Punk Rock Summer Camp. That's what Warped Tour is all about. A buffet of bands all ready to rock your striped socks off. Before I go on about the day, I must make this very obvious observation. ATTENTION FASHION DESIGNERS....PLEASE MAKE SUMMER CLOTHES FOR PUNK ROCKERS!!! I was punk rock long before these kids were even born, so if anyone wants to gripe about what I am about to say....well...please THINK about it first. Arrived at The Gorge at around 10am and was on the shuttle by 11am, which was full of teen punkers. They were all fully clothed and in black. Hello? It was already 75 degrees by 11am and the day was only going to get hotter. Why on earth would anyone want to wear black pants, black t-shirts and accessories on a day like this? I mean is there some sort of rule about wearing summer attire? Honestly, I looked around shaking my head in disbelief that these kids would stay that true to their fashion statements. So kudos to the kids in black who allowed their pasty white skin to become burnt by the sun.

Shortly after arriving in the press trailer, I soon learned that most of my day was booked with interviews.

The first interview was with lead singer Geoff, of Thursday. It went very well and set the day off to a good start. I elaborate more on the interviews and include photo's on the INTERVIEW page. So bascially I spent most of the day backstage, which has it's own unique perspective of Warped Tour. I took this photo of the food tent on the backstage deck. You can barely see the bands, but they are all taking in the view, and what a view it was!

I met Deb who was the "mani/pedi" girl...(that's manicure & pedicure for those of us not familiar with it). She was awesome, she also led a yoga class. Yoga & Manicures at Warped Tour. Not the thing you'd expect, but cool nonetheless. Here's beautiful Deb.

Apparently at some point, Fat Mike (NOFX) posted this on the production trailer door for everyone to see. I have no idea who the photo is of, but it brought some good laughs. So now we have manicures, pedicures, yoga and bible study.

I think my own personal highlight of the day was being given the opportunity to shoot all the bands from the stage, as well as from the pit. I had brief moments of feeling like a rockstar, standing there while they played. I was able to see what they see, that's a first. I took as many shots of the crowd as I could to show how the bands see the crowdsurfers. The following is a series of these shots.

I was also able to catch Fat Mike doing his best at playing the keyboards with Thursday.

A candid moment with NOFX, Anti-Flag & Aiden

Something extremely cool hapened backstage.This guy won a contest where he was able to come backstage and get the guitar he won signed. He used this opportunity to propose to his girlfriend. How freaking romantic is that? Here's the happy couple and the guitar.

I can't forget Renee, the" Aussie DJ".. We hung out most of the day together doing interviews. Fat Mike was kind enough to fart into both our microphones. That's bloody talent! A special Thank You to Amanda, you made the day !!

As always, Warped Tour was a plethora of fun. Can't wait till next year!

By Jenn Dohner

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