2016’s Gov Ball was my first music festival. Yes, I was late to the game. But better to pop the festival cherry sooner rather than later, right?
The days leading up to the three-day music binge dragged by. Finally, Friday—the lead-off day—arrived, and with it, came a last minute, time-sensitive work assignment that I had to complete if I wanted to keep my job. (Yes, I strongly considered blowing it off and telling my boss to go fuck himself). I missed that entire day—1/3 of my months in advanced purchased tickets gone.
So, day one? Not so hot. But it was all good, I told myself, because Saturday’s lineup was ripe with talent.
It rained. All day. However, I was able to see Mac Miller, De La Soul, and a little bit of Miguel through the trees that were sheltering me (standing under trees in a rainstorm—very bright). But after that I was so drenched, uncomfortable, coming down from my roll (which I’m pretty sure wasn’t molly), and I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection and realized how douchy I looked (neon blue tank, neon green shorts, matching socks, and a bandana). I left Randall’s Island Park, hands in pocket, head down, telling myself, “Hey, at least Kanye is tomorrow!”
Sunday came; the rain didn’t stop. Day three cancelled. No Kanye.
So my first festival experience? No bueno. But 2016 is over! And with a new year comes new lineups, and a renewed hope.
Between yesterday and today, the Coachella and Gov Ball 2017 lineups were announced, respectively. Oh man, we’ve got some fun to look forward to—I’ve got my shot at festival redemption. Two star-studded lineups on two coasts; one in the spring, and one on the cusp of summer. Coachella weekend one will happen from 4/14-4/16, with the second weekend’s lineup happening the following week. Gov Ball will take place in early June, from 6/2-6/4. In case you’re curious, here’s a list of my most anticipated acts (full lineups posted at the bottom):
Coachella: Bastille, Beyoncé, Big Gigantic, Bon Iver, Denzel Curry, Dillon Francis, DJ Khaled, Francis and the Lights, Future, Galantis, Gucci, Kaytranada, Kehlani, Kendrick, Mac Miller, Majid Jordan, Mura Masa, Sampha, ScHoolboy Q, and Travis Scott
Gov Ball: Chance, Phoenix, Childish Gambino, Wu Tang, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd, Majid Jodan, YG, Danny Brown, Kehlani, Skepta, and Francis and the Lights
Here’s to a great year of festivals.
