Arroyo Seco Weekend serves classic rock and good times for second year, fans want more

Original article: https://www.axs.com/arroyo-seco-weekend-serves-classic-rock-and-good-times-for-second-year-131369

Proving that age is just a number, Arroyo Seco Weekend brought out stars both young and old, new and seasoned, contemporary and old school to rock the Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California this past weekend. For its second year, Arroyo Seco showed that it could learn from the past and push forward to a bright future.

How so? Read on and see just how good it was this past weekend.

In its first year, one thing that was noticeable at Arroyo Seco Weekend was the number of lawn chairs and blankets that pushed all the way up to the front of the stages. It was disruptive to the flow of a typical festival. However, in its second year, Arroyo Seco Weekend made improvements by having designated sitting areas in the back and sides for all who wanted to rock out from the comfort of their own lawn chair. Standing room only was reserved for the front of the stage for all who wanted to rock out in style with their favorite artists.

This provided room for everyone. From families with kids who just wanted to roll down the grassy hills while their parents watched, laughed and listened to the classic and contemporary rock; to fans who were reconnecting with their early years of touring with their favorite artists. It really doesn’t get any better than this, and Arroyo Seco had it all in ample supply.

Indeed, favorite classic rock artists were on hand all weekend long from Alanis Morissette, to The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, to the incomparable Jack White and festival fan-favorites Third Eye Blind.

Yes, Arroyo Seco Weekend pulled out all the stops in its second year to bring a lineup and event that not only met the needs of fans, but blew away all expectations.

Jack White helped usher in the night on the first day like the contemporary rock god that he is. With a mixture of songs from Boarding House Reach to fan-favorite songs like “Seven Nation Army,” White did what he does best: he rocked…on and on and on. From song to song, effortless transitions, to a jam session in the middle of his set that he is renowned for, White rocked the stage and reminded everyone why he has been so missed on the West Coast since his last festival performance at Coachella.

The Bangles got the next day off to a fresh start by reminding people that though Mondays may and can be a bit manic, they can always walk into work like an Egyptian and simply conquer the day. And yes, the women looked as astonishing as ever.

Alanis Morissette was on point in white pants and a HER emblazoned black shirt. She owned the stage like few can and ever will. Her presence spoke not angst as in her younger years, but power and inevitable victory into the souls of all gathered who sang along with her song for song and lyric for lyric throughout her entire set.

Later that same day, Capital Cities had everyone on their feet, shuffling left to right, spinning to the music and forgetting that Monday and work was just around the corner…which is exactly what a festival should do for people.

Truly, music brings people together. Regardless of age, demographic background, education or what not. Just the smile on Alanis’ face as she sang “Thank U” is proof of this as everyone gathered sang along.

Thank you, Arroyo Seco Weekend, for another great year of music, artists and memories. We look forward to more for years to come.