Arroyo Seco Has Announced Its All-Rock-Star Line-Up
I went to Arroyo Seco Weekend in Pasadena last year, and I was already impressed by the line-up which included Mumford & Sons, Alabama Shakes, and especially one of the last performances of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. And, this year the line-up is even more impressive, with a series of rockers whom you haven’t seen together for a very long time: Jack White, Neil Young, former Led Zeppelin Robert Plant, Kings of Leon, the Pretenders, Kamasi Washington, Belle and Sebastian, Gary Clarck Jr., Alanis Morissette, Third Eye Blind, Seu Jorge, Violent Femmes, the Bangles, Los Lobos, Prince’s former band the Revolution, and many others.
Despite being under the same Goldenvoice umbrella, the festival is obviously not targeting the same demographic than Coachella and its all-rap-R&B lineup! Arroyo Seco is more family-oriented, and it is targeting an older generation, but there is a real need for this. A bill with Neil Young, Jack White and Robert Plant certainly gives the tone, and I may say, guitars are keys here: if you are a famous musician and play guitar, you probably are on Arroyo Seco’s bill, if you don’t play guitar, you probably are on Coachella’s bill.
With an crowd estimated around 25,000 each of its two days last year, the festival is ready to do even better this year, thanks to a few improvements. If you attended last year, you may have noticed the sea of picnic blankets in front of the stages! There was sometimes no possible access as some people had decided to camp in front of a stage instead of walking from one stage to the next as it is the case at festivals. However, it seems that this year will be different: ‘First year always has its challenges. We’ve heard your feedback and have made improvements to the layout, most notably the addition of ‘No Blanket and Chair’ areas by both outdoor stages’, you can read on Arroyo Seco Facebook page.
This year, there will be defined areas for picnickers with blankets, as well as space for chairs, but, just like last year, people will be able to enjoy the same fancy foods, craft beers and vines from the best restaurants and establishments.
Arroyo Seco weekend is happening on June 23rd and 24th on the grounds of Brookside Golf Course by the Rose Bowl. Single day passes are $149, weekend passes $249, weekend VIP $449 and weekend clubhouse VIP $999… which promises sweeping views of the festival grounds, private air conditioned restrooms, and all kinds of culinary goodies. It looks like the perfect weekend to start your summer.
