TVD Live Shots: Riot Fest, 9/16

2:03PM: Punk Rock and Paintbrushes has a pretty sweet little gallery tent to the left of Riot Fest’s Roots Stage. It’s filled with musician originals, including work from Dave Navarro, Chad Smith, Matt Skiba and more.

2:34PM: Jehnny Beth is a force. Her solo work is less punk rock and more industrial than her work with Savages. No one seems to care about the rain; all eyes are on her as she caps off her set with an excellent cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.”

3:19PM: At least 30 couples are getting married at Riot Fest this weekend and I just got to witness one of them. Congrats to the happy newlyweds, who if I’m not mistaken, were both named Brynn!

3:36PM: You can always expect to see the following at Riot Fest: mohawks, witty t-shirts, black on black on black, Doc Martens, kilts, tattoos for days, lots of eyeliner. And today: juggalos and juggalettes.

4:02PM: “We’re Sweden’s third worst band,” lead singer of the Viagra Boys, Sebastian Murphy, jokes. Their dance punk set is a party and the crowd surfers are out.

5:00PM: With Head Automatica, Daryl Palumbo explores his indie rock side. It’s a different vibe than the hardcore style of Glassjaw, but compelling nonetheless.

5:16PM: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls have attracted a massive crowd over at the Rise Stage. With confessional lyrics and an energetic stage presence, I can see why.

6:00PM: Wow it’s Death Grips! In daylight! And on time! This is a treat, as the hip hop/metal trio has been known to bail on shows. They’re here today and reminding everyone of why they have such a cult following. Their sound is distinctive and defies genre.

6:23PM: Eshu Tune, better known as Hannibal Burress, has crafted a bunch of hip hop songs that are not only solid grooves, but laugh-out-loud funny as well. After covering “Our God is an Awesome God” he jokes, “I’m actually an atheist but hits are hits.”

7:09PM: I feel like 100 gecs might be a little off tonight? Tired? Their fans will surely disagree with me, but I’ve seen them enough to wonder.

7:32PM: It’s always fun to catch Pennywise at Riot Fest. Vocalist Jim Lindberg butters us up: “I don’t mean to pander to the photographers, but this is the most attractive bunch I’ve ever seen.” He’s obviously got fantastic taste.

8:45PM: Word around the park is that Insane Clown Posse is 15 minutes late. The crowd is restless, apparently eager to get doused in Faygo.

9:03PM: Metal supergroup Mr. Bungle is closing down the Rise Stage. Mike Patton on vocals, Scott Ian on guitar, and Dave Lombardo on drums? Not too damn shabby.

9:20PM: Around the corner from Mr. Bungle is The Postal Service, who’re playing their wonderful 20-year old album, Give Up, in full. It’s a gentle way to end the night, singing along as Ben Gibbard bounces and Jenny Lewis sways.

JEHNNY BETH