Shows You Can’t Miss
Friday
1. Desaparecidos 6:45 p.m., Carnival Stage
If you were around for the early 2000s wave of depressing emo singer-songwriters, chances are you’ve heard of Bright Eyes. Desaparecidos is like the midwestern post-rock version of Bright Eyes, featuring the same fantastic songwriting Conor Oberst brings to all of his projects. If you never had the chance to see Bright Eyes when the band was still active, you can finally see Oberst, even if it is with another project.
2. Pearl Jam 9 p.m., Ritual Stage
3. Royal Teeth 7:30 p.m., Flambeau presented by WWL TV
Saturday
1. The Gaslight Anthem 5:45, Ritual Stage
Combine modern day Springsteen with old Misfits tracks and sprinkle in some New Jersey pride and you have The Gaslight Anthem. The group is known for its en pointe covers of greats like Johnny Cash and Tom Petty, but its original material (especially 2008’s “The 59 Sound”) is what makes this show worth attending. The band has cited festival mates Pearl Jam as a definite influence for its upcoming album, expected to be released in 2014.
2. The Weeks 12:45 p.m., Ritual Stage
3. New Found Glory 5:15 p.m., Carnival Stage
Sunday
1. The Cure 6:50 p.m., Ritual Stage
I’m probably going to be let down by the completely non-original lineup of The Cure, but will probably still fangirl when Robert Smith takes the stage.
2. Matt & Kim 3:30 p.m., Ritual Stage
3. The Revivalists 6 p.m., Flambeau presented by WWL TV
Conflicts: It’s Up to You
Friday
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (7:15 p.m.)/ Calvin Harris (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday
Paramore (7:15 p.m.)/ Big Gigantic (7:15 p.m.)/ Alkaline Trio (6:45 p.m.)
The Gaslight Anthem (5:45 p.m.)/ New Found Glory (5:15 p.m.)
Sunday
The Cure (6:50 p.m.)/ Bassnectar (7:30 p.m.)/ Dr. John (7:30 p.m.)
Survival Guide
1. Driving: Unless you splurged on the LOA Experience Pass (VIP), you’ll have to use street parking. Pay attention to signs, because there are always tons of street closures (which means tons of fines if you park in the wrong place).
2. Hydration: Make sure to bring an empty refillable water bottle so you don’t have to spend your life savings on drinks at the festival.
3. Clothing: When it comes to Voodoo, all bets are off. It can be warm midday and freezing a few hours later, so it’s best to bring some type of sweater or hoodie. Layering is key.
4. Prepare for the worst: Put your name and phone number on anything important that you’re bringing on festival grounds. If you lose it, hopefully you’ll get it back.
5. Eat the food: Don’t settle for the granola bar that you snuck in your backpack. Voodoo is chock full of the best foods of NOLA, and you won’t regret indulging a little. Some definite standouts are the crepes for Crepes a la Carte and The Rusty Pelican’s fried oreos.
6. Turn your phone off: Unless you’re taking a picture with your favorite band in the universe, step away from Facebook and Twitter for a few hours. You probably won’t get a signal anyway.