The music concert series is a popular festival of eclectic multi-genred groups, some local and some not, some small bands no one has heard of, and others bigger bands that some people have heard. Over 100 bands play in 11 venues across four days, along with VIP parties, songwriter sessions and of course, the after party – all including varying musical talents.
On the second night of the festival, newly crowned chart topper Foster the People took to the main stage. Other acts scattered through-out the 11 venues included Cults, SPELLS, Reptar and Ben Sollee. Belmont Vision reporters provide a brief look at some of the main shows.
Check out Belmont Vision photographer, Dylon Walker’s photos from Thursday’s coverage. http://bit.ly/qU6G8V
Reptar 12th Ave. Block 7:30 p.m.
The name makes it sound like a high school metal garage band, which is almost true except more indie pop and a little older than high school. Their catchy, bouncy music kicked off the night and welcomed the few that had gotten in, but was loud enough for the 100 or so still in line. The members became the characters of the cartoon Peanuts, literally heads bouncing and hair flying. Their energy warmed up the audience. -Jen Todd
SPELLS 12th & Porter 8:00 p.m.
In theme with their name, the band’s inspiration is quite obviously Muse. They have the same spacey sound, lots of bass and high pitched noise and slow songs. The main singer and keyboardist closed his eyes and nodded slowly to the music and since the crowd was still fairly small, cast awkward glances at the audience members. The dark lit room fit the aura. -Jen Todd
CULTS 12th Ave. Block 8:15 p.m.
You probably know this band for their song “Go Outside.” The band includes a female lead singer, a beer drinking keyboardist/guitarist. This was the band that brought out the beach ball, bouncing over the audience and sometimes accidentally on stage – don’t worry, the keyboardist/guitarist gave it back, even though it spilled his beer. Lead singer Madeline Follin’s voice was thin in a pretty way. The music complemented her voice, making the overall sound rich indie rock. -Jen Todd
Foster the People 12th Ave. Block 9:15 p.m.
This was the big band everyone came to see. They are most popular for their Top 10 song “Pumped Up Kids” (All the kids with the pumped up kicks you’d better run better run, outrun my gun.) Their music draws in the crowd with extremely catchy and upbeat sound. The unshaven lead singer sang in a tenor but sometimes used his falsetto to change it up and the drummer never missed a beat. If you don’t like “Pumped Up Kids,” don’t let it fool you that it’s their best song. They have plenty more goodies to try. -Jen Todd
How I Became the Bomb MAI 10:30 p.m.
This indie 80s-ish techno-funk band has a sort of The Hold Steady undertone. They arrived with their “stunna” shades after the bulk of the crowd left, but still brought on the ravers and dancers. Their bassist was the most talented of the group, really fulfilling the funk side of the music. The 80s music background also pops up. Even though sometimes the keyboardist laid his head on the synthesizer for minutes at a time, overall, they performed a lively, enjoyable show. -Jen Todd
Ben Sollee The Station Inn 11:15 pm
Some artists just have that noticeable raw talent that can’t be taught, and Ben Sollee is surely one of them. His musical talents captivate you into a folk and blues dream. He was a perfect match for the Station Inn, which has been providing intimate bluegrass/ folk shows through the test of time. -Dylon Walker