By José Gandue @Gandour Photos by Oscar Perfer @oscarperfer
And yes, a new edition is back! Rock al Parque. From August 18th to 20th, we'll return to Simón Bolívar Park for the largest free public festival this side of the world. A festival that breaks with the established norms of private events., since it has a margin of risk in its curatorship, Since it doesn't have to cover its costs at the box office, it always has surprises worth seeing on its posters.
This year was no exception, and some noteworthy luxuries were observed among its international guests. Among the most prominent figures, the following stand out:, Lee Ranaldo, a prominent member of the defunct American band Sonic Youth, who brings their best experimental sound, a much-needed energy amidst so much obvious noise. With the same bold spirit, we'll see the Mexicans Descartes to Kant and, from Brazil, to Liniker e os Caramelows, The first trans artist in the history of Rock al Parque (we'll see how the discriminatory hordes of a few fascist characters who are out there react when they find out about this). We'll have a happy Spanish invasion, thanks to the program's support. Spain-Colombia Cultural Focus and to the exchange with some of the most important events on the Iberian Peninsula, bringing bands like Bullet (a mix of grunge, stoner rock, hardcore and punk), Quentin Gas & Los Zíngaros (psychedelic rock with flamenco influences) and The Wonderful Orchestra of Alcohol (folk, country, punk, and rock) among others. The dancing is provided by groups such as Dancing Mood, from Argentina, Chico Trujillo, from Chile, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, from Japan and Jupiter & Okwess, From Congo. And of course, plenty of metal, as always, with top-level representatives like the Swedes. Dark Tranquillity y Suicide Silence From the United States. In short, a good selection of international artists, with all kinds of sounds. That said, we're waiting for a major surprise to complete the list (Will it happen?).
There isn't much to say about the Colombian side, as we're waiting for the results of the district auditions next week. However, the festival's national guests include... Massacre, a classic death metal band celebrating 30 years of history, Farce, one of the best ska punk bands in the country, and from Cali Naked in a Coma, One of the most striking proposals in alternative rock right now. The Bogotá-based event has managed to select an interesting lineup of local bands, including artists already recognized in the Colombian music scene such as Alfonso Espriella, Skampida, V for Volume, Peach, Mad Tree, Distraction and even a classic, never before seen on the Rock al Parque stage: Ship.
In the coming days, we'll delve into the detailed information about Rock a Parque 2018. There are several topics to discuss in depth., But it's best to wait until, as the days go by, we have more information about the organization this year. This is an event that, despite the attacks and bad press that some want to impose, remains the favorite party of Colombian rockers and, without exaggeration, a point of coexistence and respect., a democratic act in its best expression.
