It's Corporate, It's Punk (It'll still kick yer ass)
Wednesday 25 June @ 12:13:34 |
 by Chelsea LouvierThe ninth annual Van’s Warped Tour drops in to Somerset Wisconsin’s Float-Rite Amphitheater this Saturday for a party worthy of an Andrew W.K. anthem.
Andrew W.K.
Anyone who attended last year’s Warped show on Harriet Island will have to wonder if the change of venue was inspired by the torrential downpour which all but rained out some of the headliners. At least this time, concertgoers could conceivably equip themselves with rafts from the adjacent water park.
The Somerset stop features Andrew W.K., Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, the Unseen, AFI, Less than Jake, Suicide Machines, The Ataris, and many more appearing on various stages. The staggering array of bands is a bit overwhelming, but fortunately show times are clearly marked—and adhered to. This year’s athletic eye candy includes Moto X, skateboarding, freestyle BMX, and street skating—there’s definitely something for everyone.
Although cynics have decried this event as a corporate mall punk spectacle, it’s still one hell of a good time and hardly devoid of credibility. Despite some corporate sponsorship, Van’s Warped tour maintains a degree of accessibility unusual for undertakings of this scale. Several of these acts got their starts playing basements and living rooms in the 1990s, and many holdovers from the traditional participatory origins of punk rock are evident. The barriers between performer and observer are far less distinct than those in the conventional, strictly profit-driven context of the spectacle. This is a formula for great people watching, be they in the mid-way, in the pit, or on-stage. Kids can actually meet some of their favorite musicians and athletes at the band and label booths—which also lends some down-to-earth, DIY authenticity.
The Dropkick Murphys
Merchandise is available at surprisingly reasonable costs, and swag is handed out freely. Load up on stickers, posters, and all kinds of goodies. There is a region dedicated to the lost art of fanzines, a button booth, and a special Girlz Garage.
The organizers have thought of nearly everything. Parents seeking respite from the heat and noise will find comfort in the “Reverse Daycare” program, which offers air conditioned tents for parents to relax in while they enjoy cold drinks, massages, and noise-proof headphones. Storage lockers are available for attendees to stash their jackets, cell phones, and the inevitable armloads of merch.
Van’s Warped tour also does its bit to promote social and environmental consciousness—the new “Kevin Says Take Action” area will host booths showcasing up to 12 non-profits at each show. They have also partnered with Conservation International, to whom a portion of the sponsorship fees will be donated.
All around the $25 ticket price is well worth is to see some of the more well-known pop punk acts in addition to loads of up-and-comers.
The Van’s Warped Tour pulls into the Float-Rite Park Amphitheater in Somerset, Wisc. on Sat., June 28. $25. 11 a.m. All-ages. 710 Spring St., Somerset, Wisc. Ticket and show info available at http://www.ticketmaster.com.
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