Pure Imagination Festival Brings A Mix of Music To Watson Lake – Ron Williams

Photo: Tanya Tucker

The Pure Imagination Festival wrapped up their two day event as 18 bands performed to crowds gathered at Watson Lake Park.

The bands range in genre and brought many people in to see their favorites, and for some to find new bands to like and follow. Two stood out not only because of their longevity, but their talent and stage presence.

First there was Country Music legend and Grammy Award winner Tanya Tucker, who started in 1972 at age of just 13 with the hit single “Delta Dawn”. Ms. Tucker played a 45 minute set to many adoring fans. As some fans shouted “We love you Tanya”, Tucker responded, “I love you too“, and she was appreciative of everyone who came out. “What a beautiful place this is. Thank you so much for coming out Preskitt on this beautiful day.” Her pronunciation of Prescott the way locals say it got her a big cheer.

Tommy Wilson came up from the San Tan Valley and said, “Boy, this is great. I have been a fan for a long, long time. Tells you how old I am now. Getting to see a country music legend like this is just darn right cool.”

Photo: Sylvan Esso singer Amelia Meath

Tomas Hernandez, who came all the way from Portland, Oregon said, “I love it here. I have visited Prescott before, so I knew about what a great place this would be to see an event like this. The concerts have great. I am a Flaming Lips fan, so I really came to see them, but discovered a really good new band to me called National Parks.”

Venturing up from Phoenix, Susan Anduaga said, “The bands have been great so far. I am looking forward to the Flaming Lips. I have not seen them and have heard about what an amazing show they put on. Just great to be outside in such a beautiful place to enjoy the music.”

Photo: The Flaming Lips

Saving the best for last would be almost an understatement, as The Flaming Lips, who formed in 1983, with frontman Wayne Coyne, left it all on stage.

The band closed out the two day event by playing their entire 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band not only played their music but with a large video display behind them and with assorted props, created quite a mix of images and lights that enhance their performance very well. Such things like super extra large pink robots, confetti cannons, incredibly large confetti balloons, and streamers, were used. It was quite the spectacle.

Photo: The Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne

Coyne, who even climbed into a giant clear sphere to sing at one point, said, “Wow, what an amazing place to hold an event like this. If you live here, you should be very thankful that you live in such a beautiful area.”

Steven Garcia came up from the valley and said, “Man, these guys really put on a great show. They just completely rocked this place. So much goes on besides them playing their music. It is a show, and an event all in itself.” I would have to agree.

Watson Lake is back to itself today, but for many who came, it will be a great place of memories.