By Chyrisse Tabone, Tampa Correspondent
July 3, 2015—Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
Vans Warped Tour: Presented by Journeys
The Vans Warped Tour cruised through town on the cusp of the July 4th holiday weekend to a hot and muggy afternoon. Vinoy Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent a city marina, which offered a beautiful of of palm trees, shiny blue water, and lots of holiday boaters passing by the venue.
Vans Warped offered eight (8) large stages with names like ‘Shark Stage,” “Kevin Says Stage,” and “Unicorn Stage,” as well as an “Acoustic Basement” tent, a “Comedy” tent. There were plenty of vendor booths featuring merchandise from dozens of bands that participated as well as record label booths. There were an impressive number of booths featuring information, literature, and merchandise benefiting charitable causes and well as social and/or political movements. There were a few food vendors and a small filtered water stand for refilling bottles (although I had to search for the location). There were even misting tents and areas for parents to hang out while the kids enjoyed the music.
The crowd was very well-behaved but showed a lot of enthusiasm for the bands, despite the blustery heat. There was plenty of dancing and crowd-surfing (although signs posted noted their prohibition).
The best part about Vans Warped, of course, is the huge fanfare of bands that are playing systematically on the various stages like clockwork. The bands played on time according to the schedule and the choice of bands was really exciting! It is always nice to see up and coming bands on the brink of success early on in their career when they give their fans 110%. There was a lot of jumping, leaping, kicking, hair-flying, and real rock entertainment. I do not know how they crew has been traveling from city to city and pulling this off because they are in a different city everyday. They must be subsisting on little sleep and Monster Energy drink.
I cannot say enough good things about the quality organization of the Vans Warped Tour and the bands in general. The only downside was Mother Nature with the heat all day and then a huge downpour with lighting around 5:30 p.m. I was already walking to my car at this point but heard the show was closed down.
Highlights of various bands are presented below; however, there are separated galleries for New Years Day and Black Veil Brides.
General Atmosphere of Vans Warped-St. Petersburg
NECK DEEP
AS IT IS
JULIET SIMMS
BEBE REXHA
AUGUST BURNS RED
CANDY HEARTS
KNUCKLE PUCK
WE CAME AS ROMANS
MISS MAY I
HANDS LIKE HOUSES
BABY BABY
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I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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