The CV Top 5: XPoNential 2010.

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When you go to an established outdoor concert – like last weekend’s blockbuster XPNoNential Festival – you’re fairly certain to see and hear more than a few first class musical performances.  But, there are other experiences that are just as enjoyable.

Here’s my Top 5 (not in any order) non-musical moments from the fest:

XPoNential Music Festival: Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.

Edward Sharpe

From the first chords of The Great Unknown to the final notes from Robert Randolph and The Family Band, the 2010 XPoNential Music Festival provided an incredible day of music in Camden.  This was my first time seeing a show in this city in many, many years and I couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful the waterfront area is and how perfect it was for a music festival.  Between the amazing scenery and XPN’s excellent track record in spotlighting some of the best indie artists around, this is definitely one of the best festivals in the state.

XPoNential Music Festival: Saturday’s Adventures.

Harper Blynn

Disclaimer: There was just TOO MUCH good music at the fest on Saturday.  The exclusion from this article of any artist is due to space limitation and not performance significance.

You hear the phrase “something for everyone” so often that – like most clichés – it eventually loses meaning.  But the XPNoNential Festival, like WXPN itself, does truly serve up a surprisingly wide range of music.  The festival, once called Singer Songwriter Weekend and located on the river’s west side, has been happening for a long time, and to my eyes and ears, just keeps getting better.

Even without the aural delights, the festival is a feast for the senses.  More often than not, there’s a breeze blowing off the river.  And the view – the Philly skyline, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and the ongoing parade of watercraft – is breathtaking.

The best part is that I always discover at least one unfamiliar artist that knocked my socks off and makes me want to immediately buy the CD (yeah, I still do that … buy CDs) and listen to it non-stop for a few weeks.  And, I’m also often reminded of how much I like an artist or band I know already after seeing a performance at the fest.