Celebrating a ninth year in a row, Travis Barker presented MUSINK: Tattoo Convention and Music Festival. Held over an entire weekend at the awesome OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, the three day festival continues to show no stops in the horizon. On the chilly weekend of March 4th, 2016, the venue drew in a swarm of people consisting of fans, over three-hundred world renowned tattoo artists, hundreds of vendors and three days-worth of bands.
The buzzing sound of needles against skin welcomed visitors to stroll through a maze of live tattoo taking place as victims were brave enough to allow their body work to be witnessed. The expo brought in a myriad of talented artists like Corey Miller, owner of Six Feet Under and Freddy Negrete of the infamous Shamrock Social Club. The Low & Slow Car Show, presented by Famous Stars and Straps, lined up rows of vintage beauties.
The cold weather and threat of rain clouds didn’t stop the all-ages crowd from rotating between all stations. But most made a permanent stop at the indoor stage where they welcomed new and veteran artists who were returning. Friday brought in American hip hop artist Yelawolf, rap-punk rock band Transplants and straight from the LBC, the beloved rap pioneer, Snoop Dogg. Amidst a list of hits that gave a crowd some serious nostalgia, a usual cloud formed over them and a familiar aroma filled the warehouse during his intoxicating performance. Saturday’s musical guests were Plague Vendor and alternative rock band Taking Back Sunday. But it was Deftones who closed the night with an intense performance and a brilliant light show that kept a dense crowd warm and afoot despite of the rain towards the end of their set. The last day of the festival presented Face to Face, metal-core band Atreyu and to close out the festival with a bang, none other than Circa Survive.
The Musink Festival clearly grows bigger and better but evidently outdoes itself every year. It has become a prime destination for the tattoo and music culture. Til next year!
