New York City show.

June 2, 2014
19th Annual Westport Concert Series Line-Up Announced

Ballard Park is scheduled to host the 19th annual Westport Community Concert Series this summer with a solid line-up.

Westport is a small country village located on the western shores of Lake Champlain, approximately halfway between the village of Lake George and city of Plattsburgh, at the intersection of US Route 9N and NYS Route 22.

The 2014 summer series begins on July 3rd at 7:30 pm and continues every Thursday night through August 27th on the hillside amphitheater overlooking Lake Champlain. Each concert is free of charge. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and patrons are encouraged to bring food to picnic on the grounds. The rain site is across Main Street in the historic chapel of the Westport Heritage House.

“Soundwaves” The 19th Annual Westport Community Concert Series lineup:
July 3: Taylor Haskins’ ‘Fuzzy Logic’ – featuring Ben Monder, guitar
with the Meadowmount School of Music String Orchestra
July 10: Ryan Montbleau (opening: Jay Fiegl)
July 17: Barika
July 24: Samuel Torres & Manuel Valera
July 31: Meadowmount String Quartets
August 7: Joe Brent & Sara Caswell’s ‘9 Horses’ (opening: Staber & Chasnoff)
August 14: Michael Chorney & Hollar General – featuring Brett Lanier, pedal steel; Magic
City the songs of Sun Ra – 8-piece ensemble – featuring Miriam Bernardo
(double bill)
August 21: Jason Lindner’s ‘Super Future Griot’ – featuring Nate Smith and Gilmar Gomes
August 28: Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier

June 1, 2014
Rock On the Range 2014: Day Two

Columbus, Ohio promised sunshine for Day Two of Rock on the Range, and by early Saturday morning it was pretty evident that we had no such luck. Sponsors and staff manned each and every entrance to Crew Stadium, armed with ponchos to hand out to already wet and weary rangers. What looked like a sea of garbage bags was really a dedicated horde of music revelers who stuck it out right from the start, filling the Ernie Ball Stage up in preparation for some Christian rock.

Kicking off the festivities was female fronted Stars In Stereo. With everyone’s ears still ringing from the night before, the melodic tone of front woman Bec Hollcraft’s vocals were a great way to ease into the harsher male dominated lineup to follow. Fellow Christian rockers We As Human hopped on next, wowing the crowd with their nonstop antics. Between climbing the scaffolding, towering high above the stage, and jumping into the pit for some crowd participation, the set was anything but dull.

The Main Stage didn’t get off to quite as energetic of a start, with opener Rev Theory clearly growing frustrated by the lack of enthusiasm. As the rain poured down for the worst storm of the day, the band did their best to distract the crowd and finally succeeded when they broke into “Hell Yeah”, during which it was nearly impossible not to crack a smile.

The Jägermeister Stage hosted one of the biggest breakout acts of the weekend next. Pennsylvania’s Crobot reminded rangers what true rock ‘n’ roll is all about – dirty, grungy hooks to bring the genre back to its purest form.

The sun finally started to “Shimmer” when Fuel took the stage to rock out to some newer tracks followed by the old favorites. The second half of their set was a welcome throwback for twenty-something’s to reminisce their glory days.

Winning the award for quirkiest band of the day was Sweden’s Avatar. The metal band’s short Jägermeister Stage set provided some unique entertainment while the main stage was set up for Pop Evil.

With a recent string of #1 singles under their belts, it was no surprise that the main stage was packed when Pop Evil arrived. Drummer Joshua “Chachi” Marunde moved around more than most singers do, and frontman Leigh Kakaty made sure the crowd was awake by jumping in for “Last Man Standing”. The real show began, however, when members of the armed forces joined the band on stage to close the set with “Trenches”, featuring a jaw dropping collaboration with Run DMC that had everyone talking for the rest of the day.

Another new act hit the Ernie Ball Stage next, Texas natives Nothing More. They incorporated some unique elements, including a separate small drum at the front of the stage that frontman Jonny Hawkins would drum and jump on throughout the set.

Theory of a Deadman lit up the main stage with some entertaining singalong tracks, including “B***h Came Back” and “Bad Girlfriend”, as well as throwing in a more serious ballad, “Not Meant to Be”. With everyone bouncing and singing along to each of the songs, it was clear that the band was a Rock on the Range favorite.

The Pretty Reckless, the second of two female fronted bands slotted for Day Two, hit the Ernie Ball Stage. Lead singer Taylor Momsen’s voice was a force to be reckoned with, and the overall charismatic nature of the band shone through throughout their set. Chevelle began what was to be a heavy night to follow, building up the energy level that would remain until the final band left the stage with nonstop crowd surfing and moshing. The band may be a trio, but lead guitarist/singer Pete Loeffler had no problem amping up the crowd on his own.

With the side stages closed for the evening, it was finally time for Slayer.

The pit suddenly transformed into a hulking mass of muscles and bald heads, scaring away the younger crowd for the duration of their hour long set. Holding nothing back, the band powered through an intense set, clearly unaffected by recent lineup changes. Closing out with “Raining Blood”, Crew Stadium exploded into a frenzy of bodies flying in every imaginable direction.

Not to be outdone, Avenged Sevenfold brought their spectacularly haunting stage set up to close out Day Two. With too many hits to choose from, the band did their best to please everyone from the most diehard fans to brand new ones, making sure to include a few from each album. Without the addition of fireworks and pyrotechnics, the set would arguably be one of the best of the day. With them, it was a no brainer.

Midway through the set, lighters filled the sky as the band slowed things down a bit to honor the band’s late drummer, Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan. Frontman M. Shadows took a moment to let the crowd know that they are not a band to usually use tracks in their live show, but revealed that that the vocals we had been hearing in the background all night, in fact, belonged to Sullivan. An impressive guitar solo preceded the final few songs of the night, wrapping up with “Unholy Confessions”.

Stay Tuned for Day 3 coverage tomorrow!

June 1, 2014