Rap legend Nas is headlining the Blue Stage on November 8th villunderlondon via Flickr CC
November 7-9, 2014 will showcase one of the coolest cross genre entertainment festivals in the United States.
Fun Fun Fun Fest skillfully blends hard rock, hip-hop, indie rock, comedy and action sports in a three day hulabaloo that leaves event goers desperately wishing they were within range of the taco cannon.
Fun Fun Fun Fest Captures the Austin Vibe
Fun Fun Fun Fest prides itself on being an independent festival, encapsulating the spirit and personality of Austin. It’s become known as a platform for bands to reunite and for others to take the next step in their career by performing in front a large, enthusiastic audience. In the past, FFF Fest was the place where Run DMC and the band Death celebrated reunions.
The nine year old festival started in 2006 at Waterloo Park with Spoon and punk icons The Circle Jerks spearheading the festival. Over its course of time, organizer Transmission Events has been able to increase the lineup and grow the event to its present day booming size. In 2011, the festival moved from Waterloo Park to Auditorium Shores, where the FFF Fest now takes place across four stages.
Enjoying the sounds of FFF Fest sailingseas via Flickr CC
2011 was a year of big expansion for FFF Fest. In addition to obtaining a larger performance venue at Auditorium Shores, FFF Nites burst into existence. Through FFF Nites, the festival is now able to sign an additional 75 music acts to perform at various locations around town. The FFF Nites shows are free to all wristband wearers.
Four Stages, Four Genres of Entertainment
If you’re like me and enjoy a variety of music genres, FFF Fest is perfect. Each stage color corresponds to a genre of music or entertainment. Here’s the breakdown along with some of the bigger acts associated with each.
Black Stage
Legendary band Judas Priest is one of the headlining acts this year Tony Felgueiras via Flickr CC
The Black Stage will feature metal, punk and hard rock acts. So if you like headbanging and swirling around the mosh pit, be sure to check out Judas Priest, King Diamond and The Murder City Devils. Local acts, Communion and Breakout will be performing on this stage as well.
Orange Stage
If the Black stage gets you too riled up, head over to the Orange Stage where the folk/indie/alternative types will be laying down their smooth tunes over the course of the three day festival. Obviously you’ll want to check out Modest Mouse and Dinosaur Jr., but don’t forget Austin’s own Mineral and Good Field.
Blue Stage
SZA is bringing her unique brand of R&B to the Blue Stage this year DeShaun Craddock via Flickr CC
Blue marks the hip hop/R&B/Electronic stage. Wiz Khalifa, Nas and 2 Chainz are the big acts this year, but R&B singer SZA and Austin based acts Zorch and The Digital Wild will be bringing their A game as well. I like the mix of styles and sound that compose the Blue Stage this year, and I’ve always wanted to see Nas live.
Yellow Stage
Comedy is represented by shows like Sure Thing David Thomas
Now this stage is right up my alley. Yellow is the comedy stage. Fred Armisen and Joe Mande, who I saw at Moontower Comedy Fest, will make their return to Austin for FFF Fest.
The lineup gets a little tricky because local showcases like Sure Thing will feature comedians who may not be listed in the lineup. When you check out the Yellow Stage events and see something like The New Movement or Sure Thing, check their social media or website to get the skinny on their lineups for FFF Fest. These shows are where the bulk of our local talent will be represented.
Oh, and somewhere among the stages, in the throngs and throngs of good time Charlies, the crew of NWA Inspire Pro Wrestling will be body slamming each other while freestyle BMXers and skaters rock a halfpipe in the background. Anarchy Championship Wrestling will be onsite as well.
Even the Details Are Lighthearted
With all the fun stuff out of the way, there are some rules regarding what you can/cannot bring, and what you can/cannot do at FFF Fest. Here are a few examples pulled from the Fun Fun Fun Fest website:
FFF Fest Taco Cannon L. Alex Frank via Flickr CC
No
- Wine Skins
- Crying
- Ghosts
- Drones
- Camelpacks
- Professional cameras
Yes
- Medium sized backpacks
- Twerking
- Batman
- Smiles
- Mullets
Tickets and passes for this all ages event are on sale now through the Fun Fun Fun Fest website. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the taco cannon. Seriously, they have a taco cannon.
@eldavidthomas asks:
What are your must see acts at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2014?
I need to get tickets for this!