All Points West (APW) Festival Wraps Up

     The weather gods/goddesses helped out on Saturday at the first All Points West Festival in Jersey City, NJ but abandoned the show on the third, final day of the festival, with storm clouds on the march at the Liberty State Park event .  Luckily, the weather was little deterrent to festival-attendees, who managed thru the on-and-off rain showers to catch the day's more jam-friendly lineup, headlined by Jack Johnson.  Johnson, who on Saturday played in Maryland at the Virgin Mobile Festival, saw only light rain during his set, which was a mix of tunes from his "Sleep Through the Static" cd

 

("Hope," "Same Girl," the piano-featured"Go On") and "chestnuts" from the '01 debut, "Brushfire Fairytales" ("Bubble Toes," "Flake").  Two of the day's prior performers, former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and singer/songwriter Matt Costa, joined Johnson onstage for "Mudfootball" and "Fall Line". When he was up rocking earlier, Anastasio and band Classic TAB jammed through several Phish tunes,  "Sand," "Gotta Jibboo" and "Sand" along with new songs like "Alaska" and solo band favorites like "Cayman Review" and "Mr. Completely."  He also took time to salute his grandfather, who came to America from Italy through Ellis Island 1910, with a touching rendition of “Drifting”.  Heavy rain held off for Cat Power and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals.  After he had to devote 10 minutes of his set puzzled over a "problem" guitar with a several un-helpful roadies, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals got themselves back together with a perfectly played and varied set.  Harper and his band establish the laid back tone that lead up to Jack Johnson's set with mellow cuts like "Don't Take that Attitude to Your Grave," "Fight Outta You" and "Diamonds on the Inside." The day also offered memorable sets from Neil Halstead and Rogue Wave. The rain was heaviest during Rogue Wave, which was highlighted by "Publish My Love," "Chicago X 12" and "Lake Michigan" (featuring three band members on drums).  Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela and New York rockers Earl Greyhound also were at the the final day's performances and put in earnest performances.

APW is organized by California based promoter, Goldenvoice, who also runs the notable Coachella Valley Music & Arts festival in California, along with AEG Live (Goldenvoice is owned by AEG as well). The APW event had a much different vibe then Coachella but maybe will grow into more of a community event.  The previous two days featured performance from Radiohead, as well as performances from Underworld, Kings Of Leon, the Roots and Animal Collective.

This event was years in the making, and the only major festival in the NYC market.  The show went off smoothly, with the biggest complaint being inadequate ferry service back to NYC after the show and high beer prices ($7-$9). Kudos though to the alcohol restraints that were in effect (consumption only in limited areas), but they could've had some space near each stage.   Attendance figures have not yet been released, but  with high admission price and the Virgin Music Festival the same weekend in Baltimore, MD (only a four hour drive away) attendance was likely impacted as was the selection of available artists.

If you were there, what did you think of the fest ?  Will you go back next year?

Comments

[Paul]

Friday was so much fun; great music, a gorgeous, ever-changing sky, and a fantastic day for people watching.

One thing, though -- next year, don't believe what the APW website says about what's the absolute best way to get there. I put my bike in my car, parked within two miles of the park and was in and out in no time. I was home in Queens at midnight. My poor son, who was staying with friends in NJ, took light rail and got home about 2:00am.

[thedude]

I agree regarding restraining alcohol, but dont you think they should have made it clear on the website before the show? It was nice not to have drunk fools but it did seem more like a controled day care center then a rock festival. My big complaint, why all the long lines? For $120 I dont want to wait in line for 1 hour to get in. I would not attend this Festival or RH show as it should be called. On another note RH was off the hook as always and I am sure I would go to hell if I knew they were playing. GoldenVoice you s*ck for not even trusting me with the bottle cap to me $4 water.