Sunday August 10, 2008 at 3:49 pm
There was something so pleasant about that place
The New American Music Union wrapped up last night with a performance by Bob Dylan. All of the weekend’s sets surpassed my already high expectations.
Equipped with a press pass that got me into American Eagle headquarters, I was lucky enough to attend a small pre-show conference, where a few of the headliners and hosts answered questions and shared their perspectives on the city and show. (Thank you, C.C.)
Curating the session was Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who, while he didn’t perform, was responsible for organizing the event (which quickly sold out of its 10,000 tickets).
“Music is still the most inspiring creative force that I know of and this seemed like a prime opportunity to let it shine. Add to this the fact of a generously low ticket price and that it all takes place in the streets of Pittsburgh and we have the most rocking block party of the summer.” -Kiedis
Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley (left) said of Pittsburgh, “We were expecting Detroit, and got Chicago. Which is a good thing.”
I love concerts and am generally used to ridiculously overpriced merchandise and the same type of venue over and over again, but American Eagle did a pretty good job of adding to this festival’s distinctiveness. They gave away name brand event t-shirts (which were nice enough that I probably would’ve bought one if they weren’t handed out) with every ticket purchase along with plastic, logo’d water bottles to coincide with cooler stations set up throughout the area.
Gnarls Barkley was my favorite set. The lineup was fantastic, and it was exciting to see and hear such a unique mix of sounds, as I doubt I would’ve ever gotten a chance to see The Raconteurs or The Duke Spirit live if it wasn’t for this festival.
The New American Music Union wrapped up last night with a performance by Bob Dylan. All of the weekend’s sets surpassed my already high expectations.
Equipped with a press pass that got me into American Eagle headquarters, I was lucky enough to attend a small pre-show conference, where a few of the headliners and hosts answered questions and shared their perspectives on the city and show. (Thank you, C.C.)
Curating the session was Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who, while he didn’t perform, was responsible for organizing the event (which quickly sold out of its 10,000 tickets).
“Music is still the most inspiring creative force that I know of and this seemed like a prime opportunity to let it shine. Add to this the fact of a generously low ticket price and that it all takes place in the streets of Pittsburgh and we have the most rocking block party of the summer.” -Kiedis
Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley (left) said of Pittsburgh, “We were expecting Detroit, and got Chicago. Which is a good thing.”
I love concerts and am generally used to ridiculously overpriced merchandise and the same type of venue over and over again, but American Eagle did a pretty good job of adding to this festival’s distinctiveness. They gave away name brand event t-shirts (which were nice enough that I probably would’ve bought one if they weren’t handed out) with every ticket purchase along with plastic, logo’d water bottles to coincide with cooler stations set up throughout the area.
Gnarls Barkley was my favorite set. The lineup was fantastic, and it was exciting to see and hear such a unique mix of sounds, as I doubt I would’ve ever gotten a chance to see The Raconteurs or The Duke Spirit live if it wasn’t for this festival.
Thats really cool that they gave away free t-shirts. Music festivals are cool cuz you do get to hear a strange and different mix of music—I hope I get to go to one =/
[...] –Danger Mouse of Gnarles Barkley, as quoted on ThatNight.net. [...]
[...] conference prior to the start of NAMU. Pictured from left: Spoon, Tiny Masters of Today, Anthony Kiedis, Gnarls [...]
Have you heard the Shawn Colvin acoustic cover of “Crazy”? It’s terribly addictive.
That looks like tons of fun. Too bad you couldn’t see the The Raconteurs, though (one of my faves).
Yet another reason to move to Pittsburgh.
Wow, how cool/lucky are you. I would’ve settled on festival tickets, if I could have found some.
Awesome lineup.
Robin G. – Oh, I did get to see them! And they were excellent!
Emma – Yes.
Sounds like a great show! For all of the shows I go to I have never been to an outdoor festival – sounds like they aren’t as bad as I have been thinking.
That’s what I get for reading before coffee… since you did get to see them, I am officially jealous.
I think Cee Lo could do anything and be the coolest person to ever do it.
I got to see Bob Dylan a couple years back and he was amazing. I agree with Chris, I’m pretty sure Cee Lo is the coolest person ever. He even looked cool in a bit part in “Mystery Men.” That’s just how cool he is.
You had a press? That’s awesome.
[...] also took some pictures of the bands, but most didn’t come out too well. Check out Rachel’s entry for the good [...]
Those are some really great pictures!
Sounds like fun! I’m a little jealous!
I think I would’ve seen that show solely for the Gnarls.