Amazingly, the storm clouds broke up just as I arrived at the fairgrounds last night and, aside from being slightly cool and windy, the rest of the evening was pleasant enough. This was my first concert at the grandstand and I was quite pleased with my seat and unobstructed view of the stage. While I know many people are passionate Sonic Youth fans, their particular brand of distorted jam play leaves me cold and none of their songs stuck in my head.
The Lips put on a riotous show that included dancing guys in Santa Claus outfits, dancing girls in retro sci-fi miniskirts, colored paper streamers, giant beach balls, and other whimsical props. Wayne Coyne, the lead singer, had an easy rapport with the audience and was quick to thank all of the stagehands who worked frantically to get everything set up once the skies cleared. Let’s hope the Fair’s organizers now realize that there is an audience for acts other than Brooks & Dunn and are able to book another band of equal caliber next year.
