Venus Zine's Official A to Z Guide to Siren Music Fest

An A-Z overview of the can’t-miss action

By Melissa Bobbitt
Published: July 12th, 2009 | 9:40pm

Ready for summer's ultimate dichotomy? Hear futuristic tunes at a locale that's a real blast from the past when the annual Siren Music Festival invades the Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn on Saturday, July 18. Amid the ear candy (and cotton candy), here's Venus Zine’s official A-Z lowdown of what you can expect from this season's quintessential outing.

Antonson, Paul: The artist behind the official Siren Fest poster mashes all the elements of the event into one bold, bright piece: The boardwalk's kooky characters ride a roller coaster straight through a prism of musical wonders. Antonson has also contributed artwork to the Wall Street Journal and New York Press.

Bear Hands: These Brooklynites won't have to travel far to grace the Siren crowds with their delectable brand of chilled-out rock. The glistening tunes off their Golden EP are smarter than the average band. They hit the Stillwell Stage at 2:30 p.m.

Coney Island: This historic amusement park, home to the Siren Fest, can make the most jaded hipster feel like a kid again. Gorge yourself on carnival grub, hit up the world-famous Cyclone coaster, and check out fishy friends at the aquarium (additional fees required).

Dogs: As in, don't bring 'em. Sure, your prized pooch might like a stroll by the seaside while on a leash, but the festival folks are suggesting Fido might not be too privy to the relentless rock pouring from the site.

Early After Party: In keeping with the theme of feeling like a kid, flash back to when your 18+ parties kicked off at 9 p.m. Siren's doing just that with a shindig at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with blues-meisters Francis and the Lights headlining. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door.

Future of the Left: A trio of U.K. jesters armed with scratchy vox, mean ol' guitars, and urgent synths, Future of the Left are going to be the perfect midday pick-me-up on the Stillwell Stage at 4:30 p.m.

Grand Duchy: Frank Black and Violet Clark keep it in the family. The Pixies provocateur and his lady love have collaborated on one of 2009's most striking albums, Petit Fours (Blackseal). With Black’s pedigree and Clark’s ethereal vocals, they're a match made in alternarock heaven. Catch them on the Main Stage at 5:00 p.m.

Hairy Men: Behold the power of facial fuzz! Doug Martsch and his wily whiskers command indie rock veterans Built To Spill on the Main Stage's headlining spot at 7:30 p.m. Revel oh scene boys and weep, for your feather-light 'staches are unworthy of such follicular royalty and buzz-saw jams.

Inclement Weather: Being a seaside event, the Siren Music Fest been known to foster some strange climates. The 2006 version was especially erratic: drenching rain one minute, unforgiving sun the next. Tuck away an umbrella just in case the forecast calls for it.

Justine D: This true New Yorker is serving up an all-day helping of confectionary jams at her DJ booth on the Main Stage. Her bio stresses that she's an aficionado of fresh bands, so her sets are going to be the ideal place for exposure to the hippest of hip.

King, Brian: One-half of Vancouver's Japandroids, King slings a frenetic ax while David Prowse clangs away on the drums. Their guttural garage sound lights the Main Stage afire at 3:00 p.m.

Lizardman and friends: Watch others' freak flags fly at the Coney Island Sideshow (additional admission fee). Sure, you could probably see questionable piercings on your fellow Siren Festers for free, but you'd be missing out on oddities like the aforementioned scaly dude and the sexy bartender that shoots flames from her mouth!

Monotonix: Bringing their hot, hot heat all the way from Israel, these three amigos embody the fun, crass excesses of rock. Trust us, the drummer doesn't go by "Bonanza" for nothing — he's known to crowd-surf and still keep a beat. They invade the Stillwell Stage at 6:30 p.m.

Nathan's Hot Dogs: It would be blasphemy to spend a day on Coney Island and not grab a Nathan's dog. These puppies are renowned for their zest. Just ask 2008 World Champion wiener eater Joey Chestnut.

Oh Sees, Thee: Those rapscallions Thee Oh Sees! Since their 1997 inception, they've changed their name umpteen times. But what's consistent is their pulsating psychadelia. Hop along for a magic ride at 3:30 p.m. at the Stillwell Stage.

Place to Bury Strangers, A: Want to experience a living, breathing wall of sound? These Brooklyn boys will melt your face and eardrums with their sonic assault, but it's a good hurt reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine. Feel the noise 5:30 p.m. at the Stillwell Stage.

Quietly Now!: Scotland's Frightened Rabbit put out this live acoustic album last year after garnering mass media attention for their brilliant blend of everyman appeal and shuffling indie groove. Chase 'em down at the Main Stage at 4:00 p.m.

Raveonettes: Great Danes Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo have perfected that 1960s cool aesthetic, and from the looks of the demos-in-progress they've recently shared with fans, the best is yet to come for the duo. Get fuzzy with them 6:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.

"Silly Boy": The title to the Blue Van's absolutely irresistible summer jam. Kind of like The Darkness without the camp or scary unitards, these Danish dandies grace the Stillwell Stage at 1:30 p.m.

Tiny Masters of Today: Don't deride these youngsters as some novelty. They got David Bowie's seal of approval! If you like perky pop with a slice of teenage sassiness, check them out at 1:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Un-ironic Playlists: The DJ mecca known as Deadheat attracts some of the most eclectic tastes in town. Mix masters Dave Renard and Suge White have been known to spin Neil Young one second, then P-Funk the next. They'll be keeping folks on their toes all day on the Stillwell Stage.

Village Voice: Known as one of the nation's premier free-spirited publications, Village Voice is the creator and curator of all things Siren, which launched in 2001. Nothing says New York like this brainchild of Norman Mailer.

Weird Instruments: Light bulbs and vacuum cleaners are usually things you'd find in Sears, but English experimentalists Micachu & the Shapes employ these and other random objects as music makers. Come see what's sure to be a fascinating gig on the Main Stage at 2:00 p.m.

Xenophilia: What's better than bonding with new friends over the wide world of music? With bands coming from multiple continents and New York being one of the greatest melting pots on the planet, it's the perfect place to smile on your brother and try to love one another right now.

YoYoYoYoYo: On what may be the most amazingly titled album ever, rapper Spank Rock delivers thick beats and comical riffs. He gets the party pumpin' with his cohort Armani XXXchange at 8:00 p.m. on the Stillwell Stage.

Zero: Yep, Siren Fest doesn't charge admission. So no excuses! Get out there and get into the groove (earlier rather than later because the stages do get crowded).