HOPSCOTCH 2011: Karla Anne's Guide and Schedule

For the past year I have been telling many tales of the glory and clusterfuck that was Hopscotch 2010. The drama, the drinking, the boys, the music, the discoveries, the heartbreak, the love, the friends, the lack of sleep, etc… Based on the amazing weekend that happened last year, I only assumed Hopscotch 2011 would top it so I bought my VIP wristband the moment they went on sale. Despite the fact that none of the main stage shows really flip my lid the way Public Enemy did last year, (I’m cool with seeing the Dodos and even Flaming Lips,) I don’t regret my VIP decision. Especially if these wristbands work the way they’re supposed to but did not necessarily do so last year (put you at the front of the line, etc.) We’ll see….

Regardless: There were a handful of bands that as soon as I saw their names listed in the lineup, I honestly shed a tear or two for, because I was just that excited. Once the Schedule was announced, I began to plot and plan my route for the 3 day event. It changed once, and I’m hoping it won’t do so again in the next week, unless it’s for the better. In the event that the official schedule as of now is not changed, this is my suggested route with alternates for Hopscotch 2011:

THURSDAY SEPT 8

8:30pm: Dinosaur Feathers @ Kings

9:30pm: Lower Dens @ Kings //alternate: Cassis Orange @ The Union

10:00pm: PC Worship @ Slim’s //alternates: Hog @ Berkeley, Tender Fruit @ Tir Na Nog, Le Weekend @ White Collar Crime

10:30pm: my first big dilemma, will depend on how situated I am at Kings at this point. Grandchildren is pretty badass, so they might win this battle:

                DustinWong @ The Hive

                Grandchildren@ Kings

                InvisibleHand @ Deep South (who i just reviewed!)

                Yardwork@ The Union

11:00pm: I’ll probably still be at King’s or wherever, but you should maybe check out XiuXiu @ White Collar Crime if you’ve never seen them before.

11:30pm: Woodsman @ King’s // alternates: Reading Rainbow @ the Hive, Apache Dropout @ Deep South

12:00am: OXBOW @ Berkeley

12:30am: Cold Cave @ Pour House … be smart and end your night here with me. Good shit. Alternate for a more subtle end to the evening would be Empress Hotel @ Deep South

FRIDAY SEPT 9

Depending on how long I stay for GBV, which, to be honest, I couldn’t name you a single song by them, the night starts:

9:00pm: Brain Flannel @ Slim’s

9:30pm: another dilemma, although my heart is pulling me towards Temperance League.

                Juliana Barwick @ Fletcher

                Whatever Brains @ King’s

                Temperance League @ Deep South

                North Elementary @ The Union

10:30pm: Braids @ Pour House // alternate: Diamond Rings @ five star if you’re on that side of town

11:00pm: Generationals @ White Collar Crime (this is going to be difficult, getting from PH to WCC, have to make a decision here…)

11:30pm: Twin Shadow @ Lincoln

12:00am: Probably won’t make it, but hope I do: Beans @ Tir Na Nog or Royal Bangs @ White Collar Crime

12:30am: The Foreign Exchange @ Lincoln (miss this and I disown you. but if you must, at least catch Japandroids @ Pour House)

SATURDAY SEPT 10

I’ll probably going to stay through all of Flaming Lips’ set, because it’ll probably be pretty cool. But in case I don’t:

9:00pm: Shit Horse @ Slim’s

9:30pm: Peter Lamb and the Wolves @ Pour House

10:30pm: Fight the Big Bull @ Pour House (or if you want to keep it local-bandy, Heads on Sticks @ Five Star or Gross Ghost @ the Union)

11:30pm: Gauntlet Hair @ The Union (the band that officially made me cry as soon as I saw them listed. Been waiting since last year’s hopscotch to see them!!! Unfortunately they are playing at exactly the same time as Future Islands @ Lincoln, which will most likely be an amazing show. However, I have seen FI many times and I don’t know when I will ever get the chance to see GH again. Also there is a good chance that everyone else in the world will be at FI and I will GH all to myself. YEAH!!!!)

12:30pm: Depending on my mood: end the festival with a big ass brass band dance party? The Budos Band @ Pour House… or keep it funky and all electronic? Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross @ Five Star

I am now beginning to scratch my way through day shows and after parties, trying to make some decisions. I will probably not post those here, as I am not even sure which ones I will actually make depending on my level of distraction/exhaustion/hungover-ness. However, be sure the posts to come will be huge. And perfect. And full of insane pictures. I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

Karla Anne’s Tips for a Happy Healthy Hopscotch:

-          - Stay hydrated, the booze will be a’flowin; alternate beer/water and you’ll make it past last call

-          - Stash cash! There are plenty of ATMs on Fayetteville Street, but avoid ATM fees if you can.

-          - Best places for booze inside the City Plaza boundaries: Sheraton Bar and Shish Kabob.

-          - Keep cash on hand for Rickshaws to run you to venues that are further spaced apart (i.e.: Union to Tir na nog, etc.) tip no less than $5 per run; more if it’s more than just you.

-          - Not seen it in the App store yet, but if you have an iphone, download the Hopscotch app (I was promised its coming!) – This thing saved my ass last year! It will help you keep up with your schedule.

-          - EAT! Many downtown spots serve late night food (Raleigh Times, Busy Bee, Remedy, Buku, etc.) Last year roads were blocked off and street vendors were afoot, but I see no indication that Hargett or any other streets other than the plaza will be blocked off this year. You never know! If all else fails, hot dog vendors will be out and about – EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK! However, might I recommend Penalty Box Dogs, they’re usually in front of the Wachovia bldg and they have a killer veggie dog. Otherwise, find a buddy with a big bag to stash you some crackers or a fritter from Taz’s.

-          - Play it safe, don’t wander off alone when it comes to more secluded, off beaten path’d venues like Union or Lincoln. Stay in a group or check in with folks when you get where you need to be.

-          - DON’T drink and drive; rickshaw it, call a cab, call a buddy, call me. (No wait, don’t call me, I’m calling a cab.)

-          - Have fun! See bands! Discover music! Make out with strangers! Make connections! Get numbers! Get laid! …Rock out!!!!