 |
Xanadu 2012: The US Festival of 1982 |
Category: Articles 4 comments 12 Mar 2005 @ 16:37 by swanny : 19821982 - 1983 / International Producer, US Festival I & II These two, three day concert events, featured the top names in rock music performing for an audience of over 350,000 people. At these events, Lukens conceived and produced the first two international and interactive satellite TV "space-bridges" between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Apple computer inventor, Steve Wozniak, sponsored the unprecedented events. This communications breakthrough has been recognized as a historic milestone, in US / Soviet relations. 13 Mar 2005 @ 03:22 by swanny : REPORT THE 1982 US FESTIVAL REPORT I arrived at the LA airport in California, in the afternoon before the event. Arrangements to attend the event had been quite efficiently coordinated and I had no trouble purchasing a Festival Package from Edmonton Alberta. Festival organizers had conveniently arranged for bus shuttle service from the massive airport to the site. The site location was in a valley of the San Bernardino Mountains. There was some substance consumption on the shuttles but participants were generally amiable and well behaved, perhaps in anticipation and excitement of the upcoming event. Arriving on site, it was somewhat confusing, even with brochures, and a large map of the site, would have facilitated better apprehension of the layout of the area. Since it was getting towards the late supper hour, some food and sleeping arrangements were in order. Cost and transportation was somewhat prohibitive so it was determined to sleep on site. Eventually a small space occupied by some fellow Canadians from Ontario was located and advertised by the Canadian flag they flew from their tent. After salutations and small talk, sleep was had under the stars on a plastic sheet with a jacket as a pillow. The weather was quite pleasant and dry although conditions were somewhat dusty. There were no events of consequence that might have been undesirable that and the following nights, just the general melee of people partying into the wee hours. The following morning festival goers entered the secured performance area met by security and ticket takers. Hands were stamped and tickets were sold to those just arriving. Security was generally good and obvious goods violations were confiscated as beer gardens were available on site. After entering the large field in the valley of a hill the site was explored to reveal the sanitary facilities, first aid, stage and speaker towers and various food and gift venues. There was also the computer and technology displays off to one side that featured the music and technological equipment. There were also surprisingly some showers or misters for people to refresh and cool themselves off. Soon the Mc gave their introductions and the music began. The event tended to proceed in a timely and orderly fashion and was organized quite competently. The sound demands were high for such a large area and though not terribly sonic were adequate. The crowd estimates varied from about 100,000 to 300,000. ( Incidentally the next years 1983 event captured a festival record with over 600,000 people attending. ) The crowds were surprisingly well behaved for that large and affected a crowd. There was some evidence of substance consumption but generally people seemed content to appreciate and get off on the music. In general it seemed that this was a two pronged objective to reach an audience with music and expose them to an exciting array of futuristic technologies. The music was well received and the highlights for this reporter were the performances of Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, The Talking Heads and The Grateful Dead. The latter group attracting perhaps some of the biker groups that were present and who somehow had even managed to bring their hogs onto the music area. They did generally behave themselves, though. The atmosphere seemed somewhat low key and participants were generally amiable and sharing of the little that they had brought with them and were able to get into the site. It seemed somewhat obvious that organizers had arranged that most of what was necessary or desired could be easily purchased on site. The prices were somewhat high but generally affordable and water was available for free. Some photos were taken of the event and to this day reveal some of the large scope of the event and the efficiency of the manner in which its logistics were handles. It is said to that this was the inception of a "spacebridge" being conceived to facilitate a satellite video feed to the then Soviet Union. A "first" which paved the way for some of the newer technologies of today. While the computer and technology displays were impressive, they seemed more geared to consumers rather than developers or hardware manufactures. It was interesting and exciting to witness the progress and developments occurring in these areas and they had one of the first digital drums sets that this author had ever seen. The main draw though for most people seemed to be the music which was adequate and a good deal considering the calibre of the performers, who which incidentally were equally mindful of the technologies present. There was little of the antiwar and peace and love overtones suggestive of the 1969 Woodstock event. People instead derived out of it perhaps what they put in so in that sense it was more of a group hug than a love in, and the majority seemed satisfied with what was offered and occurred. The site was well maintained perhaps partly because of the nature of the weather on the west coast. At its conclusion it was somewhat difficult to locate the shuttles because of the enormity of the area and most people had come by their own means. It though in summation was a relatively pleasant event in comparison to the high-charged nature of its predecessor. People were well behaved and it could be said that it had almost a family nature rating to it. The highlight of the event seemed summed up when during the Talking Heads night performance a gigantic blimp with a computerized light screen traversed the heavens. I can't recall the message or display but this fact alone suggested that something of a communion between geeks and hippies had occurred. 13 Mar 2005 @ 05:42 by bushman : I was there :} Only one day since I lived close in Yucipa CA. But really the only reason I went was to see the Ontario race track or maybe what was left of it, for the last time. :} 13 Mar 2005 @ 11:00 by swanny : Race Track? Race track.... hmmmm did I miss something....??? Other entries in Articles 1 Feb 2012 @ 18:53: sustainability 2012 31 Jan 2012 @ 16:56: Biome Community Harmony 2012 27 Jan 2012 @ 13:14: the $ problem 25 Jan 2012 @ 17:31: The Ocean of Pathos 2012 25 Jan 2012 @ 12:48: perspective 21 Jan 2012 @ 15:21: Humanity Prayer 2012 14 Jan 2012 @ 16:46: about love 2012 14 Jan 2012 @ 02:52: Modern Atlas 2012 13 Jan 2012 @ 23:21: law marridge and blessing 13 Jan 2012 @ 01:31: Internet Addiction 2012
|
