Grand Mint Fest to Bring Fresh Tunes
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Grand Mint Festival 2009 (GMF 2009) will offer Seoulites another year of interesting lineups and distinctive sounds at the Olympic Park from Oct. 24 to 25.
Although the event is only in its third year, many music fans have noticed the unique concept of the festival: enjoying good music in the middle of a park on a nice breezy autumn day with friends and family.
``We have not changed the overall concept of the festival, which is to bring a picnic-like music festival where visitors can appreciate the city of Seoul,'' festival organizers said through a press release.
The festival is divided into four separate stages ― the Mint Breeze Stage, Club Midnight Sunset, Loving Forest Garden and the Caf? Blossom House.
The Mint Breeze Stage is situated in the middle of a grass park that can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators.
The Club stage will be located in the Fencing Stadium, where organizers have arranged a feast of music and visual art, while the Loving Forest Garden will be near the '88 Lake. Fans can also enjoy music with a cup of tea or coffee at the Caf? Blossom House, right next to the Mint Breeze Stage, during artist changeovers.
This year's so-called ``festival guy'' is Kim Jae-wook, the model-turned-actor who appeared in the popular television drama ``Coffee Prince'' and the movie ``Antique.'' The actor will meet fans for the first time at the Club Midnight Sunset stage after forming a band called Walrus.
This year's lineup has brought singers and bands from near and far, including Korea, Japan, Germany and even Sweden.
The festival will open on the Mint Breeze Stage with rock group Bulldog Mansion. The first day's lineup includes English indie rock band the Cribs, Korean pop group Sweet Sorrow and Swedish singer Lasse Lindh, while the Oct. 25 performances will feature Lee Juck ― who won four awards at the 2008 Korean Music Awards including the Album of Year ― R&B singer Whee Sung and German singer Maximilian Hecker. The GMF 2009 will be a special night for Whee Sung, as the singer will play for his fans for the first time since releasing his latest album, ``Vocalate.'' Not only will the 27-year-old offer new numbers from the album, but also hits from his seven-year career.
Rock fans will have a treat at the Club Midnight Sunset stage, as singers and bands, such as My Aunt Mary, Peppertines, Super Kidd and Hideki Kaji, will hit the stage and offer their energetic numbers.
Enjoy a more classical and jazzy evening at the Loving Forest Garden, which features artists Joe Won-sun, Yozoh, Pudditorium and even model-turned-singer Jang Yoon-ju. American indie singer Denison Witmer will join local artist Lee Ji-hyung for his performance, while Japanese bossa nova group Naomi & Goro will also perform. Bands Sorri, Plastic People and Tune will keep the music going between group changes.
Along with the colorful lineups of singers and groups, GMF 2009 has also arranged special events and booths for visitors who need more than just music. For ladies, there will be a Beauty Zone where they can find booths lined with cosmetic brands and more. Enjoy various games and events at the Entertainment Zone, or take a break from all the performances at the Food Zone, cafes and the Slowlife Zone.
Tickets for two days cost 88,000 won reserved and 95,000 won at the event, while one day tickets cost 55,000 won reserved and 60,000 won at the gate. For more information, visit www.grandmintfestival.com .