May 29, 1997|By J.D. Considine
Nationally, Lollapalooza is the biggest name in alternative music festivals. Around here, however, that show generally takes a back seat to the annual 'HFStival.
More than just another radio-station showcase, the 'HFStival -- which takes place Saturday at RFK Stadium in Washington, is something of a musical bellwether, offering an easy way to get in touch with what's new and hip with local listeners. And though there are generally some mighty big names involved, sometimes an unknown act will unexpectedly end up the crowd's big favorite.
This year's package is enormous, with a dozen bands on the main stage inside RFK and eight more on the outer stage. There's a remarkably broad range of bands as well, with everything from vintage new wave to cutting-edge electronica in the mix.
Local heroes Jimmie's Chicken Shack opens the show on the main stage, kick-starting the crowd at 10:45 a.m. Following their lead are the Cardigans, mystic rockers Kula Shaker, a reunited Blondie, the Verve Pipe, the hip-hop pop of Luscious Jackson, Local H, a reunited Echo & the Bunnymen, ska strongmen the Mighty, Mighty Bosstones, space cowboys Jamiroquai, and conceptual genius Beck, with techno wizards the Prodigy bringing the show to a close (it's expected to end around 11 p.m.).
On the outside stage, look for Dismemberment Plan, Poole, Summercamp, K's Choice, Third Eye Blind, Reel Big Fish, Soul Coughing and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Tickets, unfortunately, are long since sold out. Gates open at 10 a.m.
Pub Date: 5/29/97
