Occupy Wall Street Named Best Music Festival Of 2011

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| Published Oct 25, 2011

Story by Cory Soukup

As the Occupy Wall Street protest rages in New York, the organizers have received thrilling news: the protest has been named music festival of the year. With performances by Jeff Mangum, Talib Kwelli, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and an appearance by Kanye West, the festival has turned some heads.

With no set times or lineup it is truly an indie festival, free from the oppressive confines of organization and planning. One anonymous protester said, “People can just be free and do whatever they want. It’s magical.”

Festival Organizer Fig Mortenson has high hopes for the future of this festival, as well.
“We’ve created something truly unique. Without announcing who’s going to play and when, it creates a great deal of excitement. What we need to do is plan for the future, though.”
Mortenson said he is working on installing several stages throughout the area.

“Right now we’re talking to Frito-Lay about sponsoring our main stage and Royal Crown Cola might spring for another.” The Frito-Lay stage and fan experience tent are scheduled to go up in about a week, Mortenson added. But he expressed concern about booking bigger acts.
“We’ve had a lot of indie bands so far. Even though these are great musically, they don’t necessarily bring in a lot of people. So we’re going to start bringing in more popular bands.” The festival has only been able to confirm Hank Williams Jr. will play, but they’ve reportedly been in talks with Slipknot and Nickelback.

Some are worried the festival is losing its roots by having bands instead of solo shows. Mortenson said he is aware of the concerns, but that “they shouldn’t worry. The RC Cola Stage will have smaller, solo shows. Right now the brother in Hanson that plays drums will headline each night.”

Tickets will now be required to enter the grounds and start at $150.