Vans Warped Tour Visits Hartford In Last Run Of Cross-Country Tour
HARTFORD - The musical phenomenon that is the Vans Warped Tour is currently taking its final lap around the country. It made a local stop in Hartford at the Xfinity Theatre on Sunday, July 15, kicking off at 11 am, with the last band's set ending at 8:55 pm.
The summer festival, founded by Kevin Lyman, has been a staple in the alternative music community for 23 consecutive years. It has provided a refuge for fans of punk, rock, metal, ska - you name it - to find their bliss without judgement.
Despite weather forecasts predicting thunderstorms for the Hartford area, the nearly 90-degree day was graced by just a few passing rain showers that gave some relief to the sweaty, but always enthusiastic, concert-goers.
Seven stages were set up in the venue's amphitheater and across the parking lot grounds, showcasing nearly 100 musical acts. The Hartford stop included up-and-coming artists, like Chase Atlantic, in addition to Vans Warped Tour veteran bands like Real Friends, 3OH!3, We The Kings, The Maine, Mayday Parade, Senses Fail, and Simple Plan.
Also on site were dozens of tents for tour sponsors, vendors, and musical artists, as well as unique gems like the Reverse Day Care facility for parents and a full-size wrestling ring with ongoing matches.
Since the Vans Warped Tour's inception, it has sought to help promote education and philanthropic causes, and this year was no different, with a large assortment of national and local charities in attendance.
Underneath the green Vans Warped Tour tent, overseen by Mr Lyman's daughter and music DJ, Sierra Lyman, was Newtown's very own Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation (CVHF). The CVHF took part in its first Vans Warped Tour to raise awareness about the organization's many programs and its goal to build an animal sanctuary in honor of Catherine Hubbard, who was one of the first graders who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on 12/14.
The Vans Warped Tour has always been affectionately referred to as the scene's punk rock summer camp, but now more than ever the name feels fitting. After having a second home to retreat to each summer, a beloved season has ended for music lovers, leaving each person that was part of it a little sunburned and exhausted but beaming with memories to last a lifetime.
Dan Lambton, lead singer of Real Friends, belted out fan favorites like "Summer," "Colder Quicker," and new single "From The Outside" at the Vans Warped Tour stop in Hartford on Sunday. Along with wearing a shirt from Hope For The Day, a cause that seeks to prevent suicide through outreach and mental health education, Mr Lambton told the crowd: "Sometimes life gets rough, but I want you to know it's okay to open up to others around you… don't hesitate to get help." (Bee Photo, Silber)