I first attended Utopiafest three years ago for their third annual event. I had such a great experience that Pop Press International ponied up to be a sponsor the next year for a bill that included local faves Dana Falconberry and headliners Dr. Dog. Last year, the festival seemed to work through some growing pains with an off-kilter lineup and some unfortunate cancellations. However, it’s not the obstacles that define us, but our ability to persevere. This year, Utopiafest has bounced back with what is easily the best lineup yet for its sixth installment.
The bill is diverse and still leans heavily on roots music and jammy, folk-based psych, likeable bookings for laid back Austin festivalgoers, but is rounded out by irreverent crooner Father John Misty, rapper GZA, rock band Cold War Kids, electronic act Dan Deacon, all-girl psych rock band Warpaint, and local heroes Hikes. It’s okay to be slack-jawed. I am. If you’ve ever seen a Dan Deacon set, you know that alone is reason enough to attend.
In fact, the best part of Utopiafest doesn’t hinge on the music, although this year the festival organizers have truly outdone themselves. Utopiafest is an opportunity to enjoy camping, to sit around having a beer with friends, to hear bands from a distance, while you relax. Maybe you’ll wander over and catch that headliner later, or maybe you won’t. Utopiafest is a place to take it easy. The sheer money you’ll save in bringing your own booze will amount to the cost of the ticket.
If you’re tired of the festival madness, of being pressed into a crowd with thousands of other sweaty people, of paying $10 for a beer, this is for you. I recently praised Northwestern U.S. festival Timber, and this is our closes approximation. Can we dig up some water to jump in out there somewhere, by the way, Utopiafest?
I’ll be out there this year, and I expect that it’s going to be magical. Right now, you can buy 5 tickets and get 1 for free. This promotion embodies the spirit of the festival, as it’s best experienced by a big group of friends. So, round up a couple of pals and buy your tickets now.
