Urban Hot Festival
STEPH DEROSA: HOT TIME IN THE CITY >>>
It was one hot MFing day yesterday. All weekend, actually — but on Sunday the sun was relentless on our pasty Tacoma bodies as hundreds of eclectic individuals (including myself) set out to attend one of the best festivals this city has to offer: Urban Art Festival.
It’s a given that I will inevitably run into familiar faces anytime I set out to a community event, and Urban Art Festival was no exception. As the sweat rings increased under my breast folds, it became more apparent that no matter how damn hot it got, I was there for the long run. I simply could not leave!
Amazing local artists lined the streets of downtown’s back alleys and Fireman’s Park. A surplus of melodic talent also graced many of the four music stages this festival had to offer.
Tacoma Mama had her usual kiddy set-up, giving local youngsters and outlet, and urban parents a well needed break. (Can I request the beer garden be located next to Tacoma Mama next year?)
Stephanie Johnson belted out her usual heavy vocals as she flawlessly stroked her guitar for admiring onlookers.
Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing enticed all who were present, especially the kids.
Can-U featuring DJ Reign was definitely one of the highlights for me that afternoon. His lyrics speak volumes, and my body listened with admiration.
The Swiss brought cold kegs of alcohol relief as my posse and I sought the shade of the beer garden and took in the sounds of Don’t Tell Sophie.
Of course my favorite part, and the place where I hunted most refuge was the Weekly Volcano lounge next to Mad Hat Tea Company.
The craziest stage on sight was definitely the House Stage. There were sprinklers, a wading pool, hula-hoops, and lawn chairs galore. Throw in a BBQing, beer drinking Mr. DeRosa and you have an exact replica of my backyard. If only I could get the artists and bands to show up, I’d never leave the house.
LINK: More Urban Art Festival photos at the Weekly Volcano's Photo Hot Spot.
