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the 2008 Coney Island Siren Festival in pictures (part 2)

photos by Bao Nguyen

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

The year’s festival could be the last in its established location. As usual the bands played on two stages on parallel streets leading to the boardwalk. The main stage was so close to the landmark Cyclone rollercoaster that drumrolls could easily segue into the clatter of the coaster rounding a turn.

Siren isn’t the most comfortable of rock festivals. The sound systems are mediocre and the pedestrian routes between the stages are irrational. But Siren does place the tattooed-nerd fashion sense of indie rock in the diverting context of Coney Island’s other freaks and sideshows.

A prospective redevelopment, replacing the old amusement area, could break ground next year. The rides of Astroland, next to the Siren main stage, were supposed to close forever last year, but reopened this year in a reprieve. The area’s fate is still hanging. “It’s my first time here,” said Kevin Drew, the leader of Broken Social Scene, as the band ended its set. “I don’t want it to be the last.”
[NY Times]

Part 1 HERE. Polaroids HERE. More pictures below….

Broken Social Scene…

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks…

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

Siren Fest 2008

PREVIOUSLY: the 2008 Coney Island Siren Festival in pictures (part 1)