Almost since the last notes faded in the air at Woodstock, concert organizers have looked to replicate the magic of the 1969 festival that brought 32 top musical acts and thousands of fans for “Three Days of Peace and Love.”
That magic sure wasn?t found at Woodstock 1999, where women were raped and fires raged; Woodstock 1994, which had massive mud fights; or even Live Earth, which had giant gaps of less-than-exciting musical moments.
Now the second annual Virgin Fest comes to town with a better lineup than countless other major-league festivals, an ample and well-stocked venue, and a strategic plan for fan comfort and control.
First the lineup ? The Police, Amy Winehouse, Panic! At the Disco, Spoon, Velvet Revolver, Beastie Boys, Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins ? the list goes on and on, with new acts being added every day. And they?re not all established artists, either. AIDEN, an up-and-coming goth punk act out of Seattle, which has gotten rave kudos from some major music magazines ? just won a “book the band” contest, which will put them on the stage.
“To say we?re excited to play Virgin Festival is an understatement?” says wiL of AIDEN. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring our music to a huge number of people at a terrific new venue, and proceed to kick some a–.”
Yes, even the musicians notice that Pimlico offers an expansive facility that allows performance artists, art (fire sculptures!), dancers, graffiti artists and more. For those not into the whole sweaty-crowd experience, VIP tickets buy everything from premium parking to air-conditioned lounges.
“Virgin Festival is really what?s happening out there,” said Rob Pope, bass player for rock band Spoon. “It?s a different kind of beast, which is really great because you are playing in front of thousands and thousands of fans.”
IF YOU GO
Virgin Festival
When: 10 a.m. throughout the day Saturday and Sunday
Where: Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore
Details: $97.50 to $450; virginfest.com
