One thing that I think is very similar for many “festie” goers stands the same in many different aspects. You will always remember your first music festival, which one it was, how you felt, and many different memories that it brought. Any music lover would be more than excited for their first 3 day, ultimate music experience. So many thoughts going through each person’s head; what do I bring, what do I wear, who do I see first, what is the weather going to be like, who will I meet? The questions go on and on until you set foot on the dusty (or muddy) camp ground and every last bit of worry releases out of every pore of your body. I am FINALLY here! Then it just doesn’t matter, everything falls together and one thing is clear; music festivals are your home.
It is that time of year again where, even though it may not be your first festival, you still get those feelings again. Especially with a Wakarusa experience; arriving in the south, seeing the mountains, standing in the long lines outside your car feeling the excitement, and hardly putting your tent up right because you just want to get in the gate to Main Stage. Everyone is having similar related feelings which in the end is excitement. So are you ready, because I am!
Feeling the sun set up over Mulberry Mountain you start to hear the rustle of instruments, sound checks, and thinking to yourself what your favorite artist is doing. Popping the tab of your first brew, you proceed to the gates ready for the music to take you on a ride for the whole weekend. Being in Arkansas, knowing all the different types of music genres that are about to fill your eardrums with joy. Not only does this festival give you your ultimate music fix, the beauty of nature lies around the festival grounds as well. From the mountains, to the hike down to the river where you can dive off the cliffs into a small refreshing pool (which I highly recommend), and to taking the classic river bath, you are surrounded by so many good things.
So many different vibes for any waka head to dig their dancing feet into at several different stages to chose from. Whether you are traveling into the woods with the large trees around you giving you that southern feeling you crave at the backwoods stage or maybe cruising down into the valley to get your funk on at the satellite stage is what you need. Maybe hopping to and from the outpost to the rival tent because you just can’t choose which one to go to and you are so thankful that both are so close to one another that you can get your groove on to two bands at once. Don’t forget the main attractions at Main Stage where you are hitting up those big names while sipping down a beer you lost count of as soon as you entered the gates because, remember you are now worry free.
Waka is the one place to let go and gives you the music festival experience you desire with more than what you pay for because not only are you getting it from the tunes you are getting it from nature’s beauty and the good vibes from many friendly people. I would be honored to blog about this festival all weekend long and add it to an epic summer of music. I want people to read this and feel like they are really there to know that the feeling inside their heart’s is linked to many others and we share a wonderful waka love. Let’s engage in the moment we have waited for since we drove away last year; waka ’13.
