NOW THAT BOTH Lollapalooza and Ozzfest have forgone the touring format for a less rigorous single event, it might seem that the summer music festival is no more. But the Vans Warped Tour remains a musical juggernaut with dozens of punk, metal and alternative acts performing on multiple stages, plus extreme sports, video gaming, eco-friendly initiatives and various other activities.
Here's a look at some of the bands, boards and other controlled chaos you can find when the tour comes to town next week.
Bands: Over the years, the Warped Tour has hosted bands ranging from Rancid and the Buzzcocks to Eminem and No Doubt. This year offers an equally disparate assortment of acts, with headliners like Angels & Airwaves (fronted by Blink-182 alum Tom DeLonge), Story of the Year and psychobilly act the HorrorPops. But joining the usual suspects are heavier acts such as the Dillinger Escape Plan and Georgia's own Norma Jean, as well as electronica-tinged bands such as the Secret Handshake and 3OH!3.
Extreme sports: Skateboarding has always been part of the show, so expect halfpipes set up for some skate and bike action. This year you can see some of the top local amateur athletes in action as prequalified skaters compete for cash prizes.
Reverse daycare: For parents who can't tell the Pink Spiders from the Gym Class Heroes, this Warped Tour mainstay gives them a place to get away from the heat and noise. And much like a baby sitter, when the kids drop their parents off at this tent there will be beverages, massages and movies to keep them occupied.
Gaming: If there's anything the kids like more than rock 'n' roll it's video games. At this year's Warped Tour, gamers can become virtual rock stars via the Xbox 360 game "Rock Band." They can also challenge Warped Tour bands, pick up free passes to see the upcoming movie "The Rocker" and possibly even perform onstage with their favorite band.
> THE 411: Vans Warped Tour. $29.50. 11 a.m. July 9. Lakewood Amphitheatre, 2002 Lakewood Way, Lakewood Park. 404-443-5000, www.warpedtour.com.
