Although it was good to spend another sunny birthday at this funky music festival, there were some initial wrinkles. I was unable to use the more convenient entrance. Everyone was forced to walk around the park to another location. When we finally got ready to enter after a long wait, a guard said I couldn’t enter with my backpack. Bullshit. Stuffing everything inside another bag did the trick. But the inconvenience was worth it for two days of concerts WITHOUT lip sinking.
My personal lineup included Thundercat, Blitz the Ambassador, and Anderson Paak. The bone rattling base of the speakers, blaring horn sections, and lively crowd were energizing. In between sets, the DJs kept the party going, prompting many to dance wildly in the sun. Taking pics of the colorful outfits kind of reminded me of shooting around NY Comic Con. Except NYCC attendees were less partial to nipple piercing.
I was excited to see Anderson Paak, but it was still quite an endurance contest. Everyone stood in place crammed together for more than 2 hours, including a set by Dizzee Rascal. Someone in the crowd fainted during their set. They immediately stopped the music, resuming only after the person was helped out. Anderson Paak’s live drumming, singing, and rapping helped everyone not only endure, but roar with excitement. Talib Kweli was an unexpected special guest. I limped home completely satisfied. You can see my pics here.
I decided to celebrate my birthday by attending Afro Punk Brooklyn, two days of music and fun on Saturday August 27 thru Sunday August 28. Being unfamiliar with most of the acts, my preparation began weeks before when I browsed most of the musicians on iTunes. The festival was held in Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY. There were four stages: green, red, black, and gold. Unfortunately, the green stage sat in a virtual dust bowl of sparse dead grass and dirt which set off my allergies. But I was able to have a good time anyway. 
