Phase Fest
Phase Fest
Canary Stadium, Sioux Falls, SD
The gloves are off, and the music is cranked up. Phase Fest, a highly anticipated music event, recently took place, and we were there to witness it all. But before we delve into the electrifying performances and the incredible atmosphere, let's talk about the journey to obtain our press passes.
In May, we began reaching out to Phase Fest through various channels, including email, social media, and their website contact information. However, it wasn't until July 8th that we received a response from one of their social media pages, providing us with an email to contact. After several attempts and even letting the social media page know about our lack of response, we decided to take matters into our own hands and purchased tickets to cover the event. This experience made us realize the importance of transparency in the music industry. Moving forward, we will make it a point to include in our articles the journey to obtain press passes, allowing everyone involved to make informed decisions about who they choose to work with.
The show opened with DJ Joey Donut, who not only played relevant hits from the artists' time in history but also paid attention to the crowd's response, altering his setlist to meet their demands. His ability to read the room set the tone for the night, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The food truck selection was great too but one definitely stood out! Irvzillas Hawaiian Grill was Godzilla themed!
First up on the stage was Secondhand Serenade, a band that took us back in time. It had been almost 15 years since we last saw them in Fargo at the Hub, a venue that no longer exists. Their performance hit harder last time around, possibly because the heavy inflections in their music were better suited for an indoor setting, like the Hub, rather than an outdoor venue.
Next, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus took the stage. Having seen them three times in recent years, we were hoping for a fresh and dynamic performance. Unfortunately, their set didn't deviate much from previous shows. The lead singer's stage routine and his constant reminders of which show or movie their songs were featured in grew tiresome. We also noticed a lack of merchandise from the band, which left fans disappointed.
However, the energy of the night skyrocketed when 3OH!3 hit the stage. They stole the show with their infectious energy and captivating performance. From supporting local sports teams to joking about the shape of the stage, they had the crowd eating out of their hands. The revelation that Scott's dad, Gary, hailed from Brookings, added a personal touch to their set, leading to chants of his name throughout the rest of the night. 3OH!3 proved that they have evolved since their Warped Tour days, and their ability to connect with the audience was unmatched.
Story of the Year followed, and while their performance was solid, it felt repetitive for those who had seen them in the past decade. They failed to bring anything new to the table, unlike the Barnum Circus, which always surprises and entertains. “If you haven’t been to the Barnum circus recently, you haven’t been”
Last but certainly not least, Simple Plan took the stage. Initially confused by the cult-like chanting of the name "Gary" throughout the night, they soon realized it was in reference to Scott's dad. The band's performance was met with enthusiasm, especially when they played their iconic Scooby-Doo theme song. It was a delightful moment, made even more special by the fact that my wife was wearing her Hex Girls shirt.
While all the bands tugged at our heartstrings with their nostalgic hits, it was clear that 3OH!3 had stolen the spotlight. Their relevance, energy, and ability to create a fun-filled atmosphere resonated with the crowd. Even during Simple Plan's set, people were still buzzing about 3OH!3. It's a testament to the fact that we may have grown up and moved past our heavy emo phases, but we still love to have a good time, and 3OH!3 knows how to deliver.
Phase Fest was a night filled with nostalgia, great music, and unforgettable performances. Despite the initial struggles to secure press passes, we were thrilled to be a part of this event. Moving forward, our articles will shed light on the press pass journey, giving artists, venues, and promoters the opportunity to reflect on their business practices. As for Phase Fest, it was an experience we won't soon forget.