Post by Tin on Apr 22, 2008 9:34:25 GMT -5
www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2008_04/0422082.htm
Festival Imperial closes in style
By Rob Bartlett
Tico Times Staff | editorial@ticotimes.net
Costa Rica rocks: A reveler gives a warm, hard-rock salute at Festival Imperial in La Guácima, north of San José, which drew more than 45,000 people in two days, according to its organizers. Yesterday saw Porpartes, Zoé, Enrique Iglesias, Seal and Duran Duran.
Following the success of its opening Saturday, Costa Rica's Festival Imperial closed late Sunday after another series of concerts from top international acts, including Seal and Duran Duran.
The day opened with a show by Mexican alternative band Zoé, who put on a popular show that perhaps deserved to be higher on the bill. This was followed by a set from Costa Rican group Porpartes, cheered loudly by the enthusiastic crowd.
Just like on Saturday, a Costa Rican ensemble played a selection of the country's classic pop songs before the night's major acts swung into gear.
First up was British singer-songwriter Seal, who produced what was arguably the performance of the festival. Dressed all in white, the star's huge stage presence, and willingness to interact, including some basic Spanish and a walk about down from the stage, really galvanized the crowd.
“We are very happy to be here and are so pleased that you invited us,” he said. “There is only one rule this evening: fun.”
The thousands of fans packed into La Guácima obeyed the rule, singing along to hits such as “Kiss from a Rose,” “Killer” and “Crazy.”
Next up was Spanish-U.S. pop star Enrique Iglesias, who later confirmed to reporters that he was planning further shows in Central America.
U.K. pop icons Duran Duran, the festival's headliners, closed the show with 1980s hits such as “Planet Earth” and “Hungry like the Wolf,” as well as newer tracks from their latest album “Red Carpet Massacre.”
“I was here yesterday but I think today has been even better,” said Joanna Vinberg, 21, a Swedish exchange student. “Today there have been more groups whose songs people know. People have been going a bit crazy,” she added.
Despite the madness, the festival finished without major incident. According to organizers, few people required attention from the Red Cross, and those who did were suffering from minor complaints such as dehydration, sunstroke or minor cuts and bruises.
Organizers had initially predicted 46,000 fans would attend over the two days, but Carlos Cañas, brand manager of Imperial, said more people showed up.
“I believe we surpassed that figure [46,000],” he said. “I think that over the course of the two days around 48,000 or 49,000 people came.”
“The whole organizing team is extremely happy and thrilled with how the event turned out,” he added.
He also confirmed that this year's festival would not be a flash in the pan, music to the ears to fans around the country.
“We don't have a final decision or a date,” he said, “but one thing I can guarantee you is that there will be another Festival Imperial.”
Festival Imperial closes in style
By Rob Bartlett
Tico Times Staff | editorial@ticotimes.net
Costa Rica rocks: A reveler gives a warm, hard-rock salute at Festival Imperial in La Guácima, north of San José, which drew more than 45,000 people in two days, according to its organizers. Yesterday saw Porpartes, Zoé, Enrique Iglesias, Seal and Duran Duran.
Following the success of its opening Saturday, Costa Rica's Festival Imperial closed late Sunday after another series of concerts from top international acts, including Seal and Duran Duran.
The day opened with a show by Mexican alternative band Zoé, who put on a popular show that perhaps deserved to be higher on the bill. This was followed by a set from Costa Rican group Porpartes, cheered loudly by the enthusiastic crowd.
Just like on Saturday, a Costa Rican ensemble played a selection of the country's classic pop songs before the night's major acts swung into gear.
First up was British singer-songwriter Seal, who produced what was arguably the performance of the festival. Dressed all in white, the star's huge stage presence, and willingness to interact, including some basic Spanish and a walk about down from the stage, really galvanized the crowd.
“We are very happy to be here and are so pleased that you invited us,” he said. “There is only one rule this evening: fun.”
The thousands of fans packed into La Guácima obeyed the rule, singing along to hits such as “Kiss from a Rose,” “Killer” and “Crazy.”
Next up was Spanish-U.S. pop star Enrique Iglesias, who later confirmed to reporters that he was planning further shows in Central America.
U.K. pop icons Duran Duran, the festival's headliners, closed the show with 1980s hits such as “Planet Earth” and “Hungry like the Wolf,” as well as newer tracks from their latest album “Red Carpet Massacre.”
“I was here yesterday but I think today has been even better,” said Joanna Vinberg, 21, a Swedish exchange student. “Today there have been more groups whose songs people know. People have been going a bit crazy,” she added.
Despite the madness, the festival finished without major incident. According to organizers, few people required attention from the Red Cross, and those who did were suffering from minor complaints such as dehydration, sunstroke or minor cuts and bruises.
Organizers had initially predicted 46,000 fans would attend over the two days, but Carlos Cañas, brand manager of Imperial, said more people showed up.
“I believe we surpassed that figure [46,000],” he said. “I think that over the course of the two days around 48,000 or 49,000 people came.”
“The whole organizing team is extremely happy and thrilled with how the event turned out,” he added.
He also confirmed that this year's festival would not be a flash in the pan, music to the ears to fans around the country.
“We don't have a final decision or a date,” he said, “but one thing I can guarantee you is that there will be another Festival Imperial.”