For most normal people, day three of their music festival experience is usually the most mellowed out. That was most certainly not the case at Wanderlust. Although day three was probably the busiest and most exhausting for me, it was also a flurry of fun into the late night hours (early morning hours). After another tasty, yet healthy breakfast from the always busy Mountain Nectar we made our way back up the Funitel to check out the killer line-up: The Honey Brothers, Amanda Palmer, Mates of State, Broken Social Scene, Andrew Bird, and Spoon. We did however, have one minor set back on our way up the mountain. As I was going up the steps to get on the Funitel, I smelled the most putrid, musky, god-fuckin-awful stench of B.O. No fuckin’ joke! It was like walking through a layer of the thickest San Francisco fog you’ve ever experienced. Immediately I covered my mouth as I started to gag and ran back down the steps! As I looked up to this stinky man and his two kids (poor lil guys), I noticed another set of Wanderlust-goers running away from him and into the Funitel ahead of them. The stinky man and his kids ended up all alone on the Funitel since no one in their right mind would endure a 15-minute ride closed up in a space the size of a bathroom! Get some Axe buddy!
On a pleasant note, The Honey Brothers hit the stage and played a great set. All the ladies were in the frontlines since Entourage’s Adrian Grenier is a member of the band. Not only does he man the drums, but he also played some guitar and the recorder! I had no idea he was so musically inclined. Touché to Mr. Grenier. The boys put out some feel-good folk, indie rock which is exciting to see live. It was really cool to see them use a variety of instruments from the banjo, ukulele, recorder, keyboard and more. A definite highlight was when Amanda Palmer came out to join them and played a killer Queen performance, “We are the Champions.” As The Honey Brothers’ set ended I heard random dude comment on their performance, “That was really fucking cool.” Indeed, The Honey Brothers are really fucking cool.
With a beer in between sets, we were ready to catch Amanda Palmer. This chick is just rad and so talented in so many damn ways. Switching it up between her ukulele and keyboard she covered some Bright Eyes and Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean.” But hearing her perform “Coin Operated Boy” was the shit. Especially when she went on repeat like a robot that had blow a circuit: “and I’ll never let him go, and I’ll never let him go…” It’s never a boring show when Miss Palmer takes the stage.
Mates of State … yay (and I say that in monotone). They’re definitely a cute band, especially since they’re a couple and you can feel the unique energy between them—but we just weren’t into their music. They’re very similar to most indie bands out there today and really didn’t hold a flame next to the Wanderlust bill which was drenched with one-of-a-kinds bands boasting all that isn’t stale. Regardless, we got a few shots.
As for Broken Social Scene, I wanted to kick myself in the ass for missing such a phenomenal band. But as expected when you’re covering any big event, shit happens. Unfortunately, my digi voice record needed some juice and I was due for an interview in an hour. I had to go all the way back down the mountain and up just for some batteries that my dumbass forgot to pack. On the bright side, my photog Kara caught their set and said it was amazing! Check out all the great shots she took.
Andrew Bird! Apparently not all his equipment had arrived to Wanderlust, but his fellow musicians were more than happy to lend him some instruments. Props to Kaki King, Rogue Wave and Broken Social Scene for making it happen. Andrew Bird is one of the few musicians who can bring a tear to any human’s eye, both male and female. Honestly, the music that man creates is so breathtaking. Whether it’s his voice, the violin or the guitar, he brings aural bliss to any instrument he touches. I was in complete awe during his entire set and I think everyone else was too. You know a musician kicks ass when the photo pit is completely full and not just with photogs but other worthy musicians inspired by his music.
Spoon wrapped up the spectacular first annual Wanderlust Festival. Hailing from Texas, where everything is BIG (including the people), front-man Britt Daniel made a funny observation. “There are some very healthy-looking people out there,” Daniel said. “We’re not used to it. You guys look good. I’m seriously reconsidering my lifestyle,” he shared. The guys played a cool set including a cover of Paul Simon’s “Peace Like a River.” Although it was cool hearing songs from their latest album “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” I REALLY wanted to hear more of their old jams like “Paper Tiger!” Good stuff that got us moving and grooving nonetheless.
As for “late night at Wanderlust” DJ Rekha filled up the joint with a bunch of hot and sweaty dancers just cuttin’ loose. It definitely wasn’t a “yay I’m 21” frat-party crowd this time around. Lots of the bands, Wanderlust organizers media and interesting peeps were living it up. It was a stellar night that ended when the sun was about to rise. But that’s all I can tell ya . . .
Cheers to Wanderlust for throwing an awesomely unique event that pleased us all. See you next year!
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