The Growlers Six LA Waterfront Music Festival
The name may be new but the tradition is still very much alive. The Growlers have given us a sixth festival in a row despite all the setbacks. They’ve committed themselves to carrying on something that many fans look forward to come Halloween. Lineups often include punk throwbacks like The Adicts and The Dickies, old-school respected rap artists like GZA and Del the Funky Homosapien, and classic 90’s throwbacks like The Violet Femmes and TLC. The legendary acts and good times continue to remain, while leaving behind the concerns of Beach Goths in the past.
The early years of Beach Goth Fest will forever be appreciated for having the charm of a local show, much more intimate performances, and a price of just $15. Still like most great happenings, it evolved quickly and so did The Growlers. Towards the more recent years of Beach Goth, as more sought-after acts were added, the crowds became more massive. Despite the rapid growth of the festival, it remained in the same location. This success led to an overflow of fans and thinly spread resources.
From a more limited venue to the wide open spaces of LA Waterfront, the festival has taken a turn for the better. The congested crowds that might have once cost you a shot at enjoying your favorite artist are now spread out and easier to navigate in. As far as staff engagement in contrast to previous years, they’ve upgraded to friendly faces doing their job who also have no problem enjoying the music and singing with fans.
The Growlers commitment to continue the annual event is admired. The future of the festival looks brighter now that they seem to be moving it in a direction of their own. With phenomenal performances from headliners Julian Casablancas + The Voidz and the mesmerizing return of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this year’s shows were nothing short of unforgettable and feel like the start of a greater gathering than any of the festivals before.
So don't be too bummed about the name change, all that truly matters to fans are the monumental lineups and one of a kind festival experience. With or without the name, The Growlers will always be the essence of beach goth. This year they have shown to overcome all obstacles and have done what they do best, play a great set in their badass costumes on Halloween weekend!
YEAH YEAH YEAHS
THE GROWLERS
THE B-52's
BEACH FOSSILS
MODEST MOUSE
DOJA CAT
PERSONAL AND THE PIZZAS
BOYTOY
BUTTHOLE SURFERS
DAN AUERBACH
ALICE GLASS
DANNY BROWN
CAT SIGNS
THE PARANOYDS
JULIAN CASABLANCAS
ZEN MOTHER
DELICATE STEVE
BABY SHAKES
TOMORROW'S TULIPS
Coverage and Photography by Sade De La Espriella and Photography by Jenny Alice Watts.
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