Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
I magine a concert where all your favorite bands are together at one huge venue. You're surrounded by your fellow fans, perhaps thrashing around in the pit, and all you feel is pure bliss. The sun beats down on you as you head out of the pit for an ice cold beer at the beer tent. Where else could you possibly be if you're not at Vans Warped Tour? This one of a kind even features music and extreme sports put together in one great atmosphere. The tour is held across 26 states and even a few shows in Canada are sprinkled in feature today's top riders and entertainers alike. Long time staple of the California counter culture Vans Warped Tour is now in its 16th year and is gaining momentum as shows get bigger and the expanse of the tour broadens. As of the mid-2000s, Warped Tour has featured as many as 100 bands per show and 2010 is no different. Numerous headliners will be topping the list of greats slated to partake in this years tour including 3OH!3, Alkaline Trio, Everclear, Face to Face, Motion City Soundtrack, Pennywise and many many more. The bands usually play for up to 30 minutes over approximately 10 stages, although the biggest bands generally play the two main stages. Bands typically start at 11:00 a.m. and end around 9:00 p.m., with several bands playing at once. That's right if you aren't feeling the band you are watching all you have to do is head over to a different stage! In addition to the music and sports Warped Tour also offers a virtual tent city of different vendors and merch booths selling a variety of different items. If you want a Pennywise T-shirt then it's just a hop skip and a jump away. Looking to pick up the Everclear CD? Just head over to their tent and you'll be listening to it on the way home. Also available is beer and other refreshments, offering up a cool release from the summer sun. If you missed the kick off of the tour at Home Depot Center on June 25th there's no need to worry. Vans Warped tour offers stops across the country and even some in Canada in addition to several other shows in California. Now even if you get dragged on a boring family vacation you can escape from your annoying little siblings at the Warped Tour, even if only for just a day. So whether you are in Pennsylvania or Texas, Ohio or New Jersey the Warped Tour has a stop near you. For those of you sticking around this summer, Warped Tour has you covered too with several Cali shows: Tue Aug 10-Cricket Amphitheatre San Diego, CA Wed Aug 11-Pomona Fairplex Pomona, CA Thurs Aug 12-Sleep Train Amphitheatre Marysville, CA If it's hard to keep up with all the times and dates, and which band is playing on which stage don't worry. Vans Warped Tour also has an iPhone and Android app to make it easier to manage set times and signings so you never miss a single song. They also have a mobile site: m.vanswarpedtour.com for everyone with a mobile browser helping you capitalize on your experience and to most of all have some FUN!! 16 years of doing this and Warped Tour still insists that they couldn't do it without you, the fans! In addition to all the great stuff going on, Vans Warped Tour also participates along side numerous non-profit business and charities. Since its inception, the Vans Warped Tour has supported many different charitable causes one of those being Camp Hollywood HEART. This camp brings hope, education, art, recreation and teamwork to children who wouldn't otherwise have opportunities for summer camp, movie making or life skills enhancement. For all us Californians Feed Our Children Now will be at the front gate of every stop on Vans Warped Tour 2010 and encourages concert goers to bring three items of food or donate $5.00 to get a cut pass wristband for special entry. There will also be other non-profits such as the Unite the United Foundation, Incredibly Green and Warped Eco providing green thinking tips and much more. Tickets vary per venue but generally start at around $35 for general admission and can be purchased online and sometimes at the venue gates (if not previous sold out which is uncommon). Visit www.vanswarpedtour.com for any questions and information. This year make sure you visit one of the longest running Tours in counter culture as they cross they US. With everything from food and merch, to great bands and charitable causes Vans Warped Tour is a must on everyone's July to-do list. A WARPED PERSPECTIVE June 25 - August 15, 2010 By: Tyler Andrews 42 LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10