music festivals

The first time I heard Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad was earlier this year at the G. Love & Special Sauce concert in Fayetteville ('member that?). They were the opening act and I didn't know anything about them. So I asked what kind of music they played, and a guy came over and said "it's baby-making music." That was my introduction to Giant Panda G.D.S. That guy was right, to certain extent, but after seeing them for a second time I learned they're much more than just baby-making music. Read the rest of the review and see my favorite photos after the jump.

I will admit that Kinetix was not on my must-see list of Waka 2010 until James Searl of Giant Panda G.D.P. made a pretty good case to check them out. So I headed over a bit late from seeing State Radio, where people literally started running when they heard the sounds of Queen erupting from the Outpost Tent.

Queen wasn't the only cover, Kinetix also played a kick ass "Killin in the Name Of" from Rage that had the entire tent jumping. The energy they put out gets a huge A+ from me, and made them infinitely better. Eric Blumenfeld on the keyboard is a welcome addition that elevates the sound from solid rock to a rock borne from funk. Cafe Con Leche was instantly in love with the bass player, Josh Fairman, who could win a look-a-like contest with Slash if he threw on the hat. Towards the end of the set, Adam Lufkin [guitar/vocals] went into a very respectable rap with dance moves to match. Check out the full review after the jump.

Slightly Stoopid filled up the Revival Tent. I don't think another soul could fit in there, in fact, Hash Browns got a little overwhelmed and left me. I thought I had lost her, but no, she left me. I struggled going around the people when trying to get better angles for my shots, all the while soaking in the love from the fans (as well as some fumes and sweat, ya'll).

See the rest of the review and photos after the jump.

Yet another year of Wakarusa is quickly approaching. In it's seventh year since Waka's inception, this year looks to be bigger and better when it comes to attendance, music, activities and general madness. Although each year has improved upon itself, the move from Kansas to Ozark, Arkansas was the best possible thing that could have happened to the festival. Mulberry Mountain is a much more scenic and friendly environment.

Read about some of the bands that will be there after the jump.