Solve for x:
1 day + 20 bands + pouring down rain + flower headbands + skater skirts= x
The answer:
x= Virgin Mobile Freefest
Launched in Vancouver, Freefest was brought to Baltimore in 2007 as a two-day event. In 2009, Freefest returned with a new line-up, this time a one-day festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. Since then, Virgin Mobile Freefest has been an annual event at Merriweather, and every year Freefest offers a different array of bands. This year’s Freefest line-up for September 21 featured The Avett Brothers, Pretty Lights, Robin Thicke, Icona Pop, and Vampire Weekend among many other artists.
The goal of this unique palooza is to raise awareness for youth homelessness as well as to combat its overwhelming presence in America. The lucky few who received a free ticket within the thirteen minute span they were available on August 1 were asked to make a $10 donation to help advance the Freefest. The money donated by music lovers goes to the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter located in Washington, D.C. that offers a short-term stay as well as counseling and classes for homeless youth between the ages of 11 and 17. Those who weren’t part of the fortunate minority that scored free tickets had the option of buying a “Freemium” ticket for $49.50. Freemium ticket prices included the cost of the ticket, a t-shirt, a souvenir cup that you could get free refills in all day long, and a $10 donation to the Sasha Bruce House. But even “Freemium” tickets didn’t last long on the market. On August 9, Freefest flipped over the “sold out” sign.
As tickets sales showed, there was definitely a full crowd on September 21 at Merriweather. This year, Freefest was certainly not for the claustrophobic…or those who hate rain…or those who rely on cell phone service. However, judging from the responses of those who went, the weather certainly didn’t rain on their parade (pun intended). Vampire Weekend and Icona Pop’s performances seemed to be favorites amongst the lucky audiences.
“Icona Pop was the best performance because they had the most energy, and they performed a ton of new music! It started raining in the middle of their set, which made it all so much cooler.” (Grace McKenna ’14)
“Vampire Weekend sounds just like they do in their albums, maybe even better. They’re all so talented, and they found creative ways to play on stage.” (Emily Geritz ’14)
If you didn’t get a chance to go to Freefest this year, there’s always 2014. But some advice for those who end up going– bring a rain jacket… and maybe a set of walkie talkies.