By Noemi Rodriguez
A swarm of college students in shorts, bathing suits, and sunglasses gave off the strong odor of sunscreen and sweat. Two stages set-up in the middle of nowhere lost between empty fields and long dirt roads. Live music blaring, lights flashing and people dancing. This is Float Fest.
The all day festival held August 31 in San Marcos could be described as one of the best things that happened to the small Texas town in a long time. One could even say it’s exactly what it needed.
“I thought it was pretty cool that they chose San Marcos,” TAMUCC student Victoria Turner said. “Especially because its a college town! I knew lots of my friends would be able to make it.”
What made Float Fest stand out from other very well known music festivals is that there’s not just great music – the great music can be heard while floating on the river. As always, headline bands and artists were saved for last leaving 9 hours between the gate opening and the first headliner, Portugal. The Man.
“There’s an anticipation in the air, everyone’s waiting for the lead bands,” Float Fest attendee Garrett Ashley said.
Whoever said good things come to those who wait knew exactly what they were talking about. After those nine long sweat-filled hours, Float Fest attendees were treated with a stellar performance by Portugal. The Man. Lead singer John Gourley and his Alaska boys had the crowd so thrilled that his microphone was knocked down by a beach ball thrown on stage mid-song.
“They were 100% better live and they were so energetic,” Texas State University student Stefany Rodriguez said.
However, Grouplove stole the show with their incredibly vibrant performance. Their cover of Beyonce and Jay Z’s “Drunk In Love” had everyone pressing record. And let’s not forget their encore performance with Portugal. The Man of what they called the greatest rock song ever written. Grouplove was joined on stage by Portugal. The Man to sing The Who’s “Teenage Wasteland”.
Whether it was Float Fest’s first, fourth or last year in San Marcos one thing rests assured, the incredible lineup took them out with a bang.