Squealing guitars
and thumping basses will once again rattle the Coney Island boardwalk
this Saturday at the Fourth Annual Siren Music Festival.
This free festival gives prominence to the seething undercurrent
of independent music with bands like Seattle-based Death Cab
for Cutie (pictured) and post-punk pioneers Mission of Burma
from Boston. The bands will wail away throughout the day on two
stages tucked in the shadow of the famous Cyclone roller coaster.
But don’t forget your earplugs. The combination of rock veterans
and indie-scene newcomers promises to be loud, eclectic and unyielding
as bands like Trail of the Dead, Electric Six and Har Mar Superstar
stir up enough rhythmic fervor to keep your toes tapping well
after the show. Brooklyn will also heat the stage up with some
of its own: The Fever, The Fiery Furnaces and Williamsburg’s
TV on the Radio.
Last year, the festival drew a record crowd of more than 150,000,
so if you are hoping to get a spot next to the stage, make sure
to get there early or you may find yourself climbing lampposts
to catch a glimpse of your favorite band. Bring plenty of sunscreen
and water because the venue offers very little shade and even
less maneuvering room.
The Siren Music Festival takes place on July 17, from noon to
9 pm, in Coney Island. Admission is free. The Main Stage is located
at West 10th Street at Surf Avenue; the Stillwell Stage is at
Stillwell and Surf avenues. For more information, call (212)
475-3333 or visit the Web site at www.villagevoice.com/siren/.
ROCK IN CONEY
