I always thought that Arizona’s refusal to go on daylight savings time was just a dick move. After all, the rest of us have to put up with it, why don’t they have to suffer too? But what I found out when I attended Phoenix Lights Festival was that it means they can start the light show early! Well played Arizona, well played.
I was invited to my first music festival on Sunday, March 22nd and since it meant a road trip, I was definitely in. Phoenix Lights is a festival designed specifically for me; I didn’t have to walk far, the weather was perfect, and after a great show I was in bed by 11:30. You see, I am not your typical festival goer. I am kind of old for it. Don’t ask how old, that would be impolite, just know that being in bed that early was greatly appreciated after expending all the energy on the magnificent sounds of Route 94, Jauz, Bijou, Kill the Buzz, Zeds Dead and Hardwell. I love EDM – pretty much all kinds. Some think it is strange that I do since I am old. Others think I am just pretending since there is no possible way I could like the fast beats, soul vibrating dub and the incredible, indescribable feel of electronic waves of sound. But isn’t that the point of music? It has never been just background noise to me. If you don’t feel it, then it isn’t music. Besides, I have always been a sucker for filthy bass and trippy lights. EDM and me, a love affair as soon as I heard the first drop.
To say I sort of stuck out like a sore thumb at my first festival would be a bit of an understatement as I have gray hair, lots of it! But really, most of those in the audience didn’t seem to notice beyond a double take or two. They were there to express themselves through costumes, dance, lights and sound. Why should they care what I looked like when they were decked out in what would be considered outside the mainstream. But I didn’t think it was. In fact I was happy to be a part of it in my own way. I was pretty impressed with how creative so many in the crowd were. They had used pony beads to create backpacks, elaborate wrist bands, and even Left Shark. There were fun totems waving above the crowd and interesting accessories on just about everyone I saw. I knew the light show wasn’t going to be just on stage and I could hardly wait for it to get dark. But as I checked the sky, the Moon and Venus decided to pair up and add to the scene to put on a show of their own. Perfect!
The music was all that I had imagined it would be live. The ground vibrated, my heart felt like it was in tune with the beat and my eyes danced along with the lights as I was part of the crowd. I only wish I was young enough to let go with abandon and not have to worry about if my insurance policy was enough to cover things if I didn’t make it through Zeds Dead in one piece. I bounced right along with the crowd. At Phoenix Lights I could have it as loud as I wanted, and if it got to be too much, I could just move back and watch the crowd. There was plenty to see. The vibes that rolled over me as I enviously watched someone dance made me want to give it a try. Then, the unity of the whole crowd singing along made me smile, while the daisy chain theme of many of the costumes reminded me of another time. I made friends in the crowd because they just couldn’t help themselves. The music makes everyone want to share the experience with anyone around them and I was there.
For Hardwell’s set I was able to go into the pit due to some special friends at EDMAssassin and CarenWest along with a friendly Security Guard that thought it would be fun to send the old lady in. A helpful fan handed me his GoPro and off I went tripping over the cables. I wedged myself in between the speakers and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I was still in awe that I was so close when Hardwell came on stage and the confetti cannons went off. I was instantly buried, but I didn’t care. The sound took over me and I forgot I wasn’t supposed to be there. Since I am old, people won’t think it’s weird when I tell them I am now deaf from practically laying across speakers that were big enough to cause small earthquakes. It was an experience not many can get, and here I was, my first time, right up next to the stage watching a big time name. Now who else can say that! I staggered away from the show in sort of a daze and thought of Zeds Dead mix when I finally made it close to what I hoped was a bed – Collapse I did.
So here I am home again after a warm fabulous weekend and that jealous little bitch Colorado decided to welcome me back with a Spring snow. It’s okay, I know winter won’t be here much longer and I have some great memories and music to keep me Phoenix warm. Who knows, someday soon at another Festival I might give these young ones some competition doing the shuffle and make my mark. We’ll make it go viral. Keep an eye out because you won’t be able to miss my gray hair. And yes, I can still dream – I am not THAT old!