Friday is my reconnaissance; it’s the day that I set aside to simply scan the perimeter and peruse the middle festivities to get my bearings, especially since the configuration is so different this year, and to see everything that there is lest I miss something in the insanity that can become any music festival of this scale. What did I find on my mission? The Angry Orchard Arcade that I plan on visiting heavily in order to try and win a ground blanket. It will definitely take some time. Funyuns has some surprises in store for you as well as an unlimited supply of various kinds of Funyuns. Go slow though, I had three bags in 3 hours. The Zippo tent has some pretty cool prizes for you, so get there early to avoid a line. Toyota has pulled out all the stops in order to bring music and art together for your listening and viewing pleasure. Stop by the Toyota Den to hear some of the bands from the festival perform again in a much more intimate setting. They’ve also partnered with VH1’s Save the Music program to spread tunes throughout the country.
Credit: Emily HingleCredit: Emily Hingle
As I learn every year, I really am not an EDM fan although the presentation of it was spectacular with flying streamers, blowing fog and an incredible light show. But it’s still not my scene. I like instruments and soulful singing which is exactly what I found when I stumbled across Reignwolf who blew me away with their bluesy rock n’ roll. It did truly soothe my soul. I definitely took long walks around the festival to see everything though. The food has a great variety, I really loved the Mushroom Gumbo.
Credit: Emily HingleCredit: Emily Hingle
One of the best new features is the huge graveyard right in the middle of the fest complete with zombies scaring the crap out of screaming teens. The Mortuary has expanded their brand right into Voodoo with a free haunted house in a bathroom where a young woman was allegedly murdered years before. The humongous tombstones of the expansive graveyard were already a popular spot for pictures, hanging out, and passing out.
