More recently known as the Austin Psych Fest, The Sherp points out why this psychedelic-rock gathering is something you need to check out this weekend at the live-music capital of the USA.
1. The 13th Floor Elevators Return
Legendary psychedelic rock band 13th Floor Elevators are going to reunite at the Austin festival. Fifty years after forming and 45 since their last show, the festival has been renamed after a track composed by the same name as a tribute to their coming together for the first time since 1967. Their deeply seeded Austin roots have provided locals with endless inspiration and their music and message has transcended genres, they were true innovators.
2. Campsite Supreme
The 6th annual festival in 2013 was a year of firsts for Austin Psych Fest. It was the first year for the festival to be held at a completely outdoor venue, it was the first year to have 3 stages of music, the first year to launch the poster series featuring various artists from the US and beyond, and it was the first year to offer camping, among other things. The ranch where the spectacular campsite is set up consists of two 20 acre pastures, separated by Carson Creek, on the banks of the Colorado River, with another smaller 15 acre pasture where we currently raise cattle and horses. The main 20 acre pasture includes a 30×40 covered pavilion and has a beautiful grove of pecan trees along the banks of the Colorado River, also, a natural amphitheater set into the banks overlooking the Colorado river just adds to all the magic.
3. Fantastic Roster
The Flaming Lips and Tame Impala will be headlining the event alongside dozens of other notable acts including Spiritualized, Primal Scream and The Black Angels (who happen to be key players in the festival’s founding). The Jesus and Mary Chain will be playing their 1985 album Psychocandy in full, and Rose Windows, Thee Oh Sees and Mac DeMarco also number among the most promising acts on Levitation’s roster. Calling upon some of Psychedelic rock’s finest, Levitation attendees have their hands full this year.
4. The Dreamy Amphitheatre
Could you picture a better place to listen to your favorite music than at the bank of a still river? Nestled in a 20 acre pasture, there’s a lake side amphitheatre at the venue where performers will be shelling out their magic. Even after sunset, they’ve put together some mindblowing projections to keep you entranced.
5. A Levitation Tent
A cavernous space with a huge projection screen for full Levitation, this stage should provide some good shade during the day. The fest also supports local businesses with its hand-picked food, retail, clothing, and record store vendors. There will also be multi-media installations and art exhibits by artists from Austin and beyond.
Over it’s 8 years of existence, this edition is slated to be one of the most iconic owing mostly to the iconic reunion of the Elevators. If you’re in Colorado this weekend, don’t think twice before heading here. Check out how it went down last year at this fantastic music festival:
(All Images Courtesy: AUSTIN PSYCH FEST Facebook/Website)