Concert: Vans Warped Tour

The Vans Warped Tour, now in its 16th year, is North America’s longest-running touring festival and 2010 is by far the most memorable jaunt yet for the annual punk rock extravaganza. The tour has its finger on the pulse of the hottest acts in diverse genres from punk and metal to rock, pop and hip-hop.

At the Seaside Park stop in Ventura, Calif. on June 27th, more than 90 bands took the stage under an overcast sky and delivered nine hours of live music. With an always rotating and changing line-up throughout the tour dates, fans arrived early and were eager to find out when their favorite acts would be taking the stage.

One of the biggest draws of the day was Andrew W.K., whose set was intense and crazed, but still retained a party atmosphere, as his wife danced around in a metallic leotard. Later that day, punk rockers Sum-41, with frontman Deryck Whibley, got the crowd in such a frenzy that security seemed a bit concerned, but all turned out okay, as the fans just wanted to have some fun.

An interesting addition to the line-up was The Pretty Reckless, a new band fronted by Taylor Momsen, best known as Jenny Humphrey on the CW television series “Gossip Girl.” At age 16, her corset and garters were a bit surprising, but so was the way she commanded the stage, performing pop-flavored rock songs from their recent EP and upcoming album, due in August. Following them, Florida pop-punk group Hey Monday, with 20-year-old female singer Cassadee Pope, showed that they have what it takes to connect with their fans, who were singing along to every word.

Making their only appearance on this year’s tour, hip-hop/rock duo 3OH!3 bounced around the stage, working up the crowd who chanted along with their every word. Closing out the show was The All-American Rejects, whose singer Tyson Ritter (in photo at top right) strutted around the stage in a white suit, performing the band’s infectious rock and roll with a high-energy charisma that got all the girls screaming for more.

The tour runs through August 15th. Go to www.VansWarpedTour.com for tour dates and venues near you.

The All-American Rejects singer Tyson Ritter at the Vans Warped Tour 2010.