 Let’s rock, baby!Wanna really get involved in a large-scale, live music performance in Taiwan? I’m not talking about concerts here. If you are crazy about rock and feel that it runs through your veins, you can’t miss out on these open-air life performances while you are in Taiwan!
Though our rock history is not as legendary as Glastonbury’s, listening to open-air live performances, soaking in the warm sunshine and gentle breezes is quite incomparable. Spring Scream (http://www.springscream.com/), held in Kenting annually, is one of the biggest rock festivals in Taiwan. Two Americans are responsible for organizing the f estival, Jimi and Wade, both of whom are currently living in Taiwan with their families. They are musicians and artists too, and have formed several bands together, like Dribdas, TexMexSexHex, Tongue, Cat-tail, Dirt Star, and .22. The idea started off initially only as a small gathering with their band buddies, where they could play their music, camp by the beach, make new friends, reunite with old friends and enjoy the scenic view at the same. Now, it has grown into a major event which is the talk of every spring. Fans of Taiwan indie music! Don’t miss out on Spring Scream. This rock extravaganza offers western music as well as the local indie music. Just go there and enjoy the high. In addition to Spring Scream, there are several other musical parties and activities in the area, such as trance and hip-hop, but none of them can out-shake Spring Scream. Hohaiyan (http://www.7-11.com.tw/event/07hohaiyan/index.htm), on the other hand, is normally launched in July. It was the brainchild of the head of the Information Office of Taipei County and head of the Taiwan Colors Music label, Mr. Chang, who has created a cornucopia of activities that make this annual party a veritable Woodstock of the East. Taipei County is host to the Taiwan Hohaiyan Festival in coastal Gongliao. Best of all, you can soak in the ever-changing musical styles of local and Western groups; the creativity of Taiwan folks is on show everywhere, on stage and bursting out all about you with gale force. The most interesting part about the festival is that a huge stage is built for live performances on the internal and external beaches of Fu-Long Beach Park. The admission is totally free. From noon to night, you can stay there during the scorching summer, with the cool ocean, sparkling sand and exciting music. The festival started in 2002. Local and foreign prestigious bands invited to perform on the Big Blue Major Stage have become mainstream players in the Taiwan’s indie music field. Formoz Festival (http://www.formoz.com/), also launched every July, is held inside the Children Recreational Center in Taipei. There are around 6 to 7 stages. The lineup includes both local and international bands, and rock/indie fans are thrilled to have this weekend long festival, famed for its cultural and musical diversity. With large doses of heavy rock and punk, Formoz features every conceivable genre of music from ambient to ska and from psychobilly to more mainstream oriented pop, attracting a lot of fans and media from other countries. Wanna know more? Go and experience the festivals yourself! |
