First City Festival is coming back to Monterey - August 23-24 2014

Neko Case @ First City Festival, Monterey, CA

 



Debuting songs from her upcoming release, "The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You" (out September 3rd), alongside selections from past albums, Neko Case played to a full crowd of fans Sunday evening at the inaugural First City Festival.

  

Particular highlights from the night included "This Tornado Loves You" and "That Teenage Feeling", as well as her covers of the Shangri-Las "Train from Kansas City" and Lisa Marr's "In California".  Overall, the hour plus set demonstrated Ms. Case's wide-ranging talent, showcasing her ability to be both vulnerable and emotion and strong and aggressive with her vocal delivery. 

 

The event, which took place at the history Monterey Fairgrounds (home to the long running Monterey Jazz Festival taking place next month), brought a mix of up-and-coming bands such as the Los Angeles-based Electric Guest alongside indie legends Modest Mouse. 

 

First City Festival coming to Monterey, CA August 24-25

It's summer time, which means it's time to start planning which music festivals to attend in the coming months.   I am excited to check out the inaugural weekend for the First City Festival, taking place at the Monterey County Fair and Event Center on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th.  I am particularly looking forward to seeing Neko Case, who will be on tour promoting her highly anticipated new album coming out later in the year.

Other performances will include Modest Mouse, Passion Pit, MGMT, Neko Case, Beach House, the west coast debut of Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks (featuring Dave Portner of Animal Collective), and more.

First City Festival is named after Monterey's claim as the official "first capital" of California. The festival promises a sophisticated musical line-up of 30+ bands in a relaxed and beautiful coastal setting.  The festival grounds will showcase three live music performance stages plus a Vaudeville variety stage. A full carnival with rides and games will be available to guests.

Tickets are on sale via FirstCityFestival.com. Single tickets are now available for $85 per day.  Two Day GA and VIP passes start at $149.50.  All tickets are “all in” with no additional fees, and a “layaway” option is available. The festival is all ages and will run from 1pm until 11pm each day.