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1. The Lineup
2 Chainz performs at FPSF 2013. Photo by Bryan Parker.
Year after year, I’m impressed by FPSF’s lineup. This festival, along with Austin Psych Fest and Fun Fun Fun Fest, possess some of the remaining shreds of authenticity in the festival circuit. Jack White and Vampire Weekend will headline the festival, and while you may see those names on other bills across the country, FPSF uses much of the lineup to dedicate to hip-hop and rising indie rock outfits, especially those from the Houston area. Some of our favorite names on the bill this year are Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, Childish Gambino, Sky Ferreira, King Khan & The Shrines, Jana Hunter, The Tontons, and Sylvan Esso.
2. The Environment
Ben Gibbard performs with The Postal Service at FPSF 2013. Photo by Bryan Parker.
FPSF is still a festival where you can actually see the bands performing. For one, the attendance each year is just about the perfect amount. As with any festival, if you want to see the headliners, you’ll have to stake out some territory early and wait a while. However, for much of the day, getting pretty close to the stages isn’t an impossible task. But it’s not only the attendance that enables the ability to see the performing bands—it’s also the fact that the main stages are positioned at the bottom of a huge hill, in effect creating a natural amphitheater environment. This is a feature that can’t be underestimated. If you’re worried about the heat at FPSF, the next point will assuage your fears.
3. The Price
Arctic Monkeys perform at FPSF 2013. Photo by Bryan Parker.
You can currently get a weekend pass to FPSF for $160. It’s almost staggering how much more affordable it is than other festivals. However, I think there’s a better buy. For the same price as an ACL ticket, around $230, you can purchase FPSF’s Fancy Pants pass. That ticket will allow you into air-conditioned tents with shorter bar lines. Having been to both ACL and FPSF many times, I can easily say that I find myself more overheated at ACL than FPSF. Being able to take a break in an A/C tent is an amazing perk. You feel totally rejuvenated and ready to see more music after 20 minutes or so.
4. The Fun
Japandroids perform at FPSF 2013. Photo by Bryan Parker.
I love Austin—deeply, sincerely. That said, ACL has gotten so crowded and has become the kind of festival where people sit around drinking and almost don’t even watch music. Houston’s music community is something of an underdog, and as a result it’s still exciting, still fresh, and the citizens are much more engaged. Similar to my beloved Fun Fun Fun Fest, FPSF is a festival that still has a youthful spirit. And I think the fun has something to do with my last point.
5. The Summer
The Men perform at FPSF 2013. Photo by Bryan Parker.
For me, FPSF has become the way to kick off my summer. There’s just a palpable excitement to the festival’s atmosphere. It probably helps that I’m an educator nine months out of the year and am completely ecstatic come June. It may sound cheesy, but each year, I genuinely feel like the tone of FPSF celebrates the summer, celebrates Houston, and celebrates music. I’ve come to love this festival, and hope to see you in Houston this year May 31-June 1. Buy your tickets here.
