Festivals and live events are worth every penny because of the viiiiiibes. It’s literally that 90s chorus, “It’s Got that Good Vibration” in real life. Keep reading to learn just a few of the reasons that fest life is the absolute best life. 

Exclusives

Studio records are great. When I’m stuck in beautifully boring Surf City, NC, listening to my fave artists on Apple Music is the best way for me to feel attached to my community. But, recorded songs can’t light a match to the amazing exclusive content that you access at festivals and live events. At One Music Fest 2022 THEEEEEE Lauryn Hill brought out her son Zion, her muse for “To Zion” and his children, giving fans a full circle moment almost 25 years in the making. 

Another example of the difference between live and recorded songs is Tish Hyman’s song “Lucky.” I’ve played this song as one as morning mantras for a while now but the live version is NEXT level! 

She recently posted a clip of her Regulars Only performance and the sound is jaw-dropping. In this clip, her raw vocals have a natural harmony. I didn’t know it was even possible, but she attributes the sound to her late mother and sister staying with her. If I’d been there live, I’m sure tears would have flowed but the studio version of her voice “cleans up” the vibrato, removing this amazing sound.

Connect the Dots

Traveling is essential. I truly believe that in a culture that’s been splintered, the universe puts people we are supposed to know where they should be so we can connect. (My friend calls me a hippie which I’m understanding more and more daily.) Whenever I’m “randomly”  speaking to people at a festival, it’s exactly who I’m supposed to speak. While in Ambergris Caye, Belize for Lobster Fest, I wandered into a grocery store and met Nakia, a billionaire baddie who works internationally to combat human trafficking and own’s Houston’s DollMaker Lashes.

In Indianapolis, after a creator event I met Nas, a flight attendant that started a wonderful non-profit to assist flight crews with mental health issues. There are so many examples of connections that I’ve made by just being in the right place at the right time. As odd as it seems to the people I travel with, I speak when God tells me to because we never miss!

Positive Energy

When you’re in a space where everyone is expecting to have a good time, usually everyone does just that. Egos are checked at the gate and that positive energy is therapeutic. 

The first festival I attended was Essence Fest 2019. My divorce would be finalized the following month and my soon-to-be-exes mo and sister offering to take the boys for 4th of July. I needed a good, quick trip so I asked a Facebook for Black travelers what was going on for the holiday. Someone mentioned Essence Fest so I quickly looked at the lineup, booked a cheap AirBNB, and packed my car to roll to Essence Fest after I dropped off the boys.

As a solo traveler that’d never been to New Orleans, it was a wonderful experience. Other attendees would let me tag along with them during meals, daytime and evening events and the Black men in the city were so protective of me. My budget AirBNB was on the backside of a shotgun house off the Garden District streetcar route and one Uber driver waited outside to make sure I got in safe and flicked the porch light on twice before he drove off. 🤎

That weekend I saw India.Arie, Tweet, John Legend, Mary J. Bilge, Lizzo, Juvenile performing with Trombone Shorty and my boo, Jhene Aiko. And the crazy part is, I missed way more performers than I was able to catch. It was a life-changing experience. To the point that I knew I was a new festie and I’ve been back to Essence Fest twice more. We even left our picturesque beach town to have a destination wedding a few blocks from Bourbon St. 

Wrapping it Up

The bottom line is festivals and concerts are the best way to experience the world. When you couple the music, food and sights you’ll experience with the good energy you’ll absorb, you can return home more full than when you left. If you feel me, and want to know which festival would be best for you check out our Next Fests list and find which one is right for you. We also have the Listen Up page that has playlists based on select festivals so you can turn up at home. Drop a comment below to let us know what festival and event you’re most excited about for 2024?

Side note: I’ve seen Ms. Lauryn Hill live twice and she’s been punctual but I promise, no matter what time she steps on stage, it’s 1 million percent worth it!