hooves on the turf

Photo: logan takahashi

Pier 17 is not my favorite venue, but Seaport Music Festival has an exciting line-up this year. I made it to the opening night just in time to catch the uniformed Danielson wrapping up, and not sounding very spectacular. An early drizzle had cooled things down a bit, but by the time Animal Collective took stage, the weather was holding up and there was enough body heat to make for a sticky night. The turnout, for the first of the many outdoor shows coming up this summer, was impressive. Afterwards we loitered across the street from the Broadway Nassau train station, and the stream of concert-goers heading home seemed endless. There was barely any space between people at the show, but several of my neighbors showcased some inspired dancing anyway.

Continued after the jump.

Photo: aaron headley

Animal Collective, in any case, was a blast to watch, despite the weird view I had. Panda Bear and Avey Tare are both fun singers, though my favorites were the ones in which Panda Bear sang and Avey Tare yelled/shrieked. Panda Bear has a way of singing, more apparent when his face is broadcast on the screens on either side of the stage, that seems very dedicated. Geologist joined the two with his gadgets on the table, headlamp on once it got dark. They played a few new songs, which probably means they’ll be on the forthcoming Strawberry Jam, and these sounded very good.