As an Austin-based blog, we’ve always viewed FPSF with outstiders’ eyes. This year, we’re excited to publish this photo essay by our new contributor and Houston native Madeline Harvey. Here’s her take on FPSF’s sixth installment.
The smell of beer-soaked everything. The sight of never-ending seas of people. The sound of killer musicians and faithful fans erupting everywhere. There’s something so special about losing any and all conceptions of “personal space,” and possessing the utter willingness to join in on one giant, sweaty party. That’s Free Press Summer Fest, and as soon as it gets warm, I crave those sensations. FSPF has become a summer staple for me and Houstonians alike over the past few years, and I just can’t seem to get enough.
King Kahn & The Shrines brought FPSF back to life after the rain with their funky and soulful tunes. Wearing only a feathered headdress, an orange cape, and purple silk shorts with a very special sequined crotch, King Kahn himself wished everyone a day of getting down and a night of getting lucky.
As one would expect from these alt music superstars, Vampire Weekend had every member of the crowd singing and dancing along as they preformed on a stage that bore an interestingly close resemblance to my grandmother’s house.
Prior to this year’s lineup, I had never heard of The Kills, but I was certainly missing out. Captivating and brimming with chemistry, The Kills preformed a stellar act that held the ability to turn newcomers like myself into definite fans.
The East Coast hip-hop group Flatbush Zombies have such a strong stage presence that it is nearly impossible to resist throwing your arms in the air and bobbing along to their songs, which are soaked in a delicate balance of tales of both intoxication and spiritual elevation. I may not be a hip-hop extraordinaire, but I’m predicting a major increase in popularity for these guys very soon.
Being introduced by Mayor Parker, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes were as whimsical as ever. In addition to the band’s signature hits, frontman Alexander and percussionist Crash preformed songs from their individual solo albums. However, despite just how engaging ESMZ can be, one could not help but to notice Jade’s absence from the band and wonder when, if at all, she will be returning.
There is not a way in the world that Jack White failed to awe as he closed out FPSF 2014. Announcing his support for the Houston Astros and pointing out just how often Miss Texas proceeds to win Miss America, Jack won over every single audience member’s hearts and ears with his mesmerizing and hypnotic talents as he played in front of a large crescent moon. The fireworks didn’t hurt his case, either.
Free Press Summer Fest held many differences this year, in comparison to the past. As a third-year attendee, I was surprised, and slightly disoriented, by the arrangement of stages and massive increase of vendors, and had definitely not anticipated a rain-induced evacuation. With the festival’s continual growth, such changes are to be expected, but the heart of Free Press will always remain the same. The pride that FPSF has for Houston and the amount in which it supports local artists is what makes it so special. Here’s to another successful year, Free Press. I’m stoked for the ones to come.
To see a few more photos from my weekend at FPSF, click here. All photos © Madeline Harvey and Pop Press International.
