Voodoo Fest combines various genres in a weekend of music

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David Preda, Arcade Online Editor | Tyler Mead

The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience will be kicking off its three-day event on Halloween Day this year. The Arcade’s got your back with who to see to make your Voodoo experience the best it can be.

Day One (Oct. 31)

Action Bronson

One of the most intriguing characters to look out for on the Day One lineup is up-and-coming rap artist Action Bronson, who will be performing at 7 p.m. on the Carnival stage. A Queens native of Eastern European decent, Action Bronson has been turning heads with his startlingly red beard and outrageous sense of humor, which resonates through his rap lyrics. He’s been known to pull some outrageous stunts while performing; during a show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn in 2012, Action Bronson happily threw slabs of red meat into the crowd of mosh-pitters below him. In recent years, Bronson has been known by many to be one of the rappers to accurately and humorously capture New York’s rap aesthetic.

Rebirth Brass Band

Locally revered, Rebirth Brass Band is a Grammy winner, has been featured on HBO’s “Treme” and is a regular at the Uptown jazz club, the Maple Leaf Bar. The band was first formed by the Frazier family in 1983 and has since become the leader in the world of brass bands, playing shows all around the globe. Though living in New Orleans makes it easy to see Rebirth, its Voodoo set is sure to be one of its most energetic performances yet. Rebirth Brass Band is scheduled to play at 8 p.m. on the Flambeau stage.

OutKast

OutKast will headline the first-day lineup, and it’s sure to be a comeback show for the books. The group’s current world tour marks the OutKast’s 20th anniversary. Andre “3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton have been revolutionizing the hip-hop scene since their debut, and are still continuing to push the limits with their creativity and willingness to explore new musical avenues within the genre. OutKast is scheduled to wrap up the day’s events with a bang starting at 9:20 p.m on the Ritual stage.

Day Two (Nov. 1)

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Though she hasn’t released an official studio album since 1998, Lauryn Hill resides as one of R&B and rap’s most legendary figures. Her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” won five Grammy Awards including “Album of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in 1999. Since then, Hill has built her resume writing songs, acting and producing music. Ms. Lauryn Hill is set to play at 6 p.m. on the Ritual stage.

City and Colour

City and Colour is composed primarily of Dallas Green, former guitarist and singer for Alexisonfire, a Canadian hardcore group. His newest endeavor, though, is anything but hardcore. Quickly working its way into indie-band fame, City and Colour is known for its melodic folk tunes and blues undertones with a hint of rock, exemplified in songs like “Fragile Bird” and “The Girl.” As Green is the main component of the band, City and Colour’s lineup changes often, touring with Canadian indie musicians handpicked by Green himself. City and Colour will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Carnival Stage.

Arctic Monkeys

Few bands can claim a coolness rating of Idris Elba mixed with James Dean. The Arctic Monkeys might be the only group who can make a solid argument that it’s cooler.

With an impressive seven Brit awards to its name, including ones for Best British Album, and Best British Group for its 2013 record, “AM,” the Arctic Monkeys are a musical force to be reckoned with. As one of Voodoo’s headlining acts, the band is sure to draw an immense crowd. The show is sure to be packed with hits from the group’s earlier four albums like “Riot Van” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” along with the Arctic Monkeys’ newest work. Be prepared to cry, vomit, faint or all three when experiencing the musical bliss that is the band’s hit single, “Do I Wanna Know?” Arctic Monkeys will play at 9:40 p.m. on the Ritual stage.

Day Three (Nov. 2)

Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters will play at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 on the Ritual stage. The Seattle-based rock band was founded by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. The group has been active since 1994, currently comprised of Grohl, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Nate Mendel and Taylor Hawkins. It is renowned for its post-grunge sound and alternative rock style. Its most popular songs to date are “The Pretender,” “Everlong” and “Best of You.” Its eighth album, “Sonic Highway,” will be released on Nov. 10, and some of the album’s material is expected to be played at the festival.

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION will perform at 3:15 p.m. on the Ritual stage. Formed by lead singer Aaron Bruno, the Los Angeles-based group has been active since 2009, and includes Drew Stewart, Kenny Carkeet and Isaac Carpenter. AWOLNATION falls into the indie rock category, yet its music has distinct electronic rock undertones as well. The group rose to prominence after its angsty single “Sail” became a radio hit, reaching number 17 on U.S. charts. The band’s first album “Megalithic Symphony” was released in 2011, and the second album is expected for release before the end of the year. Fans of AWOLNATION can expect an impassioned, gratifying performance.

Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights, alias Derek Vincent Smith, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Le Plur stage. Since 2006, Pretty Lights has released five studio albums and four EPs, serving as an incredibly influential electronic act. Pretty Lights’ most recent album, “A Color Map of the Sun,” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Dance/Electronica Album category, which is an exceptional feat considering the album was entirely funded and marketed by Smith himself. At Voodoo, fans of Pretty Lights can expect to hear songs from “A Color Map of the Sun” and to see instruments and soul incorporated into the live performance.

The Art and Food

As far as Voodoo’s art scene goes, patrons will be surrounded by a multitude of pieces.

Among them, expect to see a larger-than-life, semi-abstract facial structure by the name of “Face Forward,” a wiry spider sculpture called “Tarantula,” and a monstrously gigantic insect-like construction called “Fledgling.” 

Voodoo patrons need not worry about starving either, as the food options will be plentiful. Familiar haunts like Crêpes À La Cart and Antonio’s will be among the 23 featured restaurants.

Other “Foodoo” choices include Woody’s Fish Tacos, Cook Me Somethin’ Mister, Nature’s Kitchen, NOLA Pho Life and more for the three-day duration of the festival.

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