AntiWarpt's Giant Musical Block Party

ST. PETERSBURG – This city had one big jam session on Saturday, and it was nonstop for 12 straight hours.

The AntiWarpt Festival went off without a hitch, featuring the best in locally and regionally grown indie music that ranged from Hip Hop to Experimental Noise.

Sixty bands, on eight stages, performend from 3 p.m. until 3 a.m. The event was not only much larger than last year's but the artistry surpassed everyone's expectations.

Most of the action was on Central Avenue. Independent bars and theaters were in on the act, opening their doors for the artists and their audiences. They included Cafe Bohemia, the State Theatre, Star Booty and Local 662.

Antiwarpt had the feel of a giant block party or big jam session, given the small-town flavor of St. Petersburg's downtown. Bands such as Jane Jane Pollock and Tampa-Bay based MC Infinite Skillz held equal weight with listeners regardless of genre.

Vegan Beagle and Taco Bus made it out to the 600 Block of Central Avenue to provide health-conscious food for the hungry music fans, all day and into the night. Plenty of free Pabst Blue Ribbon beer was also given out along with Red Bull to quench thirsts.

Plans are already in the works to make AntiWarpt even larger in 2012! AntiWarpt favorites Feral Babies tweeted early Sunday morning, "Yesterday at AntiWarpt was a blast! Great bands and freinds. Can't wait for AntiWarpt 2012! Thanks guys!"