3days, 90+ bands, 6 stages - Music Midtown Atlanta

[Buzzbee]

Music Midtown is this weekend in Atlanta. It is a 3 day festival, starting Friday and lasting through sunday, which features numerous bands from a variety of genres. I thought I would post this in case there are people (like Easy Mac or Ksyrup) who might be within driving distance and might want to attend. I think tickets for the weekend are $45.

For those who want to check out the details, here is a link to the website. As always, replace hxxp with http:

hxxp://www.musicmidtown.com/index.cfm

Here is a list of the bands that will be performing:

Abstract Foundation
Angela Wolff
Angie Stone
Anthony Hamilton
Ashlee Simpson
Bain Mattox
Big Boi of Outkast
Cato
Cee-Lo
Chris Robinson & the New Earth Mud
Chronic Saxaphonic
Courtney Love
Crazy Anglos
Damien Rice
Default
Destiny feat. Da One Irie B.
DJ J-Luv & Brian Dotson
DJ Matt Silliman
DJ Rhythm
Drive by Truckers
Ed Zachary
Finger Eleven
Five Eight
Foo Fighters
Foundation Stone
Fountains of Wayne
Fuel Miller Lite
Full Turn Dance Team
Galactic
Gary Jules
Gavin Degraw
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Gospel
Graham Colton
Heavy MoJo
Heston
HiFi Collective
Hoobastank
Hot Young Priest
Ishues
Jabari
Jason Mraz
Jessica Simpson
Jimmy Barret
Jimmy Cypher
J-Kwon
Josh Kelley
Joss Stone
Journey
Kansas
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
Katy Rose
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Late Night Essentials
Lil Flip
Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz
Lo-Pro
Ludacris
Minus.Driver
Musiq
Nomadix
Puddle of Mudd
Rare Form
Red Letter Agent
REO Speedwagon
Scar
Second Shift
Slim Fatz & Barefoot Dave
slowEarth
Smile Empty Soul
Smithereens
Speedy Voodoo
Steadlur
Steve Miller Band
Story of the Year
Switchfoot
Tantric
The Doors of the 21st Century
The Fire Theft
The Lilli Lewis Project
The Offspring
The Spirit Music Sextet featuring Meshell Ndegeocello
The Strokes
The Swear
The Tom Collins
The Whigs
To Whom It Concerns
Toby Lightman
Trapt
Twista
Ween
Wyclef Jean
YoungBloodZ



I posted about this last year and several others posted about similar music festivals in their areas. Might be good to share websites/info again this year. Seems like CamEdwards mentioned wanting to attending one in Missouri or someplace after he heard about it here at FOFC.

[HornedFrog Purple]

That sounds pretty cool. I need to go see George Clinton again sometime before he hangs it up.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Some very good names on that list.
Wonder what stunt Courtney 's gonna pull this time ?

[Buzzbee]

Who knows. Although some people are bummed because she and Jessica Simpson will be performing at roughly the same time on different stages. Those would be two very different, but very intriguing shows I imagine.

[miked]

I went each year that I lived in the ATL, now I go back every year. Can't beat 3 days of music for $45, except for all the rednecks.

Galactic will be the bomb. As will Drive By Truckers and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe.

I really hate that every year, 96 rock has to get the oldest bunch of people they can find. I mean, come on. REO Speedwagon, Journey, Kansas..

[Fritz]

Offsping and REO speedwagon on the same bill. who would've thunk it?

[miked]

I think 2 years ago, they had David Lee Roth, Skid Row, and somebody else really bad. And you wouldn't believe the amount of drunk rednecks that seems to bring out. Sunday should be awesome this year, some really good bands. And P-funk on Sat. night.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/0404/30midtownsweep.html

Two women who identified themselves as Cobb County school teachers were arrested Thursday evening during a sweep of the neighborhood hosting the Music Midtown festival this weekend.

The crime sweep of the area between North Avenue and Ralph McGill Boulevard also yielded Sidney C. Dorsey Jr., son of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey, police said. The younger Dorsey was wanted on an outstanding federal warrant for a firearms violation.

Atlanta police Maj. James Sellers said the women were arrested as they were pulling out of a gas station near Boulevard after allegedly purchasing cocaine from a man. They reportedly had about half a gram of cocaine in their possession and told authorities they had paid $50 for it.

One of the women told police she was a pre-school teacher with the Cobb school system; the other said she taught 5th grade, police said.

"The driver was forthcoming about why they had driven down there," Sellers said. "The other woman insisted they were on their way to Lenox Mall."

[miked]

Thinking about skipping out...

It's supposed to rain all weekend in the ATL and I don't think I can justify plane fare and hotel to sit in the rain for 3 days. Too bad, some good bands on thurrr.

[Ksyrup]

I really hate that every year, 96 rock has to get the oldest bunch of people they can find. I mean, come on. REO Speedwagon, Journey, Kansas..
What do you care? There's pretty much something for everyone.

Believe it or not, there is a market for those types of bands. In fact, my wife nearly broke down in tears when I told her all of those bands were playing and she couldn't go. She's about to give birth, so of course we can't quite head 5 hours out of town. We would probably be there otherwise. She's already planning babysitters for August to go see Journey.

My wife still thinks its 1981 and Don't Stop Believin' is on the charts, btw...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Believe it or not, there is a market for those types of bands.
You raise a pretty good point there. I looked back over the list & those are pretty much the only ones on there that I'd be interested in hearing if they were playing in my front yard.

Counting back through the list, I only see 16 acts that I've ever even heard of, never mind knowing specifically what they sound like. And of those, most are either "new rock" or "urban/hip-hop", neither of which has enough appeal to me to generate any interest.

The rest, were they to set up in my front yard, would probably get a healthy dose of STFU.

I don't grudge anybody who enjoys Music Midtown or similar audio gangbangs but damned if I see any reason to kick about the inclusion of 5% or so of acts who I'd actually deem worth hearing.

[miked]

I didn't say I didn't think there was a market for it, I was simply stating that 96 rocks plays some good music and those bands don't represent it. I don't think I've heard Journey, Kansas, Chicago, whatever on 96 rock. In retrospect, that stage is usually very crowded (at least more than my usual fav Z93), but there's so much good music that station plays and those bands aren't it. Of course, I do know the logistical complications and the fact that the bands they play on the radio may not want to play the show, or may not even be together.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Of course, I do know the logistical complications and the fact that the bands they play on the radio may not want to play the show, or may not even be together.
And I believe you've probably hit on the key to this situation pretty closely right there.

This year, there's only 6 stages
Miller Lite / 99X
99X / Locals Only
WABE/Cultural
Ford/96 Rock/UPN
Coke/V103/WB
Q100/Fox 5

That means that all the national rock artists, from one end of the spectrum to the other, pretty much have only two stages they can appear on -- 99X or 96 Rock. And if you look at the rock acts, it's pretty obvious that either:
a) 99X got first choice (or)
b) 96 Rock was assigned the "classic" artists, which cut down on the number of slots available for anything newer.

I'd wager that 'KLS is happy enough to simply see Z93 shut out of the festival, since that's their primary competition for M35+ . I'm sure they'd be even happier if 99X wasn't so prominent, but ... ya can't have everything.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Let's see, I recognize most of the urban/hip hop, the older bands Journey, Kansas, REO Speedwagon and a couple of the newer (to me) bands: The Offspring and Foo Fighters (I like a couple of their tunes).

I guess I am not much better off than you are, but George and P-Funk could play in my front yard 24/7 :)

[Ksyrup]

I didn't say I didn't think there was a market for it, I was simply stating that 96 rocks plays some good music and those bands don't represent it. I don't think I've heard Journey, Kansas, Chicago, whatever on 96 rock. In retrospect, that stage is usually very crowded (at least more than my usual fav Z93), but there's so much good music that station plays and those bands aren't it. Of course, I do know the logistical complications and the fact that the bands they play on the radio may not want to play the show, or may not even be together.
96 Rock played those bands when I lived in Atlanta...back in the 80's! :D

[GrantDawg]

96 Rock played those bands when I lived in Atlanta...back in the 80's! :D
96 Rock hasn't changed since the late 70's. The one constant on the Atlanta airwaves.

[Hurst2112]

What do you care? There's pretty much something for everyone.

Believe it or not, there is a market for those types of bands. In fact, my wife nearly broke down in tears when I told her all of those bands were playing and she couldn't go. She's about to give birth, so of course we can't quite head 5 hours out of town. We would probably be there otherwise. She's already planning babysitters for August to go see Journey.

My wife still thinks its 1981 and Don't Stop Believin' is on the charts, btw...

Never f-in joke about Journey man. :D j/k

There is a market for all of those bands. Guys like me who were too young in the 70's to see them at their pinnacle. I have seen Kansas a few time (good show), REO and other various oldie bands. IT's fun, and most of the time, the guys are out there gigging because they want to be, not because their record label told them too. I have seen happier faces on the 70s bands then I have the latest bands out there.

[Hurst2112]

Summerfest has some of the best music on smaller stages I have ever seen. Out of the 5 years that I have gone, over the last 10, I have seen some really killer shows. I got to see Soundgarden for free, during the superunknown album. Got to meet Satriani after a performance. Just a real cool place to go see a show.

Milwaukee's Summerfest (http://www.summerfest.com/home.php)

[JonInMiddleGA]

96 Rock hasn't changed since the late 70's. The one constant on the Atlanta airwaves.
FWIW, I just got an email indicating that they'll debut their new morning show on Monday (it says "next Monday", I assume that means "this coming Monday"). It'll be interesting to see what sort of reaction it gets.

[Buzzbee]

FWIW, I just got an email indicating that they'll debut their new morning show on Monday (it says "next Monday", I assume that means "this coming Monday"). It'll be interesting to see what sort of reaction it gets.

*Crosses fingers and HOPES Christopher Rude goes BACK to 96 Rock and leaves the sports talk to those who know sports*

Wishful thinking, I'm sure.

Hey, maybe 96 Rock will hire Bubba the Love Sponge. I hear he's looking for a gig. :rolleyes:

[JonInMiddleGA]

*Crosses fingers and HOPES Christopher Rude goes BACK to 96 Rock and leaves the sports talk to those who know sports* Wishful thinking, I'm sure.
Yeah, I'm afraid that might be just a little too much to hope for.

The new morning show is one of the nationally syndicated ones (no, not Howard), and you can expect them to hit the market with a full ad campaign to try to get it rolling.

My own prediction is that the show will last less than a year in Atlanta, which does not have a track record of accepting syndicated shows at all (Tom Joyner notwithstanding).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Since it has now hit the trade papers, I don't have to feel like I'm violating a confidence to say more about 96Rock.

Starting Monday, their new morning show will be the nationally syndicated
Bob and Tom. Currently heard on WMAX (105.3), the duo will be on both stations until Real Radio can find a replacement.

Linkage is hxxp://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=23920

[GrantDawg]

Since it has now hit the trade papers, I don't have to feel like I'm violating a confidence to say more about 96Rock.

Starting Monday, their new morning show will be the nationally syndicated
Bob and Tom. Currently heard on WMAX (105.3), the duo will be on both stations until Real Radio can find a replacement.

Linkage is hxxp://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=23920
Booooooo!!! They need Rick and Bubba. I watch just about every morning on Turner South. Just thought I'd give'm a shout out. :)

[GrantDawg]

Dola: And I couldn't agree more about Chris Rude, but he was still an upgrade from Arnie.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Booooooo!!! They need Rick and Bubba. I watch just about every morning on Turner South. Just thought I'd give'm a shout out. :)
I agree about Rick & Bubba needing an Atlanta affiliate, although I don't believe they would work on 96 Rock. The show is too ... polite, for lack of a better word, to appeal to the existing rock radio audience in Atlanta.

A much better fit for the boys from Alabama might eventually be Eagle 106, where I think they'd be the best possible (eventual) replacement for Rhubarb Jones.

[GrantDawg]

I agree about Rick & Bubba needing an Atlanta affiliate, although I don't believe they would work on 96 Rock. The show is too ... polite, for lack of a better word, to appeal to the existing rock radio audience in Atlanta.

A much better fit for the boys from Alabama might eventually be Eagle 106, where I think they'd be the best possible (eventual) replacement for Rhubarb Jones.
Aren't most of there affliates Rock stations? I know the one in Huntsville was, and if I'm not mistaking so is the flag-ship station.

[GrantDawg]

dola: I do agree that they are more "polite" (though no more than "Steve and Vickie," which is also one of the most boring morning shows ever). They are also much funnier than the current crop of local morning shows on.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Aren't most of there affliates Rock stations? I know the one in Huntsville was, and if I'm not mistaking so is the flag-ship station.
Actually, more of their affiliates are AC or CHR stations than anything else. That's always been an odd pairing to me, but it's an odd show http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif One of the things that's in their contract is that they will never have a mandatory music position in their clock, something they insisted upon in order to avoid being limited to one format.

WRTT-Huntsville (aka The Rocket) is a Rock/CHR station, while their on soft rock/AC WYSF-Birmingham, CHR Star 97 in Nashville, Oldies Majic 92 in Fort Walton Beach, Classic Rock Thunder 103 in Dothan, and country stations in smaller markets in Georgia (Albany), Alabama, and Mississippi.

I had a tough time getting my head around the concept of their show when I first started looking at them for advertising in certain markets. The way
I finally began to understand them is that they aren't format-specific, they're lifestyle-specific.

If you went to church on Sunday (and maybe Wednesday night), watched the races over the weekend, worked on your wife's honey-do list (but wished you were either hunting/fishing instead) and quite likely had a beer or two at some point, then you're the target audience for the show. Oddly enough, their audience overall actually skews female, which I've never understood at all.

[GrantDawg]

Actually, more of their affiliates are AC or CHR stations than anything else. That's always been an odd pairing to me, but it's an odd show http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif One of the things that's in their contract is that they will never have a mandatory music position in their clock, something they insisted upon in order to avoid being limited to one format.

WRTT-Huntsville (aka The Rocket) is a Rock/CHR station, while their on soft rock/AC WYSF-Birmingham, CHR Star 97 in Nashville, Oldies Majic 92 in Fort Walton Beach, Classic Rock Thunder 103 in Dothan, and country stations in smaller markets in Georgia (Albany), Alabama, and Mississippi.

I had a tough time getting my head around the concept of their show when I first started looking at them for advertising in certain markets. The way
I finally began to understand them is that they aren't format-specific, they're lifestyle-specific.

If you went to church on Sunday (and maybe Wednesday night), watched the races over the weekend, worked on your wife's honey-do list (but wished you were either hunting/fishing instead) and quite likely had a beer or two at some point, then you're the target audience for the show. Oddly enough, their audience overall actually skews female, which I've never understood at all.
What's CHR (I know it must mean pop rock, but I can't get the intials)? That's is driving me crazy.

By the way, the reason I started listening to them was my wife. She is a Rick and Bubba addict. She used to come home from work (while we were in Alabama) and tell me every bit they did. I knew about their whole life before I ever heard them on the radio.

I think they are perfect for the Classic rock set (maybe Z93?).

[JonInMiddleGA]

What's CHR (I know it must mean pop rock, but I can't get the intials)? That's is driving me crazy.

By the way, the reason I started listening to them was my wife. She is a Rick and Bubba addict. She used to come home from work (while we were in Alabama) and tell me every bit they did. I knew about their whole life before I ever heard them on the radio.

I think they are perfect for the Classic rock set (maybe Z93?).
CHR = Contemporary Hit Radio -- basically what we used to call "Top 40"

Problem with the Z93 suggestion is that I don't believe they're willing to conceed (internally) that they just aren't as young as they used to be. They're a 40+ station worrying about drawing 25-34 y/o. Pretty much the reverse of 96 Rock, an 18-29 station worrying about how to draw 35-44 y/o.

[GrantDawg]

CHR = Contemporary Hit Radio -- basically what we used to call "Top 40"

Problem with the Z93 suggestion is that I don't believe they're willing to conceed (internally) that they just aren't as young as they used to be. They're a 40+ station worrying about drawing 25-34 y/o. Pretty much the reverse of 96 Rock, an 18-29 station worrying about how to draw 35-44 y/o.
Thank you, that would have bugged me all weekend. :)

[Karlifornia]

I went to Coachella valley music festival May 1st and 2nd. It had two stages, three tents and about 50 acts overall. Here was the list:



Coachella Stage:

Saturday

Radiohead (the best act of the whole weekend)
Pixies (truly exceeded my expectations...will go see them again)
Sparta
the (international) noise conspiracy
Heiroglyphics
Kinky (funky mexican rock)
the Sounds
Section Quartet

Sunday

The Cure (good live act)
Flaming Lips (awesome performers....wayne crowd surfed inside of a giant plastic bubble)
AIR
Belle & Sebastian
Thursday
Muse (HUGE surprise. Great show...I'm listening to Absolution a lot more now)
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Saul Williams
Thelonious Monster
Outdoor Theatre:

Saturday
MF Doom
Kool Keith
Living Legends
Eyedea & Abilities
the Rapture
Desert Session (Josh Homme from QOTSA's side project)
Death Cab For Cutie (cotton-candy indie-pop)
Trail of the Dead (one of my favorites...were better at the Fillmore)
the Stills (first band we saw...gloomy sound, upbeat lyrics)
Howie Day
DIOS

Sunday

Le Tigre
Basement Jaxx (The crowd went nuts for "where's your head at?")
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (missed out on them..shame)
Bright Eyes (First time seeing him after worshipping the records...great show)
Cursive (not as good as last time I saw them...but highly recommended)
Atmosphere
Broken Social Scene
!!! (very fun band)
Pretty Girls Make Graves


Most of the tent acts were dance music (Paul Van Dyk, Kraftwerk,Crystal Method, etc.) so I didn't see too many of them, but among the good ones:

Beck (was a surprise act..attracted a huge crowd)
the Sleepy Jackson
Ash
Mogwai (instrumental rock...very loud...girlfriend kept asking me when they were going to sing, so we had to leave very shortly into it)
Phatnom Planet
Electric Six

All in all, the concert will end up being the best show I have ever been to. Nearly every act endorsed John Kerry, which was unsurprising. I hate Bush, but who wants to hear about politics at a music festival?

If you have never seen Radiohead live, then I implore you to go. The studio stuff cannot even compare to what they do live. Thom Yorke's voice was shot that night, but it was still great.

The Pixies reminded me of why they are so revered. They don't sound like they've been on hiatus for a decade at all.

The desert is the worst place ever, by the way.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040523/D82OB2PO0.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly 50 people were sent to area hospitals, and more than 200 others were treated for heat exhaustion Saturday at a concert festival at RFK Stadium.

The daylong HFStival, sponsored by local alternative rock radio station WHFS-FM, featured acts performing on several stages. Among the headline performers were The Cure, The Offspring, Papa Roach, Jay-Z and The Violent Femmes.

Thousands of concertgoers crowded on to the stadium field in sweltering heat, and danced violently in several mosh pits. The most serious injuries came out of those pits, city Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesman Alan Etter said.

One 18-year-old man was treated for chest pains and several other people suffered broken or dislocated bones.