Warped Tour 2013 at Merriweather Post Pavilion

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Highlights from the 13th annual Vans Warped Tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion from Darkroom contributor Kaitlin Newman.

Fans of hardcore, metal and punk rock came out July 10 for the 13th annual Vans Warped Tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

“There were so many bands from high school, it was awesome,” said Sarah Pullman, 24, of Frederick, Md. “I really wanted to see The Early November.”

Created in 1994 by Kevin Lyman, Warped Tour has morphed over the years from a musical showcase of pop-punk music into an eclectic mix of sub-punk genres for both new and old fans. This year’s lineup included Chiodos, Blessthefall, Reel Big Fish, 30h!3, Motion City Soundtrack and The Used.

“I think it was a lot like I remembered it, just chaos and fun,” said Pullman on her attendance throughout the years. “It brought back good memories for me. I loved it.”

Warped Tour sets a date in major cities throughout the summer, featuring up to 100 bands between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The lineup schedule isn’t released until the morning of as multiple stages dot the landscape and many acts perform at the same time.

Not limited to national acts, Baltimore-based metalcore band Camisado was a crowd favorite, who won this year’s Battle of the Bands slot on the Ernie Ball Stage. The contest highlights a new local act based on popular vote on select Warped Tour dates.

“I loved the response,” said Patrick Gale, drummer for Camisado. “It feels good being a local band to get that respect. When we won people were so excited and that energy was carried over into our performance.”

Their show, despite its early time of 12:15 p.m., brought in a large crowd of fans — many from Towson, Baltimore and even Pennsylvania.

“It was one of the best shows we’ve had,” added Quincy Jones, bass guitarist for Camisado. “There is nothing better than seeing people that have supported you from the beginning in the crowd.”

Warped Tour also amped up its festival offerings this year, with a water slide, a dance truck sponsored by preventative smoking campaign TheTruth.com and a flea market.

Sad you missed out on this date? Pittsburg and Scranton, Pa. as well as Camden, NJ still have upcoming dates before the tour goes abroad.