It’s a rough morning. After finding out that none of my posts from yesterday actually posted from my phone, I have decided to simply introduce myself, write a recap of what I did day 1, and decide how I am going to handle day 2.
My name is Luke aka Aeon Grey, local hip hop act, producer, promoter, etc etc etc and more importantly tomorrow a piece of Maxilla Blue. I am writing from a rather unique perspective as a stage manger, sound engineer, performer, and live blogger. My travels around the festival grounds have so far been limited to 20 minute segments of bathroom breaks eating and coffee.
I’ve had some great food, and I think I will probably find some more on day 2. I started day 1 with tacos from the Mooncheese tent outside of the Des Moines Social Club. The menu was prepared by my friend and excellent chef Hal Jasa. Great halibut fish tacos with a little bit of hot sauce was my choice. On the food tip, I spent the rest of the time dipping in and out of the air conditioning at Ritual Cafe, drinking tea, eating black bean wraps, and using a bathroom that was a stable fixture. I am not sure what day 2 will bring, but I plan on having a little more time to explore. Plus I’ll figure out how to update more often so I am not doing just a long recap.
What I was able to hear of the music on day 1 was excellent. I have had to spend most of my time organizing acts around the Mediacom Electronic and Hip Hop stage on 13th St., as well as helping sound. But nothing over there disappointed me. I tweaked sound for the hip hop acts, Tripp Marxx, Adapt, Guante and Bigcats, Muja Messiah and St. Paul Slim. Seeing the performances from behind the stage is some of the best. Hearing exactly what the acts hear is a preference of mine. If you’re out and about braving the rain today, we have locals Guerrilla Hustle, Gadema and Richie Daggers, plus travelling in Kanser and Qwel of Galapagos4 out of Chicago. Qwel is a personal favorite of mine, and inspiring lyricist whose talent is unmatched. If you’re without tickets to Modest Mouse check that out. And my group Maxilla Blue is playing as well.
The rest of the music was sadly experienced in quick walks past the stages. Everyone seemed to have a thick crowd and people are really enjoying themselves this year. I wish that I could of spent more time watching some of the acts, but time simply did not allow it. I am looking for stand ins today so I can check out at least a couple of acts entire sets.
So far so good, so exciting, and so exhausting. Someday I am hoping I can just be a spectator again.
