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2:15 THE HEAT IS ON

People, it is h-o-t at Vinoy Park. If you’re planning on heading out, make sure you drink lots of water and bring plenty of cash. Bottles of the H2O are selling for $3 while Gatorade is going for $4.

There is a host of fried food vendors and even some good ice drinks. And of course, beer. Still, there isn’t much shade, so lather on the sunscreen, throw on some sunglasses and get ready to do some walking.

And bring your umbrella; it looks like it might just start raining again. A thundercloud is rolling in, and its making plenty of noise.

2 PM UNITED WE STAND

Unite the United, an off shoot of non-profit Take Action was the driving force behind the tour with a heart. The organization made sure non-profits had more than enough space and plenty exposure to young people.

Coordinator Sumner Komro wanted to make sure they put their mission into action.

“We’re doing the best we can to green the tour than just branding it as such,” he said.

1:50 PM BIG D

JR, the drummer for the band Big D & The Kids Table, had some time before his gig on the Hurley Stage 5:15 p.m.

He’s happy to be playing a show every day, and he really enjoys being outdoors. This is his third year on the tour, and his fourth year with the band.

“Never think you can’t be on a tour,” he said. “You’d be surprised what you can do.”

1:40 PM FOREVER SICK

Forever the Sickest Kids, a slick pop/rock outfit all the way from Dallas, took to a side stage and worked it. Good tunes, great energy and one heck of a devoted crowd.

And oh yeah, they signed with Universal/Motown. Not too bad.

1:30 PM GO GREEN

Erin Gorski was trying to beat the heat under her solar powered tent that helped operate gadgets from small fans to laptops.

Gorski, who helps coordinate the Warped Eco Initiatives was busy making sure the grounds were kept clean.

“We have a lot of stuff going on and it’s important we’re here,” she said.

She also encouraged concertgoers to bring her 10 recyclables (bottles or cans). Those who did would be entered to win an eco-adventure with Jacques Cousteau’s grandson in South Florida later this year.

1:15 PM MARROW SAVES

By early afternoon, the Vans Warped Tour was officially underway. The rains cleared out and humidity set in. Still the crowds kept coming in, wandering from stage to stage.

At the Music Saves Lives tent, nestled in between a number of non-profit agencies promoting their causes, were Jillian Morris and Jesse Bustos, feverishly signing people up to be bone marrow donors.

They average roughly 130 registrants per day during the tour. Scared? Don’t be. You sign up, swab your cheek, and you’re on your way. Besides, if you sign up you get VIP access to a number of the bands. 

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