Experiencing The Afro-Punk Festival: A First-Timer's Reaction

Summer is here and we're LOVIN' all the music festivals and great opportunities to discover new artists! We want to hear from you — what events are you attending this summer? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to to keep it locked to MTVTr3s.com for highlights from the 2010 Latin American Music Conference, kicking off next week!!

Blogamole contributor Sharmaine Jones recently attended the 2010 Afro-Punk Festival, where a diverse crowd enjoyed outdoor music, skating, art and community. See the festival through a newbie's eyes, and then be sure to check out festival vet Sherise Martin's take.

By Sharmaine Jones

This year's 6th annual Afro-Punk Festival took place June 25 - 27, at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY. As this was my first time attending the festival, I had no idea what to expect.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

June 26: My Initiation
Upon entering the park, my senses were overwhelmed by skaters speeding down ramps, live music resonating through speakers, food BBQing on the grill, vendors ready to armor us with cool t-shirts and dress our walls with intriguing art, and — most importantly — by people of all ages and backgrounds mingling together to be a part of this “Afro-Punk” experience.

First, I decided to check out the area built for “The Best Trick” skate competition. The contest was open to the public and the contest winners received cash prizes including an all expense paid trip to the Xgames, courtesy of ESPN.

photo courtesy of afropunk.com

Before the competition started, all skaters were welcomed to use the ramps and rails to showcase their skills. There was a first aid station placed next to that area for obvious reasons. The skaters were clearly amateurs and we couldn't really tell how they were being rated, but it was entertaining, none-the-less.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

Off to the side, there was a small area set up with games to involve and entertain the crowd between sets. Volunteers participated in a “paper, scissor, rock” competition, a staring contest, and to everyone's surprise, one of the bands set to perform even jumped into a contest — literally. The Bots indulged the crowd by jumping rope with a few volunteers. This was really cool and indicative of the sentiment that we were all there to hang, chill out, and have a good time.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

Another creative aspect of the fest was the live painting showcase.

Alice Mizrachi
photo credit: Bashira Webb

I was fortunate enough to meet Alice Mizrachi (who also goes by the moniker “AM”), a lovely and very talented artist who hails from Queens, NY. She took a brief pause from spray painting to tell us a little about herself and the project she was working on.

Alice Mizrachi
photo credit: Bashira Webb

The theme “Get Free” was Alice's inspiration for the angelic figure, a female with large wings, symbolizing freedom. At first glance, the painting itself was eye-catching but as I gazed, it's beauty also began to invoke emotions. The vibrant colors gave me a sense of urgency, inspiring me to feel loose, uninhibited, and expressive. The large wings inspired tranquility, reassuring me it was safe to relax — the perfect balance!

Mizrachi shares her talent and educates others through an organization in New York City she co-founded in 2007, called YOUNITY. The collective works to provide a forum for female artists to disseminate their ideas and showcase their work to the public at large. YOUNITY currently serves over 120 women worldwide.

Alice will also be creating another masterpiece at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, going down July 5 - 10.

Game Rebellion with a young fan
photo credit: Bashira Webb

The highlight of the day was definitely rock/rap band Game Rebellion.They opted to have their performance at a smaller area set up off to the side of the main stage. This provided a more intimate set, and allowed the band to interact with the crowd.

Before Game Rebelllion graced the mic, Supernatural, born in Indiana but representing Brooklyn, warmed up the crowd by kicking a freestyle that was nothing short of amazing. He dared people to hand him random items and didn't miss a beat incorporating the item into the rap. He was even able to successfully integrate a tampon into his rhyme!

photo credit: Bashira Webb

When Game Rebellion hit the stage, organizers should have set up a first aid station right next to them. Newcomers and devoted followers were welcomed to the “Rebellion” when the lyrics “I love this rebellion with all my soul! / I'm down with this rebellion 'til they put me in a hole!” The crowd went bananas!

The members of the band even went into the crowd and grabbed females to dance with for their song, “Dance Girl.” During the next few songs, a mosh-pit was formed and got a little crazy - but it was all love.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

June 27: The Good, The Bad, And The Unfortunate
Once again, I experienced complete sensory overload: BMX bikes were flying in the air, live music was booming from the speakers, vendors, food, art, spray painting — but the slight difference was that there was more of a hip-hop crowd occupying the park. If we were to describe yesterday's patrons as a “Converse" crowd, today's would be described as an “Air Force One" crowd.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

The musical lineup for the day included Galaxy of Tar, Bad Rabbits, The Memorials, Martin Luther, 24-7 Spies, J*Davey, K-Os, The Cool Kids, and closing out the weekend was none other than Mos Def!

Mos Defphoto credit: Bashira Webb

With an obvious homage to the late Micheal Jackson, Mos was rocking penny loafers, black high-water pants, and pink tube socks. (you know he had to put his own little spin on things) He also wore a Kufi, which for him isn't a far stretch, especially because he performed the very popular “Umi Says,” a song off his Black on Both Sides album.

Unfortunately, as the day rolled on there really wasn't much to keep us occupied. The spray painters were finishing up their walls from the day before, (they weren't given a fresh canvass to create another piece) the intermittent games between music sets were non-existent, and to be honest, it was a bit unorganized.

Attendee protests after being told to toss out his Red Bull
photo credit: Bashira Webb

Areas we were able to access less than 24 hours ago were suddenly “off limits,” privileges we were granted were revoked without reason, and the faces of the fest workers — which had been welcoming and warm — were replaced with frustrating frowns.

Despite these minor setbacks, we loved the fact that we could look into a sea of people and really see the individuality of each person. Whether it was the interesting way someone wore their hair or the way simple accessories were used to create their style, it seemed as if everyone was able to capture your attention one way or another.

photo credit: Bashira Webb

The music was amazing, but the opportunity to partake in the experience of a live band with people who equally share your enthusiasm for the performance was priceless.

For more on how the Afro-Punk "movement" began, check out this video:

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Do you want more performance recaps from the 2010 Afro-Punk Festival? We've got you covered.

Tags 2010 Afro-Punk Festival, Alice Mizrachi, review, Younity