We had the opportunity to spend Saturday at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland at the Virgin Mobile Free Fest. There was a list of bands as long as your arm and in all honesty, there was something for all ages. We had stage access for still photography (coming soon), but we were able to shoot some YouTube quality video as well–hence the reason it is on YouTube!
Trombone Shorty. This guy is amazing. He takes real jazz and marries it with rock and roll and comes out with a winner. I first saw Shorty play in New Orleans right after Katrina and have been a fan ever since. Check out his site and if yo get a chance to see him live—go for it!
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. They have been around (it seems) forever with hits such as I Love Rock N Roll, Crimson & Clover, and many more. They played all the favorites which was a thrill for someone stuck in the 80s! Jett will make a resurgence shortly with the release of the film The Runaways starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning which is about Jett’s early life. Jett was born in Pennsylvania and lived in Prince George’s County for some time. Here are four of her songs fro the Virgin Mobile Free Fest. The music has not aged at all in 25 years and the young whippersnappers were jamming along with us old guys! And Joan looks just as good as she did in the 80s!
Matt and Kim. I had never heard of them before and almost walked away to see another band; but am glad I stayed around. This duo from the Bostson area is a ton of fun. They are perfect for a festival and have a loyal following. Kim is infectious and seemingly has no limit to her energy as she bounces on her seat at the drums. Matt offers a unique punky vibe to his vocals and keyboards.According to their site, they will be in the area in a few months at the 9:30 club and again at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore on October 23rd. These guys are worth a check out as well!
Ludacris. Ludacris and M.I.A. drew the largest crowds of the day and for good reason. They played on the West Stage (not the amphitheater) and our vantage point was not the best by any means, but enjoy the sounds of rapper Ludacris and the sites of the festival at night!
Check back tomorrow for our photos, up close and personal!
