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aural cavity located on the sides of the head for insertion
of local music scene |
COMPASS
MAGAZINE, March
2002 |
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Photos and
Text by Karin Parmelee
The
year was 1995. I had been listening to 1970s love songs
in tea shops for five years. There was no Napoli, no Finga's
Italian Restaurant, no Frog III. Taichung didn't have bagels
or a cup of coffee that cost less than NT$150.
I was one of the lucky ones, I think, because my friends
were musicians. I got to listen to jams in my apartment,
in the park and at a few venues around Taiwan, but the favorite
spot was on the beach in Kenting where we would camp under
the trees, look out at the expansive ocean and toss a frisbee
on the sand. We would build a fire, share beers with the
beach patrol and sing until our eyes got heavy and it was
time to sleep. We were having fun, enjoying music, nature
and friendship without spending a lot of money.
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The
year was 1995 when two of these friends, Wade and Jimi, decided
to create a party, to expand these homegrown jams into a "festival".
Well, they invited all the "original music" bands
of Taiwan to come together in Kenting for three days and play
music. The list totaled 20 (everybody got two sets). They
invited performers. The list was composed of one--Ah-Hwan.
They invited people to set up booths. I think there were two,
Chud's dahl stall and "FREE ADVICE from Dille".
That first weekend in April, 1995, Spring Scream was born. |
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Every
year since, during the first weekend in April, Spring Scream
has been in Kenting, each year growing and evolving into what
it is now--a festival that brings together bands, performers,
friends, artists, crafters, dancers, skaters, kite flyers,
vendors (around 100 last year), writers, poets and frisbee
throwers from around the island and the world. The list last
year totaled 120 bands. Not necessarily famous bands, although
some of the "now famous" got their start at Spring
Scream. I think of Scrap Metal, of Sticky Rice, of L.T.K.,
of Back Quarter, of Clippers. The list goes on and on. |
Now, people look forward to Spring Scream
as a place to try out new stuff. Shows are not just about
music, but the whole performance. Costumes, dancers, entrances,
exits, guest performances. Anything (almost) at any time
is possible at Spring Scream.
This year, Spring Scream, Year of the Horse,
will be held April 5,6,7,8.
For all the particulars (location, ticket prices, participation)
check out the website www.springscream.com.
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