Music festivals are often a highlight of each summer. As music-a-holic who also craves warm weather and sunshine, what better way to spend a few vacation days each year. I did not get a chance to blog from the fest, but soon after arriving home from Creation Northeast this year, I reflected on my experience. Mind you - there is a lot more to Creation fest than music. But this is what rolled out of my thoughts and is now about to fill this page. If I had to give out awards this year, the following would be the results.
Most underrated band: DecemberRadio
It’s true that when I first heard DecemberRadio, they were added to my list as just another band. But from the first time I saw them live, my view on them changed. Even the sound check was amazing at the fest. Wow. Maybe I just like the classic rock sound, or great guitar riffs, but I walked away from their afternoon time slot and thought, “These guys are underrated!”
Band that should have been there: NeedToBreathe
A friend and I chatted about this a week or two before the fest. She questioned why NeedToBreathe was not on the schedule for Creation Northeast. (They did play at Creation Northwest.) I answered with various possibilities, all of which were probably not correct. Suffice it to say, however, that I hope they are booked for 2011.
New band worth looking into further: Sleeping Giant
I had not heard much about Sleeping Giant before wandering over to the Fringe Stage to catch some photos. I am not a huge fan of metal and hardcore, but once in a while a band in that genre comes along that makes a good impression. Sleeping Giant fit that bill.
Band I wish I had not missed: The Classic Crime
When Vagabonds was released earlier this year, I observed a lot of talk about it among friends on Facebook while The Classic Crime was on tour. Seeing them on the schedule for the Fringe Stage ahead of the fest, I planned to catch some of the set. But with so many other things going on, somehow I missed it. Ah well, maybe next time.
Band I welcomed back: Switchfoot
Yes it is true that I might find any way to bring Switchfoot into the conversation. But for real, I was happy that the California boys made it back to the schedule after a year break. True, I’d rather see them in a more intimate setting, but who’s complaining?
Band I was happy to see in the “closing” spot: Skillet
Not long ago I stood in the photo pit taking photos of Skillet during a hot less attended afternoon slot on the main stage. For so many years it seemed that only a certain few bands made it into the coveted closing slot. Now those bands are either not touring any more or perhaps less popular, leaving openings in the evenings. I asked lead singer John Cooper earlier in the day how he felt about playing in such an important time frame. He was honored.
Next stop: Purple Door