2nd Annual Norman Music Festival

I had high expectations for the 2nd Annual Norman Music Festival, as the initial festival was wildly successful and had a turnout of over 13,000 people. I thought the lineup was diverse but a bit top-heavy of Norman/OKC artists; not a bad thing since Oklahoma boasts some great musical talent. But being the first installment of the annual festival, I can understand showcasing local artists. I was very pleased to see national acts the Octopus Project (Austin, TX) and the Polyphonic Spree (Dallas, TX) but even happier to see the UK's British Sea Power (Brighton, England); I follow a ton of British music and was surprised to see BSP on the lineup. In totality, I was very pleased with the entire day; the atmosphere was fantastic.

By the start of the year, it as announced that the Starlight Mints would be starring on the main stage at this year's MNF. The Norman natives are a great addition to this year's event, providing psychedelic style to their own style of pop music. And less than an hour ago, it was announced that of Montreal (Athens, GA) would be one of the headliners on the main stage. Holy shit!! I called it. of Montreal come into 2009 boasting one of 2008's best albums with their latest release Skeletal Lamping; #12 by Paste and #7 by Blender and a handful of other Top 50 Album honors. I have seen of Montreal once at Meachem Auditorium at the OU Student Union but was disappointed that I did not get to experience their full show as the electricity cut out three times before the band stopped their show. They did not completely give up though, as they wowed the crowd with an intimate acoustic show. So being one of the headlining acts, the Norman crowd will be treated to an excellent spectacle; named by Stereogum as one of 2008's best concerts of the year. So with the star power and onstage performance of of Montreal, added with the great local talent of the Starlight Mints, this year's Norman Music Festival looks to be another fantastic day. I cannot wait to hear the rest of the lineup.

The Norman Music Festival will take place on April 25th on Main Street in Norman, OK. Did I fail to mention that it's free?? That's right...FREE!!!



enjoy.