Music festivals have become a cultural phenomenon for young people not only across the country but across the world. Over the last few years the usually three day events have been increasingly popping up showcasing hundreds of up and coming and also wildly popular artists and bands. Some of the more currently popular music festivals in the U.S that are widely recognized are the Electric Daisy Carnival that initially started in Los Angeles and is now held at the Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, and Coachella held in the Coachella Valley. Although most are three days, there are many one and two day festival events that cater to EDM, hip-hop, rock, and country.
This year Downtown Las Vegas held its second annual “Life is Beautiful” music festival in the heart of the Fremont Street area. Life is Beautiful, according to its website “is all about connecting those in search of inspiration with people that can inspire.” With public speakers, gourmet food, craft beers and incredible artists this festival did not disappoint.
For only being a two-year old festival, the dynamic and culture was as strong as any other. Last year over 60,000 people attended, and with headliners like Kanye West, Panic! At the Disco, Outkast and the Foo Fighters there is no doubt that this year was even more crowded. Walking around the designated area was like walking around a forbidden city. Streets blocked off and art, vendors and activities took over downtown Las Vegas. Huge murals, sculptures and positive messages took the concrete jungle and spun it into a world created into your own.
Unlike many other music festivals that offer typical carnival type foods and basic pizza, burritos and french fries, Life is Beautiful made food a huge factor. Restaurants like Hash House a Go Go, Palm and the infamous Nobu created bite sized meals for tasting. Not to mention the many San Diego breweries that were there with everyone’s favorites like Ballast Point and Green Flash.
Many vendors offered free activities and giveaways like gourmet coffee, custom screen printed t-shirts, metallic tattoos, and film strip pictures with all your friends. This was a chance for Las Vegas to show off much more than the usual club and bar scene.
Crowd favorites for the weekend did not disappoint kicking off with The Weeknd and Kanye West on Friday night drawing in over 35,000 people at one stage. As an avid festival goer, waiting at the stage for eight hours to be in front was a necessary move to see them up close and personal. Kanye West performed not only all his newer singles but also all the oldie but goodies like “All Falls Down,” and “Jesus Walks.” One thing that was definitely unique to his performance was that he spoke to the crowd for about fifteen minutes explaining his behavior, what it’s like to be in the lime light at all times, and how it affects his personal life which definitely made one think about how quick to judge we all can be.
Day two included great performances from Fitz and the Tantrums, The Roots, the legendary Lionel Richie and my personal favorite Outkast. Performing all the crowd favorites such as “Aquemini,” “Me & You,” and “Whole World” Andre 3000 and Big Boi had everyone amped after the show with their nostalgic performance. Lionel Richie was also a huge crowd pleaser, performing over 10 of his biggest hits like “Brick House,” “Easy,” and “Hello.”
Sunday, the last day of the music festival ended with a bang with artists like Mayor Hawthorne, Arctic Monkeys, Little Dragon, Skrillex and the incredible Foo Fighters. Complete with a ferris wheel for overlooking the entire area, life was truly beautiful and the festival was a fun way to remember the positivity that this world has to offer. Overall Life is Beautiful receives a 5 out of 5 rating and comes highly recommended. It will be exciting to see what the line up next year has to offer.