Shake your [pirate] booty
I’ve always found Treasure Island alluring in a high-seas adventure sort of way, yet I’ve crossed the Bay Bridge countless times without ever stopping to explore it. Finally, the island is fulfilling its swashbuckling appeal as the host of the first Treasure Island Music Festival, which takes place this weekend, on September 15 on 16.
Not since the 1939 Treasure Island Fair—which featured scantily clad beauties at The Sally Rand “Nude Ranch,” a cigarette-smoking robot, and a thousand-pound fruitcake—has this place seen such a good time. It’s only Monday, but I’m already thinking about the amazing two-day line-up—featuring seafaring fellows Modest Mouse and personal favorites Built to Spill, Spoon, and Sea Wolf. I’m also super stoked to check out some of the crafty sideshow activities: Be sure to check out the poster art show (where you’ll find limited edition prints from Lil Tuffy and nice guy Jason Munn of The Small Stakes) and make your own button at One Inch Round’s interactive booth. Local designers be+cause, Nopal, 5733, and Like Minded People will be peddling their wares, and in addition to the music, attendees can enjoy plenty of live art, a Ferris wheel, a vintage video game arcade, and other carnival curiosities.
And it just wouldn’t be a Treasure Island Festival without a treasure hunt. Ever since I fell in love with Sean Astin in The Goonies, I’ve longed to brave some booby traps, a dream I’ll be able to fulfill with one of the festival’s treasure hunts. I wonder if there’ll be any Baby Ruths involved?
Bonus: The Treasure Island Music Festival isn’t just some drunken pirate party. This festival has a conscience. Zero-emission buses will transport folks to the island, biodiesel generators will provide power, and all “consumables” will be biodegradable or recyclable. Toss your pre-iPhone mobile at the cell phone recycling drop-off, and feel good knowing that national non-profit Rock and Wrap it Up! will deliver any un-sold prepared food to Bay Area shelters. The Sustainable Living Roadshow will also be on hand to provide some good ol’ eco-tent revivalism.
Spent your last gold coin on rum? Volunteer to help Clean Vibes swab the decks and boogie down for free. Arrrgh.
