The ritual continues as Voodoo returns for its lucky 13th anniversary. The masses gathered and costumes were present as always for opening night. Everything that is Voodoo melded together to create the
familiar inviting atmosphere. Friendly people, eccentric apparel, the bizarre artsy sculptures, the aroma of fried shrimp and Mary Jane in the air; it was all back in full swing.
Some highlights of the evening include South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord taking the stage. The group had more energy than a Labrador puppy on speed. Lead man, Ninja, spouted off rhymes and co-star Yo-Landi Vi$$er added her signature chipmunk-level squeaky vocals.
The younger demographic flocked to witness Die Antwoord’s live glory. The crowd came to party, and the phrase “white girl wasted” floated through the scene. The light show was nonstop and matched with LED light board projections of seizure-inducing graphics and cartoons that could have only emerged from a psychedelic voyage gone wrong.
Wiggly limbs clad in glow sticks and bodies bouncing around were commonplace. When the group busted out “I Fink U Freeky,” the crowd ate it up. Gyration and energy levels sky rocketed.
For a change of pace, folk rockers The Avett Brothers brought a mellow vibe on the other side of the park. A diverse mix of people assembled into an impressive audience while clusters of friends got cozy on blankets and tarps.
The siblings and band mates serenaded onlookers with melancholy guitar and a plethora of instruments ranging from trumpets to cellos. Powerful vocals and an organic stage presence made for a charming performance.
Pop punk outfit Say Anything kept the evening rolling and their fan-base pumped. Max Bemis, front man, worked the crowd like a seasoned veteran. Bemis engaged the audience in a upbeat and genuine manor, and sang praises of New Orleans that were well received.
The energy was high and the so was the crowd connection. Sing-a-longs, clapping and good vibes resonated through the Le Carnival Stage.
Dancing spreading through the air like a party epidemic when the band performed favorites like “Alive with the Glory of Love” and “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too.”
The rapid fire show eventually came to a close, but the crowd demanded a second helping. Bemis got close and personal when he dismounted from the stage and performed the encore ballad “The Stephen Hawking” intertwined in the front row of the audience.
To close out the night electronica master Kaskade helped attendees rave on with pulse-quickening bass.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse had a show packed with nostalgia and heart.
All in all, it was a warm welcome to Voodoo 2012.
