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Tour Warps Vinoy Park With All-Day Concert

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By JESSICA DaSILVA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 12, 2008

Updated: 07/12/2008 12:14 am

ST. PETERSBURG - Despite sizzling heat, the threat of rain and overpriced refreshments, an army of punk rockers flocked to Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg for the 14th annual Van's Warped Tour.

Almost 60 bands participated in the all-day concert, which had six stages that simultaneously featured one band each for half-hour sets. The two main stages spotlighted more popular artists such as Relient K, Story of the Year and Reel Big Fish.

Although temperatures were in the 90s, audiences still managed to dance, jump, sing and cheer along with artists throughout the day, though their black clothing stuck to their wet bodies and dripping sweat threatened to wash away their makeup.

Jeremy Yeisley and Justina Vasquez, both 14 and from Clearwater, found a way to beat the heat when they happened upon a chunk of ice the size of a small dog. The two held the jagged block in their hands while watching Cobra Starship perform in fluorescent shirts on the Van's Highway 1 stage. This is the ninth concert they've been to together.

"We're concert buddies," Jeremy said.

One of the bands Jeremy and Justina were looking forward to was We the Kings, an indie power pop band from Bradenton.

"We wouldn't be here if it weren't for the local fans," guitarist Hunter Thomsen said. "They're the ones who sent us around the country and even around the U.K."

Reporter Jessica DaSilva can be reached at (813) 259-7851 or jdasilva@tampatrib.com.

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