FYF Day 1 Recap / Day 2 Musts

Good morning #skeezies now that day 1 of FYF is behind us, here is some of the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm sad to say that for the first day of this much anticipated festival, there was a whole lot of ugly! Sure the talented artists did their thing and did not disappoint, but all of the fun and excitement did not quite make-up for the poor festival management and planning on the part of the production team. First off - the mile + line that attendees had to walk through was a sight to see. Everyone was confused and had half-serious doubts that there was even an actual festival at all. For a second there we wondered if FYF was just supposed to be a long line were you ate bacon wrapped hotdogs. 

Upon finally entering the festival and I'm talking about 2 hours later, the layout of the event was a sight to behold. For some reason the event planners thought it would be a good idea to set-up the event in a U-shape that wrapped from the west side of the colosseum on the corner of Exposition Blvd and Vermont - all the way over to the east side of the colosseum on the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd and Vermont! WOW! Yes and there were no "cut-sies" through the front/Vermont side of the venue. 

The ugly does not end there however, the set brilliantly referred to as "The Arena,"  located inside of the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena was such a disappointing mess and possibly closed? for half of the day. #LAskeez sadly attempted to watch Chet Faker in The Arena and failed. After walking around the entire Arena - every single door was closed off and what resulted was just confused and disgruntled event attendees that were left trying to push pass security guards to no avail. What-a-mess.

Alright enough of the ugly. Here are some of the highlights from last night's event: 

Interpol. 

Yes they were wonderful. They are back and classier than ever. 

Here are today's top 5:

Dear FYF, 

I hope you're less disorganized today. 

Thank You, 

#LAskeez

Night 2--Kelela @ The Echo

There must be something special about Wednesday night crowds or maybe it's the fact that Wednesday is one day closer to the weekend--whatever it was last night, the vibe at The Echo was nothing but ENERGY. 

We're talking so much energy that Kelela almost broke down into tears of joy and gratitude! (She repeatedly expressed how greatful she was for everyone in attendance and that she was glad she performing in a venue full of fans as opposed to just 10 or 20 folks) 

 Here's what I think happened: On her first night the audience was shell-shocked and couldn't comprehend how AMAZING of a performer she is. After all, anyone can sound good in a recording but "bringing it" live is a whole other story. And let me tell you--Kelela brought it! After her first performance at The Echo, the buzz quickly spread throughout LA like wildfire. When last night's show started the fans knew exactly what to expect and they were absolutely pumped. There were more arms up in the air, dancing, chants (when she wasn't singing),  and many "I LOVE YOU's."    

After two back-to-back shows, Kelela clearly left LA fans wanting more and we are likely to get more Kelela--soon--probably very soon and in a bigger venue. Alright #Skeezies consider yourselves warned. 

Night 2--Kelela @ The Echo

Kelela

What's the #skeez tonight? Only time will tell ;)

Hollywood Palladium to the Echo -- Jessy Lanza/ Cut Copy/ Kelela Reviews

I must admit going to two shows in one night was a little tiring but nothing #LAskeez couldn't handle. After circling the near by blocks a few times around the Palladium (I refuse to pay for parking, it's the principle!) I found parking and made it inside with 5 mins to spare.

Jessy Lanza started her set but she had this sense of uneasiness during her first song. Once her first song ended she ran off stage to grab a power cord for her laptop. After the power cord crisis was resolved, the set continued and everyone danced like there was no tomorrow minus the guy two feet away from me, he oddly enough kept trying to start a mosh pit--I think he was at the wrong show but who knows maybe that's just how he dances. 

Cut Copy was of course Cut Copy. They started their set with newer songs and saved their older material towards the end.

Oh and did I mention #LAskeez met Jessy Lanza (again)?

Here some photos from last night.  

Jessy Lanza opening up

#LAskeez & Jessy Lanza

Cut Copy "free your mind"

WAIT there's more! Night didn't stop here my #skeezies!! Off to The Echo #LAskeez went! Parking was found almost instantaneously (total score). I walked in right when Kelela started her FIRST set in Los Angeles. My vibe switched to a fun electronic-ness to smooth operator/shut up and listen to these soulful vocal chords. I left the show convinced that Kelela is ready to become a star.  She shared with the audience how she was a telemarketer and almost lost her job while listening to the track of "Bank Head" on the job. With her voice I'm sure she was a great telemarketer and probably the only telemarketer I wouldn't hang up on but let's face it she was definitely destined to be using her voice to entertain and move everyone that listens. Don't kill me for saying this if you disagree but #LAskeez would compare her to a female version of The Weekend but 10x.

Live videos from both shows are to be uploaded soon. For now I hope the #skeezies have enjoyed the photos.

Kelela @ The Echo April 1st, 2014 

What's the #Skeez today?!?

Let's just say #LAskeez enjoyed Kelela's set more than peanut butter loves jelly so #LAskeez will be headed down to The Echo AGAIN to catch her second and final show here in LA before she takes off to NYC.