In the Crowd: Arthurfest 2005 - Retrospect

Arthurfest in Retrospect

Now that I have had a week to ruminate on the truly astounding two days that were Arthurfest 2005, I can't help but be astonished and amazed that it even happened in the first place. From possibly the most beautiful location possible (sorry, Coachella) to the really broad and far-out musical acts (except Viking Moses, he's still got to apologize for his behavior), this festival never would have happened without the diligence and hard work of Jay Babcock and the Arthur staff.

Sure it had all of the trappings of the standard large Spaceland production show, with the current "hot" bands, like Spoon, Sonic Youth, Sleater-Kinney and the Black Keys. Hell, some of these bands did Spaceland's Sunset Junction last year or the year before. But those names got people in the door, and when they got there, they could also check out Dead Meadow or Vetiver. Then the hardcore fans could forego the big names of alt-rock for the shows in the theater (like Sunn-o))) or Merzbow).

Let's just hope that this majestic event continues next year and years after, and that they never start having bag checks. Rock on, Arthur.

And now, pictures from the lens of Justin McInteer


Olivia Tremor Control


Vetiver


Marissa Nadler


Dead Meadow


Devendra Banhart w/Vetiver


Future Pigeon


Jack Rose

- Grant Capes | 2005-09-11