Music
If you only go to one festival in 2019, it should be… The Governors Ball
Lil’ Wayne, Tyler, the Creator, Brockhampton and many more.
Editor’s Note: As part of our ongoing Music Journalism Course, our music team was asked to choose from 10 U.S. music festivals and make a case for the best of 2019.
Originally started nine years ago, The Governors Ball Music Festival (GB) has transformed into an annual oasis of music, food, and art lovers in New York City every summer. The multi-genre festival is held on Randall’s Island Park and spread across four stages, allowing festival attendees to discover new artists, meet new people, and make lasting memories.
The 2019 festival will be orchestrated across the last weekend of May and is slated to include performances from Lil’ Wayne, Tyler, the Creator, Brockhampton, Jorja Smith, The Internet, Blood Orange, Florence + the Machine, Sunflower Bean, Nas, The Strokes, SZA, Aaron Aye, and a plethora of others.
One reason GB is considered a festival unlike any other is because it gives space for attendees to arrive with intentions on hearing the latest from Lilly Allen or Playboi Carti, while also giving them the opportunity to hear music from a different artist and discover new favorites. 2019’s Governor’s Ball is considerably special due to organizers securing The Strokes for their first performance in the last three years. With a quick scan through their hashtag, GB offers a space for new age hippies to come alive for the sake of music.
While GB appeals to a diverse music group of fans, so does their food. In 2018, not only did the festival offer selective treats from some New York’s hottest spots, but they also provided options for music lovers who identify as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.
Local artists are given the platform to showcase their abstract work for music lovers from across the nation or world. When attendees aren’t grubbing or observing art, GB provides fun interactive attractions like a photo booth, a pop-up style bar, and mini golf.
Ticket prices range from $115 – $2,190, with different options for payment, including layaway plans. The highest price point is for platinum passes, which allow purchasers VIP access over three days, food tokens, and an exclusive view of the festival’s four stages.
So, are you in?
If you obsess over singers and bands, and are one of those people who make a playlist for every occasion, join CMN’s Music Journalism Course and get real-time experience, intense feedback on your writing, exposure to music industry insiders, and a great place to display build your portfolio. Get all the details on the Music Journalism Course here.
