Jesse Miller of Lotus
“A gathering of true music lovers taking in the best of the jam, rock and electronic worlds and everything in between.”
New York Times, May 2011
“Stationed atop Mulberry Mountain in the Arkansas Ozarks, Wakarusa isn’t an urban throw down. Camping is encouraged here, and there are many opportunities for hiking, fishing, disc golf, yoga and kayaking.”
(Writing sample at bottom)
As the festival season approaches, I find myself in a potential situation where I am able to combine two of my passions. I will utilize my skills as a journalist and unite them with my love of music.
Wakarusa is not just any normal festival. There are plethora of things to enjoy throughout the day, besides just face melting in the sun. People participate in hiking, fishing, swimming at the river, and canoeing, but when night falls, that is when the music begins.
A Little About Me:
This is for the “Blog Your Way to Waka” contest.
I am a journalist, and have a lot of experience. I am currently working for a CBS affiliate news station in Memphis, Tn, and I also intern for ESPN radio in Memphis. During college, I was involved in a lot of other things pertaining to journalism (I am a journalism major). For example, I wrote stories for our on campus newspaper, The Daily Mississippian. I also wrote for a local “event paper”, The Local Voice, which covered a lot of bands in the college town of Oxford, MS.
Last year, a group of seven of my closest college friends went to Wakrusaa for the first time. It was absolutely amazing!
Content of Blog would include:
Although it was my first year to go to Wakarusa, luckily it wasn’t my first festival, so I was not completely lost. That being said, there was A LOT of stuff I was unaware of (such as the Costume Contest and marching band parade).
This is a friend, and one of the people who participated in that parade.
I would do a “pre-post” outlining a few necessities for the festival. This would include: helpful hints on things to pack for camping (what made our tent amazing) and what items to bring (or not).
I would also post a schedule of other activities for people to check out around the festival that they might not have heard about. (Yoga sessions, smaller shows happening throughout the campgrounds, THE RIVER!)
One thing that is different from last year is that we had two different camping groups. We had one at the main camping grounds, and one down in Riverside. This year, I know of a group of friends camping in Riverside, and there will also be a group camping in an R.V. I would interview people in close proximity, and find other people staying in hotels and other non-onsite campers.
THE MUSIC:
I would cover as many bands as possible. Since some bands would be over lapping, I could facilitate an online poll of which bands you guys would want to see more information about.
I would basically highlight these bands with a recap of the show, some quotes from the artists, and of course, plenty of pictures and videos too! 
I will also be covering the other unusual happenings, and interview campers throughout the entire stay.
I know the trip will be a success, and I will be able to get a lot of information to you guys! Thanks for your consideration.
Sample (so you can get a feel of my writing style):
When Dereck walks out on stage, I always feel the crowd begin to tense. The energy flows through us. As the music begins to build, the crowd becomes one, and suddenly the floor begins to bounce. It’s one of those sensations that can only be experienced at a show.
When I went to my first Pretty Lights’ show, it was one HUGE party, equipped with a very alive audience. Trance beats were mixed with a intense light show. I first discovered the electronic scene in college, and I was instantly hooked. Sure there is the dub-step, and the electronic jam, but Pretty Lights mixes a collaboration that is nothing shy of perfection. He mixes synthesized samplings and clips from hip hop, soul, and funk, and transpires his music to become hipnotic trance of funky beats.
