In another place and another time, Hawaiian Tom might have named rivers or
cities after himself, but in present-day Taiwan, he is satisfied with a
namesake that's a big, rockin' party: Tomstock. First held at Tom's house
six years ago, Tomstock has slowly grown into something of a legend.
According to the stories of those who're returned, more often than not
wobbling back down the slopes of Yangmingshan, it takes on the ring of the
kind of house party they make movies about.
This year there will be nine bands, and pretty much all of them will feed
the upbeat, summertime, outdoor, party vibe. The groups include ska from the
Walltigers, longtime aboriginal rocker Goumao (狗毛), groove rock and soul
from Chungli bands the Anglers and the Smoking Cones, triphop and live funk
from Sister, Dexter and English, and jamaholic bands Cricket and Gravity.
The fest begins tomorrow at 3pm, and the bands will go until midnight. At
that point, the organizers say it is likely that people will stick around
banging pots and pans and African drums, praying for rain.
Admission is NT$300, and beer and food will be available at reasonable
prices, though bringing your own is freely permitted. Tom's house is located
north of Taipei on Yangmingshan at 150 Yungkung Rd., Lane 245, Alley 34
(永公路245巷34弄150號). Practical strategies toward getting there include
taking the MRT to Shihlin Station (士林站), then taking a taxi, or driving
up Chungshan N. Rd. (中山北路) to Chungcheng Rd. (中正路), where you make a
right and continue up the mountain.
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