 Santa Cruz, CA October 19 & 20th 2019 — Returning to the beautiful city of Santa Cruz for another year of music, art, and community, the 2019 Santa Cruz Music Festival was a weekend full of just that! This expansive festival is spread out throughout the downtown area of Santa Cruz, with multiple different venues all within walking distance. Definitely unlike any other festival, in my opinion! You get to immerse yourself in this beachy city, with streets filled with vendors, artists, and (of course) musicians. It truly feels like the perfect place to host this kind of event and I plan on returning just to feel those same vibes again! HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEKEND: THE MUSIC — Jai Wolf closed out the festival Sunday night at the Civic Auditorium with a show full of nostalgic tunes and a beautiful array of lights with visuals to match. I also really enjoyed all 3 stages over at the Catalyst Club. Easy bar access + nice viewing areas for those 21+. THE FOOD — Over at San Lorenzo Park, World Famous Hot Boys were busy selling their iconic chicken sandwiches. I overheard tons of people raving about these sandwiches, claiming to be the best they’ve ever had! Besides the food available within the festival, keep in mind there’s also a ton of places to eat in between each venue. I saw a few pizza spots that looked good, but ended up grabbing some tacos and a margarita from Snap Taco. THE ART + COMMUNITY — Throughout the festival and on the streets of SC are tons of local artists and vendors with tons of items to choose from! From beautiful live painting, to community yoga, it was truly a magical feeling just waking around the area! CHECK OUT THE PHOTO RECAP BELOW! 9/19/2019 NOCTURNAL WONDERLAND 2019 San Bernardino, CA September 14 + 15, 2019 — Nocturnal Wonderland made it’s return for the last party at Glen Helen Regional Park last weekend with a lineup full of my favorites, including DJ Snake, Malaa, Snakehips, Jauz, Deorro, Alan Walker + so many others! The production value this year was amazing! It seemed as if each set was filled with pyrotechnics & fireworks which always makes the show more exciting in my opinion. Glen Helen has been a favorite venue of mine for years now! The mountain views make the perfect drop every night while the sun sets and the moon rises. Insomniac Events transforms the place into a mystical land full of creatures, live artists, and interactive displays throughout the park — which truly makes it more than just a typical music festival! There’s so many small details that go into every Insomniac event and they worked hard to make this 2019 Nocturnal Wonderland a memorable one! RELIVE THE WEEKEND WITH ME! Check out the photo recap of the festival below! 8/8/2019 HARD SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 Fontana, CA August 3 + 4, 2019 -- HARD Summer returned to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA this past weekend with a stacked lineup featuring a mix of hip-hop & EDM! Temperatures soared into the hundreds like usual, but thankfully this year they addressed & fixed one huge issue from previous years: the dirt! They pretty much covered the entire speedway with a tarp material to keep the dirt tucked away! It definitely helped out and made the event THAT much better. Each year HARD Summer seems to be stepping it up, so I’m super excited to see where they take it in the future! Highlights from the weekend: Kid Cudi closed out the main stage while DJ Snake & Malaa packed out the Pink tent on Saturday! If you were even able to get inside the tent, then props to you! My favorite set of the weekend? ZHU b2b Tchami! I was in house-music paradise! Seriously can’t wait to see either of them (together or separate) again! OOKAY threw down an awesome live set filled with vocals, dancers, & tons of energy! Anna Lunoe was another artist that surprised me! I’ve always heard buzz around the name, but seeing her live solidified why she’s popping. Other notable sets from the weekend include RL Grime, Floss b2b 4B, & Dillon Francis! See my full photo gallery below recapping the event! EXCLUSIVE INSIDE LOOK: Insomniac Passport LoungeI’ve been an Insomniac Passport Member since the original launch in December 2018! One of my favorite perks of being a member is the private members-only lounge at every Insomniac event! The structure at this year’s HARD was built by Live The Night Entertainment and unlike any other lounge I’ve experienced! Fully air conditioned, private bar, free snacks, meet & greets with the CEO, surprise DJ sets, free games, photo opportunities & SO much more! I can’t wait to see what they come up with at Glen Helen for Nocturnal Wonderland next month! 7/15/2019 SAN DIEGO PRIDE FESTIVAL 2019! SAN DIEGO, CA (July 13th & 14th, 2019) — We did it gays! The 46th annual San Diego Pride parade broke attendance records! San Diego Pride unofficially reports attendance of over 300,000 people at Saturday's parade, which featured the diversity and achievements of indigenous, black, trans, military, and Latinx folx, highlighting the 50 years of accomplishments of the community while paying tribute to Stonewall’s 50th anniversary. The music festival followed the parade with an estimated 30,000 attendees enjoying headlining acts Melissa Etheridge, King Princess, Mykki Blanco, Greyson Chance and RuPaul Drag Race Queen’s Aquaria, Asia O’Hara and Kim Chi. Activities included entertainment zones, local drag performances, community organizations and free community resources, youth organizations, dance areas, beverage gardens, visual art, vendor booths, educational and art exhibits, cultural presentations, free HIV testing, delicious food, and much more! All proceeds from the festival and parade support San Diego Pride’s LGBTQ-centered philanthropy and year-round education and advocacy programs. Volunteers and youth high school-aged and younger will be admitted free. In conclusion, we stan San Diego Pride and will definitely be back! 9/25/2018 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL 2018 Life is Beautiful is a music, art, + culinary festival that takes place in Downtown Las Vegas! Since 2013 the festival has helped revitalize Downtown Las Vegas, specifically Fremont Street. With stages tucked behind buildings, motels decorated as art installations, and food trucks around every corner - there was a TON of stuff to see and do! This festival was unlike any other, because Life is Beautiful actually takes place in the streets of Vegas, sprawling over 18 city blocks! It was definitely a hot weekend in Vegas, but the cool temps at night felt awesome with the breeze! On Day 1 we started early to explore what the festival had to offer. One of my favorite discoveries was the art installation on Fremont & 9th! It was an air-conditioned building filled with art and shops! They even had lounge areas with a bar and real bathrooms! After looking at the art we spent the day jamming out to my favs like Elohim, Justice, and the Weeknd! (photographed below!) Day 2 I entered the festival a little later, but just in time to see Foster The People! It was my first time seeing them and even though I only knew a few songs, they really surprised me and had me vibing the whole set! The set was filled with tons of energy and even featured live Cirque dancers that came out during a cover of Hey Jude by the Beatles. My other favorites that night were Alison Wonderland and The Drums! Alison is an EDM DJ that I've seen grow so much in the past couple years and I'm all for the female DJ's claiming their space in a male dominated industry. Day 3 was probably my favorite day! Odesza and DJ Snake both make music that take me to another place and I live for them. Seeing both of them live, back-to-back was such a moment. Overall, I definitely think I would return to LIB! As always, more water stations are needed. (And for a desert festival on it's 6th year, I'd expect them to have this down.) I also think the production value can be stepped up! With the profit the festival makes, I think spending money on things like fireworks and pyro make for a better experience and should be worked into the planning of these festivals. How you gonna close the festival with a DJ Snake set and not have fireworks? But, nonetheless, Life is Beautiful 2018 was an experience I will never forget and a festival I plan on attending in the future. Check out the slideshow below to see the highlights of my weekend in Vegas!  From the co-creators of Bonnaroo and OutsideLands, Grandoozy Music + Arts Festival was unveiled in Denver, Colorado this past weekend! I was given the opportunity to attend and cover the inaugural event, making this my first festival where I was given press credentials! 🙌🏾 I was able to dive in and get the inside scoop on the festival and find out if it's worth going to again. 👀 The lineup covers a wide range of music, with the main headliners being Kendrick Lamar, Florence + The Machine, and Stevie Wonder! Quite eclectic! 🎶 The festival took place on a golf course (a festival-first for me) so there was tons of grass! I'll take grass over dirt any day! ⛳️ Throughout the golf course they had tons of food options, from savory to sweets. The overall layout of the festival was nice, and I definitely think there is room for growth! I think Superfly hit the nail on the head with this one and I hope they bring it back in 2019! With some improvements: more water stations! and more 'water only' stands, it's kinda ridiculous you have to wait in a alcohol or food line to just get water. Overall, Grandoozy Music + Arts Festival was a banger that left Denver wanting more! 🙌🏾 Check out the gallery below to see photos of the event! SHOT BY ME! @CTORRES.XYZ ON INSTAGRAM! 📷 Thank you 11th Avenue Hostel for hosting me during my stay! 8/21/2018 0 Comments OUTSIDE LANDS 2018 - SAN FRANCISCO @pangaeaadventures via instagram.com GUEST BLOG POST WRITTEN BY: GRAZ [@grazfed] Now on it’s 11th year, Outside Lands is one of the longest running festivals in San Francisco. I’ve always been curious about this festival and heard nothing but great things, so I decided to buy my 3 day pass. One thing I loved about the festival is the weather. SF in general is just cooler than other areas of California - so you can layer up. I highly suggest dressing comfortably and wearing shoes that you don’t care about. Since the venue is at a park, it can get very muddy. Surrounded by lots of green space and tall trees, Outside Lands definitely gives a chill vibe from other festivals like Coachella or Bonnaroo. Getting into the festival was very easy! If you ever go, I highly recommend to not bring your car and use a rideshare app or public transportation. The drop off station was near to the entrance and I managed get through within 15 mins. In addition to the different artists you come to watch, there are a lot of areas where you can frolic your way in. Grasslands, Winelands, art installations and lots of food! I saw a lot of artists each and every single day, but only a few stood out to me. Here are my highlights: Friday: Carly Rae Jepsen, Odesza and The Weeknd. Carly Rae Jepsen tore the stage down and she proved to be why she’s such a queer icon. With her fringe layer pants and cheery personality. How can you not fall in love with her? Odesza and The Weeknd did not disappoint. Since Odesza’s set was during sunset, there wasn’t really a light show (if you were at Coachella, you’d know), but Odesza always delivers! Saturday: Out of the three days, Saturday was probably my least favorite. Florence + The Machine headlined, but my favorite performances were from Big Gigantic and Daniel Caesar. I don’t usually listen to EDM, but I decided to see Big Gigantic alone and it was definitely an experience. I’m a huge fan of Daniel Caesar and I was expecting him to bring out H.E.R, but he didn’t. Nonetheless, whenever I see him perform, it always gives me goosebumps Sunday: HANDS. DOWN. MY. FAVORITE. DAY. Chromeo and Janet Jackson were the highlights of that day. Chromeo’s set had everyone dancing and Janet Jackson’s was just epic! Janet played a lot of her hits from Together Again, Doesn’t Really Matter, I Get Lonely and so many more. I can say it was one of the best Sundays I’ve had in awhile. Overall, Outside Lands is definitely something you should check out! If you’re a music junkie and you’re more on the chill vibes-this is the right festival for you! 8/11/2018 0 Comments HARD SUMMER 2018! Last weekend HSMF returned to the Auto Club Speedway and with Insomniac’s production team fully behind them, I believe they pulled off the BEST Hard Summer Music Festival thus far. 🙌🏾 When the announcement came that HARD would take place back at the Speedway, they made it clear that they would be making improvements from the past event held there in 2016! They pretty much revamped the entire set up of the festival and came up with great solutions to the past problems. With 4 entrances/exits, multiple parking lots, & all the stages located within the Speedway — HSMF definitely stepped it in 2018! (Which only makes me wonder what 2019 will bring! 🤔) Getting into the festival on Day 1 was a breeze! Compared to waiting 90+ minutes in the past, we parked and got through security within 25 minutes. INSANE. We started our day off with Cupckakke the Rapper, which was a set full of sexual innuendos and boobs. 😂 The rest of the day was pretty stacked with tons of overlapping. It was hard to plan the day out, but my most memorable sets are Slushii, Zeds Dead b2b Jauz, and Yellow Mustard (Yellowclaw x DJ Mustard) YG even came out & did Big Bank. 😩 I died. Day 2 started off with some of my favorite DJ’s that are quickly claiming their spot in the EDM world. Elohim is an electro-pop singer and song writer that has a way with melodies. She’s mesmerizing to watch on stage and I cannot wait to see her greatness again. Next, Petit Biscuit took the main stage. At 18 years old, he’s already playing these huge festivals and pulling in fans all around the world. Petit Biscuit creates sounds that make you feel tranquil. Almost like it takes you somewhere! He manages to keep the audience entertained by staying engaged and switching from guitar to a beat pad and back and forth. I love when artist mix live sounds with there sets, which probably explains why I’m such a huge fan of both of them. Day 2 continued as another hot & dusty day with music playing from Ghastly, San Holo, Diplo b2b Dillon Francis (🔥), Virtual Self & more. HARD Summer 2018 definitely set the bar for all future HARD events and I cannot wait to see how they expand and move forward next year. Check out the gallery below for pics of the festivities! 📸 3/1/2018 0 Comments EDC MEXICO 2018! this past weekend i headed to the capital of Mexico to experience the 5th anniversary of the Electric Daisy Carnival — Mexico! entering the festival was a breeze & you basically get slapped with bass as soon as you enter! the overall layout of EDCMX was superb in my opinion! stages not too close or far from each-other, workers selling cerveza every 20 feet, food all around, and tons of rides and activities that nobody ever really talks about! the event was definitely more than just a ‘rave’. it was unity, between love and music. the vibe was unbelievable, it’s definitely true that we mexicanos know how to party! i’ve been to festivals all over the world, but EDC mexico definitely felt like home. ♥️ i will definitely be returning for 2019! will i see you there? take a look at photos from the festivities below and read my interview with Mexican-born electronic DJ Loojan! INTERVIEW WITH DJ LOOJAN [en español! keep scrolling for english translation!]:1.¿Qué te hizo darte cuenta de que la música era tu camino? Desde niño cuando escuchaba alguna canción amaba aprenderme la letra, bailaba las canciones que me aprendía, tenia ese gusto de sobremanera con la música de cualquier tipo, hasta que un día supe que era la música electrónica, que era un dj y me dije yo quiero crear esto que estoy escuchando. 2.¿Qué sigue de ti? ¿Alguna idea sobre el nuevo álbum? Planes de gira? Acabo de estrenar un sencillo que se llama A Lo Loco con las vocales de Happy Colors y Godwonder dos artistas Dominicanos que la están rompiendo, salió bajo EVT Music de Sony, gira se planea una en latino américa pero tengo bastantes shows al rededor de mi país 3.Si no estuvieras haciendo música, ¿qué estarías haciendo? Sería futbolista o peleador de MMA 4.¿Qué es un festival o lugar de ensueño que te gustaría tocar? Si ya lo jugaste, ¿cómo fue? ¿Cómo fue la experiencia? Ya cumplí el sueño de estar en EDC por segundo año consecutivo, creo que Ultra Music Festival y Tomorrowland son los siguientes, La experiencia de EDC es una locura total darte cuenta que en tu país te aman, disfrutan lo qué haces no hay comparación 5.¿Que significa ser mexicano para ti? Lo más valioso y bonito que hay, nuestra cultura es algo que amo y no lo cambiaria por nada 6.¿Con qué otros músicos / DJ te gustaría colaborar después? Tengo una fuerte obsesión por poder colaborar con Bomba Estéreo no son específicamente djs pero son mi mayor influencia en mi sonido 7.Si el mundo fuera a terminar y solo pudieras tocar una más de tus canciones, ¿cuál sería? Promise To Love You 8.Si tuviera un men.aje para darles a sus fanáticos, ¿qué diría? Soñar es gratuito atrevámonos a soñar las cosas más locas que queremos para nuestra vida, después nos daremos cuenta que con trabajo ya estamos viviendo el sueño Y algo que no puede faltar, Más Que Nada Soy Latino! INTERVIEW WITH DJ LOOJAN:1.What made you realize that music was your path In life?
Since I was a child when I was listening to a song, I loved learning the lyrics, I danced the songs I learned, I had that great taste with music of any kind, until one day I knew it was electronic music, it was a dj and I said I want to create what I am listening to. 2.What's next for you? Any details on the new album? Tour plans? I just released a single called A Lo Loco with the vocals of Happy Colors and Godwonder two Dominican artists who are breaking it, came out under Sony EVT Music, tour is planned in Latin America but I have many shows around my country 3.If you were not making music, what would you be doing? Would be a footballer or MMA fighter 4.What is a festival or dream place that you would like to play? If you already played it, how was it? How was the experience? I already fulfilled the dream of being in EDC for the second year in a row, I think that Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland are the following. The experience of EDC is total madness to realize that in your country they love you, they enjoy what you do there is no comparison 5.What does it mean to be Mexican for you? The most valuable and beautiful there is, our culture is something that I love and I would not change it for anything 6.What other musicians / DJ would you like to collaborate with in the future? I have a strong obsession for collaborating with Bomba Estéreo, they are not specifically DJs but they are my biggest influence on my sound 7.If the world were to end and you could only play one more of your songs, what would it be? Promise To Love You 8.If you had one message to give to your fans, what would you say? Dreaming is free Let's dare to dream the craziest things we want for our life, then we will realize that with work we are already living the dream And something that can not be missed, More than Anything I'm Latino.  from the creators of outsidelands music + arts festival & bonnaroo music + arts festival, a new event has emerged! 2017 introduced us to the first-ever LOST LAKE FESTIVAL! taking place right in the valley of the sun, phoenix arizona! lost lake festival brought together music, culinary, games, and art like NO other festival ever has before! keep reading to get a closer look at the fun, food, and stages they had to offer! when i first heard about the new festival that would be taking place in PHX i knew i had to attend! once i found out that it was being put together by the same people who do OSL, i knew the festival would be a hit! this part of arizona is the perfect spot for a festival like this, and they chose the perfect season to execute it. it's super close to arizona state university which definitely drew in a big college crowd! the first day of the festival felt like the first day of school! nobody knew what to expect, since this was the first one ever! after scanning our tickets and getting through security, i was shocked at the amount of space the festival had! it was HUGE, taking place at Steele Indian School Park, one of arizona's prime parks with 75 acres of land! lost lake had enough games and food to last a lifetime! i chowed down on a bunch of things, my favorite being the pulled pork mac n cheese! the lineup was a pretty good mix of artist, which is what i expected since i knew who was throwing it. from chance the rapper, to odesza, to the killers! a huge variety for everybody to enjoy! i really enjoyed chance's performance that night and honestly became a fan that night! my other favorite performances would have to be from MUNA and HAIM [photo'd below] , two all-girl bands that really know to rock! i attended the festival with my sister and she had never heard of either band! safe to say, she is now a fan of both!
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