Crowd at FPSF. Photo by Bryan C. Parker
To be honest, you had me at Future Islands, FPSF. I can’t figure out why other texas festivals haven’t booked the band, who have garnered spots on major festivals across the country. Future Islands did play SXSW this year and played Fun Fun Fun Fest all the way back in 2011 (props), but even with the band’s increase in notoriety, they’ve been strangely absent from recent festival rosters in and around Austin. The band’s impressive live show drew attention after a particularly legendary performance on the Late Show and has experienced an upward trajectory since. They’re at the top of our list for bands not to miss at this year’s fest, which happens June 6-7.
Childish Gambino at FPSF. Photo by Bryan C. Parker.
This year’s lineup also boasts several acts that differentiate FPSF’s booking leanings from typical festival fare; see: The Mountain Goats and Belle & Sebastian. FPSF’s commitment to Houston music shouldn’t be ignored, including artists like The Tontons, Buxton, and The Suffers, the latter of which also had a breakout performance on the Late Show in recent months. Rap supergroup Welcome to Houston (featuring Bun-B, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, and more) deserve a special shoutout on a festival bill that always does right by the hip-hop genre and will also include Chance the Rapper for this year’s installment. Austin up-and-comers Night Drive will put on a dance party-inducing show, headliners Weezer will undoubtedly have the entire crowd singing along, and fearless festival staple St. Vincent promises to be a stunning weekend highlight.
Cage the Elephant at FPSF. Photo by Bryan C. Parker.
The lineup isn’t the only reason we’ll be back at FPSF. Despite the Texas heat, FPSF is the only festival I know to supply air-conditioned tents (to its Fancy Pants ticket holders). Even though summer is sure to be hitting high temperature when the festival occurs in early June, a respite in these tents make the fest more manageable than a full day of direct sun at one of the popular fall festivals. The event also features a plethora of art displays and on-site vendors. Both general admission tickets (for only $170) as well as Fancy Pants ($233 — still less than GA to ACL), are still available right here.
