A FR wander happens again
Every year Fuji rock expands, sometimes to new places and sometimes to old ones newly discovered. This year saw crowds finally heading to Day Dreaming at the end of the Dragondola cable car; the Stone Drum Circle beyond Orange Court, new this year, saw a wicked Mexican cantina (complete with pinball machine and fussball table) pop up. So the crowds spread out across farther reaches. Me, I found myself forgoing the hulabaloo of the Red Marquee/Green Stage to wander the triangle of the White Stage, Gypsy Avalon and Field of Heaven/Orange Court.
Ingredients for today's wander: Start with Gogol Bordello on the White Stage for some gypsy punk; catch Flower Travelin' Band at FOH to hear Joe Yamanka, now with dreads, channel the reggae; and then Gypsy Avaon for Montelima for a surprisingly refreshing show.
I don't know the last time I've seen such good natured rock. The lead singer was relentlessly upbeat, engaging the audience in childish singalongs to the bands bright pop rock n roll. His high voice and joyful performance had a small crowd -- probably due to Flower Travellin' Band pulling away a large portion of the Gypsy Avalon regulars -- dancing away in the front. Along with The Flying Padovanis Montelima set up a much more lively GA for Saturday night.
After that it was quick dip in Orange Court's Mark Stewart and the Mafia (I had originally thought it was Martha Stewart's Mafia, which sounded like it would be Fountain of Wayne's younger punk brother (I was wrong)). MS and M were produced by legend Adrian Sherwood, serving up heavy bass and squealing guitar into a mix that made up for the Bootsy letdown.
Throw in some Lettuce after the Padovanis, and it was a regular smorgasborg of far side choices. Maybe tomorrow I'll go to the Red Marquee.
Reported by Donald Eubank (2008.07.26 / 22:56)