You can see it coming in like black tide. The Facebook status updates and the never ending Tweets of countdown. 6 days til the rock and roll summer camp pulls in to the Comcast Theater in Hartford CT to shake up the preppy little wanna be's and fire up the true blue hardcores.
For one day the dust pits near the landfill become every kids dream. Heat, sweat music and hormones run amuck. There is no other fountain of youth like it. Yes, I may be the person randomly spraying kids with sunscreen (seriously idiots use the stuff you all end up a hot mess if you don't) the uniting factor is not only the plethora of bands that will assault our senses but the rows of booths selling everything from T-shirts to kisses. Its Teentopia. So why the hell do I look forward to it?
The atmosphere is electric and the chaos is contagious. I simply love the entire thing (other than the freaking heat) and as a seasoned veteran now I can clearly say you must prepare. Not tour goes by when I glance over to see some idiot in heels falling over and beet red.
Warped Tour is the most intelligently run outfit i can think of. Again, years of trial and error and a great staff of dedicated people make this work. There are the obviously fabulous 'Reverse Day Care" for parents who need to get away from the insanity while their kids stand in line for a signature. Air conditioned and seated they can get away from the screaming people this event was made for. The nod here is that Kevin Lyman and his group of genius understood that some of their attendees would need chaperone- they planned for this and its a wonderful thing. I suppose one year I will use it, for now I'll stay in the trenches.
As we learned earlier this week staying hydrated is vital- youre going to be sweating insanely and you wont even realize it- please, again be careful. Staying hydrated has become a bit easier. Klean Kanteen will be providing free filtered-water at refilling stations. Fans can fill up empty water bottles, soda cups or purchase a Klean Kanteen reusable water bottle all of which can be filled up as much as need throughout the day. There is also lower cost bottled water for those who aren't in to the refill thing. Also, the slip and slide is back as are 'misting stations'. Reapply sunscreen please after those. I will never forget the year I saw a kid who was literally bubbling in sunburn, nearly puked- don't let that be you. Shade tents are a brilliant addition as well. A great place to just get out of it for a bit.
Oh and bands too right? All Time Low, Streetlight Manifesto, Mayday Parade, Bayside, Falling In Reverse, Four Year Strong, Vanna, Koji? I have the sunblock and I'm ready…lets go.