Now in its second year, the All Points West music and arts festival aims to bring an outdoor three-day concert experience to an urban setting. Unlike Bonnaroo, there will be no tents (and hopefully no deaths!), and unlike Coachella, you won’t need to book a hotel.The bands will play just outside of Manhattan, in Liberty State Park, NJ. We got the full story from Paul Tollett, one of the festival’s organizers.

What was your role in organizing All Points West?

I booked all the bands on it. I’m finishing the schedule right now.

How long have you been working on it?

After last year’s show was over, we got a lot of feedback from the people that went, so we could make improvements.The first year is always hard.That park had never been used for a festival to this extent—a three-day multi-stage festival.They were apprehensive at first, it being near the Statue of Liberty. But we got through the first year, jumped through the right hoops, earned the trust of the park, and we’re able to come back this year with an improved experience.

What’s with the name “All Points West”?

It’s near Ellis Island.They used to say that on the train when they’d send everyone out: “All points west.”

Why Liberty State Park?

I think it has one of the best views of America. It’s pretty incredible, that view. Even when you’re in Manhattan you don’t see Manhattan.The buildings are in your way.

How do you distinguish All Points West from other festivals?

I booked Coachella, too.This one is different in that it’s in town.You can stay at your house in Manhattan, and go to the show and go home.

So people aren’t going to be camping out?

No camping on the site. It’s not allowed.

How did you select the performers?

Based on the New York feeling.We wanted to make it New York related, and a lot of these bands we’ve booked at Coachella.We said we’re going to do one in the New York area and we’d like you to be involved, and they said yes.

So is All Points West just the East Coast Coachella?

It’s different. For Coachella, you go for three days; you’re onsite there or at a hotel right next door.You abandon the whole weekend for the show.This is a little different. People are pretty much staying at home for this show. All Points West is not as hard on your body.

What are you most nervous about?

You don’t get nervous, you just try to prepare and hope for the best. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.