Homecoming (SOLD OUT)

• In-hand and ready to ship!
• Three-color front and back screen print
• Comfort Colors 1717 shirt in Washed Denim (see the size chart in the images for measurements)

From September 15 to 18, Vampire Weekend will play four shows with support from Sophisticuffs at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. Sophisticuffs were one of the many pre-fame musical collaborations between Ezra Koenig and Wes Miles (of Ra Ra Riot), which, according to the Instagram post announcing the show, also includes their “good friends” Steve, Dan, and Andrei. It’s unclear what Sophisticuffs’ set will look or sound like, but the various songs by the band that have leaked or been played on Time Crisis throughout the years range from garage rock to surf to post-rock instrumentals, and Jonathan Richmond and Kid A have been cited as two of the group’s biggest influences. Interestingly, the Sophisticuffs track “Telephone Song” is actually the original version of Vampire Weekend’s “Ottoman.”

Almost unbelievably, the shows mark Vampire Weekend’s first in New Jersey in 16 years. This shirt celebrates this homecoming for the band (and Koenig, who grew up in Glen Ridge) by featuring diagrams of unique New Jersey Turnpike signage on the front and a Garden State Parkway wildflower on the back.

Most US road signs must follow national design standards in order for state agencies to receive federal funding, but toll agencies like the Turnpike Authority have their own source of revenue, giving them the freedom to use non-standard designs like the distinctive arrows that appear on the signs depicted on the shirt. While these idiosyncratic signs are slowly being replaced, wildflowers remain a common sign on the Garden State Parkway due to a beautification program that started in the 1980s, which plants about $13,000 in officially licensed Turnpike Authority wildflower seeds each year.

Random Notes and disclaimers:

Buyers in Michigan are subject to sales tax (sorry!).

A note on international shipping: When a package is shipped internationally, it may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, and/or fees imposed by the destination country. These charges will typically be due once the shipped goods arrive at the country of destination. Such charges are not included in the product price or shipping and handling cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility as we are only charging the transportation fee for your order. The buyer is responsible for obtaining information regarding their country’s laws, regulations, and restrictions that may apply when purchasing our products. By placing an international order (shipping outside of the USA), the buyer is responsible for abiding by their country’s laws, regulations, and restrictions.