There’s a reason the Metallica festival is called Orion Music + More: There’s lots more to do besides catching your favorite bands.
From memorabilia displays to Metallica’s favorite films and skateboard demos, there’s a little something for everyone at the festival set to take place Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24. Grab an update schedule when you get to Bader Field so you don’t miss a thing.
Motorbreath Mini Ramp
Bassist Robert Trujillo of Metallica is offering his love of skateboarding to the festival, and you don’t even need to take a break from the music to check it out. Sponsored by Vans and their team riders, you can catch demos both days of the festival in the middle of it all. You can also check out some Vans and Metallica collaborations on display near the mini ramp. Skaters headed to the event include Tony Alva, Josh Borden, Steve Caballero, Omar Hassan, Christian Hosoi, Johnny Layton, Keegan Sauder, Taylor Smith and Tony Trujillo.
Tales of Kirk’s Crypt
In Kirk’s Crypt, band member Kirk Hammett is bringing his entire collection of horror movie memorabilia, posters, props, monster toys and classic comics. Not for the faint of heart, you’re sure to run into some scary monsters in this section of the festival. Look for Hammett himself paying daily visits to his collection.
Surfin’ in A.C.
Only at Orion Music + More does surfing involve an “all-out air assault.” A group of the world’s best aerialists will be on hand to mix music with the surf and show off some of their skills. You can even stop by the Billabong Oasis Lounge to catch some surf films in the shade.
Museum + Graffiti Art Expo
If you like Metallica — and chances are you do if you’re going to their festival — you’ll enjoy mini museum that features 30 years of band history and memorabilia. Pictures are encouraged here, where you can see James Hetfield’s and Hammett’s original guitars they used to record “Kill ‘em All,” “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets.” Some of famous artist Pushead’s original artwork of Metallica also will be on display, as well as vintage posters, stage props and T-shirts.
Outside the museum, graffiti artists will be transforming the walls into masterpieces over the course of the festival so there will be plenty to keep up with during the show.
Custom Car + Motorcycle Show
Check out 100 customs, hot rods, muscle cars and custom motorcycles during the festival. These will include celebrity automobiles such as James Hetfield’s 1936 Auburn Roadster “Slow Burn” Kustom and 1937 Lincoln Zephyr “Voodoo Priest” Kustom. Entrants will battle for awards including best in show and fan favorite, which you’ll be able to vote for at the festival. Unfortunately, most cars won’t be on for you to enjoy their air conditioning.
Hit the Lights
Lars Ulrich brings his love for film to the festival, with the Hit The Lights Films tent. All films show will have a special connection to Ulrich or Metallica, including the film “Mission to Lars,” about a family’s journey to see Metallica. It will be the U.S. premiere of the uplifting documentary that features the heavy metal band. Ulrich will be available to introduce each film and explain how it ended up in this special lineup. Other films include “Blue Valentine,” “Before The Wall: Body & Being” and “Hemingway & Gellorn,” which features Ulrich in the cast.
Ktulu’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Emporium
It wouldn’t be a festival without plenty of vendors to browse. Dozens will be on hand showing off their rock memorabilia and there will even be some places where you can check out comics and even grab some sustenance to get you through the heat. Look out of for The Low Tide Lounge for some drinks and the Just Kids Nostalgia booth, where you can visit an auction of tons of pop culture memorabilia.
At Ktulu’s, you’ll also be able to stash anything you don’t want to carry around the festival. So bring a change of clothes or an extra blanket and rent out a locker for $25 for the weekend or $15 per day. Register for your locker online at www.orionmusicandmore.com and you’ll receive your locker location and combination so you can find it right away when you get to Bader Field. Lockers also will be available the day of the show.
Finding a parking spot
There is no onsite parking for the festival, but there are plenty of garages and lots open for the event. Shuttles will be running from the Atlantic City Convention Center, located at 1 Atlantic City Expressway. The NJ Transit Rail and Amtrak connects to the Convention Center, too. Parking is also available there for a price: $12 for one to four hours, $2 for the fifth hour, $1 for each additional hour and $33 for 24 hours.
Parking is also available at The Wave garage near The Walk outlets, where you can find hookups for electric vehicles. The garage is within walking distance of the Convention Center to catch the shuttle. A cheaper option than the Convention Center, you can park up to 1 hour for $3, $10 for one to eight hours and $13 for eight to 24 hours.
You can also find a ride from the Jitney bus by parking at SJTA lots at milepost 4 eastbound and milepost 3.5 westbound on the expressway, Fairmount and Mississippi avenues and at Missouri and Atlantic avenues, all for $20. And catch the bus at 1995 Atlantic Ave.
What can I bring?
Patrons can bring empty water bottles, binoculars, nonprofessional recording equipment, two factory-sealed water bottles (up to one liter each), strollers, soft-sided coolers, hand-held umbrellas, blankets, sheets and towels.
Make sure you leaveoutside food or drinks, illegal substances, weapons of any kind, bicycles (bike racks available outside), professional recording equipment, skateboards and scooters, tents and chairs, studded jewelry, laser pointers, pets and studded jewelry at home.
Go to www.orionmusicandmore.com for more information.
