By What better than to spend a hot summer day on the beach listening to music? Hundreds of people jumping up and down in the air in unison. Beach balls being tossed through a screaming crowd. Loud music blasting out of speakers on every corner.
I was somewhat unsure of what to expect upon entering the Warped Tour. As I pulled up to the seaside venue, I was quite surprised to see the countless number of teens outfitted in oversized aviator sunglasses and neon headbands. Reflective of the change in teenage pop culture, the Warped Tour opened its doors to a few new artists. Newcomers Shwayze, Katy Perry, and Jeffree Star gave concert-goers a tangy taste of the new generation of alternative music. Warped Tour seemed to be taking a small step outside the conventional box by booking these myspace-made-famous artists.
Not one particularly aroused by emo music, I was actually excited to hear that Katy Perry would be gracing the Warped Tour stage. Growing popular from her newly hit single I Kissed a Girl, Katy Perry brought a much needed sugary batch of spunk amongst the whiny music of teens spilling tears over unrequited love. Her lyrics are unconventionally blunt, leaving listeners with their jaws hanging slightly open. Her sweet looks and bubblegum pop tunes brought squeals to the crowd, while her words boldly touched subjects that would make some squirm. Katy Perry brought a refreshing zest to a sea of homogenous music.
Shwayze was also a special treat for concert goers. Whitestarr frontman, Cisco Adler, teamed up with Shwayze to perform the beachy tune “Buzzin”. Combining Shwayze’s smooth hip-hop beats with Cisco’s charming vocals, “Buzzin” captured the Southern California culture by turning the concert into a beach party.
Warped Tour would not be complete without a legendary band like Pennywise. Proving to the crowd they were still here to rock, Pennywise played with the same gusto they had always possessed. Saving the best for last, Pennywise sent the crowd to hysteria, while hundreds screamed out the lyrics to the popular songs. Although I had seen Pennywise before, they are the type of band that one never tires of watching.
The Warped Tour provided the artists with six different stages, so as to fulfill the musical needs of attendees at all times. With many artists performing simultaneously, it was hard to catch a glimpse of them all. Although I found many of the bands similar, the excitement of being surrounded by music was intoxicating. The buzz continued on with the many booths set up, promoting art and music to the crowds. The ambiance was youthful and energetic, an ideal way to spend a summer afternoon on the beach.
Warped Tour continues to tour the rest of the country, ending back in Los Angeles on August 17. Many bands make special appearances on certain dates, adding intrigue to the tour. For those who love bands like Angels and Airwaves and Say Anything, the Warped Tour is one show you will not want to miss; the Warped Tour is packed with excitement. Surrounded by music and art, one can hardly think of a better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.
