Festival Supreme 2015 thrills and disappoints, all at the same sweaty moment

Amy Poehler’s 15 minutes at Festival Supreme

It was hot. I mean like, not-good-for-our world hot. But that didn’t stop fans from enjoying the festivities at Festival Supreme this past Saturday at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo. We weathered the heat sweating like pigs in a blanket, but it was all worth it. Well, most of it. And to top it all off, it always smelled like sweet sweet pizza (at least at the outdoor stages).

Immediately walking into the Shine Expo Hall we were stoked at how potent the air conditioning was. After walking in triple digit heat from the overpriced event parking located in the USC parking structure, all I wanted was a cold bottled water, a vodka soda with lime, and some AC. On top of all that, I also got some Amy Poehler. Soon as we got our drinks at the bar, Amy hit he stage. Unfortunately it was a brief 15 minutes. I felt like I got humped dumped. Not sure what went on with that booking, but fans were not happy one bit. They felt cheated, and so did I. Her skit with Jack Black was pretty funny though. She played the role of some 70s rocker, a la Janis Joplin, which was entertaining for the first 10 minutes, but then I almost fell asleep with her rendition of Bette Midler’s “The Rose”. It was more boring than funny. So yeah, that and her very short set made for some unhappy fans.

But you can’t be unhappy too long at Festival Supreme!

Thankfully, lengthy acts from Bill Burr, Aubrey Plaza, Kristen Schaal, Reggie Watts and Puddles Pitty Party lifted our spirits back up to match the level of alcohol in the spirits we were so joyfully consuming. Bill Burr and Kristen Schaal were my two favorites. Bill is not for the sensitive kind. And especially not for those types of people now a days that love to be offended by everything and anything. Between his Kanye (www.BlackHitler.com) and hipster/millennial bits, the man had my jaw on the floor, and me practically pissing my chonies. As for the adorable Kristen Schaal, she was owning the Karma Chameleon stage in the Auditorium. Dressed all girly in a polk dot dress, her self-deprecating themes were cracking me up. Especially with that baby voice.

Kristen Schaal

I got my bass and azzzzz fix with Big Freedia. Her and her crew know how to get the party started and the booties clapping. It was, as always, a sight to be seen. But what really got me rocking out like it was 2003, was The Darkness. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen them live since around 2004 or so. And without skipping a beat, front man Justin Hawkins sounded just as he did when their debut album was first released. Hitting every high note and hip thrust, The Darkness had us all singing along to “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” and “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.” It was pure euphoria. We were very tipsy by now, and the smell of pizza in the air just made it all the more enjoyable. I really hope The Darkenss play a local show soon. I forgot just how awesome they are live.

Die Antwoord. I just can’t take this duo seriously. Just not my thing. I’ve tried in the past, but they just annoy the shit out of me. I like my hip hop real. But our photographer did get some photos of them!

Another standout included Rocket From The Crypt. San Diego’s Rocket From The Crypt always put on a robust rock ‘n’ roll show. John Reis has so much stage presence. His energy is contagious. Not to mention, him and the band had some pretty awesome 80s-style prom attire; pastel ruffled tuxedo shirts and all. These guys don’t fuck around.

Rocket From The Crypt

Andrew WK seemed to have brought his infamous party on stage, but I was not there to take part in it. But judging by our photographer’s photos below, Mr. WK showed the crowd how to “party hard.”

Now, what about Tenacious D? The crowd inside the Expo Hall was thick for Jack Black and Kyle Gass. On stage they would be joined by Jack’s sister on the saxophone, Andrew WK on the bass and a whole slew of players to make their jazz show. Sadly, their jazz show was kind of a fail. Although I did enjoy the beginning of this new take, and hearing a smooth and silly cover of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” I was really hoping they would play some classic Tenacious D for at least the last half of their performance… but they didn’t. All we got was a sleepy jazz show and a tease of “Greatest Song in the World”.

As fans made their exit with furrowed brows, they were most definitely disappointed too. While trying to get out of the poorly organized barriers of the Expo Hall, I heard not one, not two, but three different people express their disappointment in Tenacious D. If your’e going to introduce something new to your loyal fans, please also give them something old, that they know and love. That’s what they shelled out the big bucks for.

Despite a few let downs, Festival Supreme was a hot and slippery good time. From comedy to live music (and great air conditioning), there was a little something for everyone, and that’s what makes Festival Supreme so unique. Also, how can you not enjoy a festival on a 100-degree day that offers you large air conditioned rooms!? And seating! I enjoyed my time in the Auditorium. Not only did I get to rest my feet, but I chilled in some cool temperatures with a refreshing cocktail in hand, while watching some of the best comedy acts.

Words: Sandra Burciaga

Photography: Jazz Shademan

The Darkness