FYF Fest provides music and fun under the sun

The incomparable all-ages FYF Fest returned on Saturday, September 4, at the Los Angeles State Historic Park with the best lineup thus far. With roughly 20,000 attendees, the great acts from the bill proved why so many people were excited to be part of the end of summer's most intriguing lineup in the Los Angeles scene. Doors opened promptly at 11:30 and fans immediately gathered at the Oak Stage which featured first band of the day, Magic Kids. Over at the Sequoia Stage, The Goat sparked enthusiasm with "Billy," Ooh Weird," and "Tantalizing," from their latest effort.

Trying to escape the heat, many gathered at the FYF Comedy Tent by the Oaks Stage at 2 p.m. for the first forty-five minute comedy show of the day, hosted by Mike Burns. Taking a break from their almost once-a-week appearance on the Chelsea Lately show, The Sklar brothers were accompanied with fellow comics Matt Dwyer, Matt Braunger, Joselyn Hughes, and Erik Charles Nielsen. The comedy tent only went on for another three hours or so, but fans were very appreciative for the contribution.

One of the bands that has been rapidly gaining popularity recently, Local Natives, was riding as high as it ever has. Thanks to the success of their latest effort, "Gorilla Manor," which broke into the Billboard's Top 200 late last year, the Silverlake natives seemed determined to prove that their artistic Indie influences run deep.

With two sold out shows coming up in a couple of weeks, a lot of people were extremely delighted to see that the event dedicated a slot to them. "Yeah, I was so bummed that I couldn't get tickets to their Henry Fonda show, but I'm beyond excited to see them tonight," said Michael Ramirez.

As the heat started diminishing, people became more pumped as they welcomed actor Ryan Gosling's new band, Dead Man's Bones, at the Redwood Stage. Performing under the alias "Baby Goose," Gosling and friend/band-mate Zach Shields absorbed the crowd's attention. Over at the Sequoia Stage, the lyrical and minimalist band Washed Out played their half-hour set.

The sun finally went down as fans obliged for experimental Philadelphia band, Man Man. Known for their exuberant live performances, lead singer Honus Honus, repeatedly invited audience members to sing along with him.

Meanwhile things got a little hardcore over at the Oak Stage around 9:30 when stoner doom metal band Sleep demonstrated why they might still be the ultimate stoner rock band of not only early 1990s, but of today.

Getting back together last May after an eleven-year hiatus, Sleep reminded fans that they can still rock hard. "I came last year just because of all the Indie bands who don't get that much recognition in LA," said Jessica Zuniga, "but I am happy that it's even more diverse this time around with a band like Sleep."

After a long day of the most diverse music L.A. has experienced for a while, headliners The Rapture convinced many that they still can throw down disco jams. Panda Bear also held down for their electronica-enabled experimentation.

Despite the heat that had some people feeling a little fussy, at the end of the day everyone left home happy. Finally, Los Angeles can host a music festival that has everything from punk, to hardcore, to things that are completely indescribable.