SNOWGLOBE RINGS IN 2019 ON A HIGH NOTE DESPITE COLD TEMPERATURES…
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
If you want to ring in the New Year on an epic note, why not bring it in at
Northern Californias biggest EDM NYE bash! Despite freezing cold weather, more then 20,000 fans flocked to the High Sierra’s on December 29, 30 and 31 as Snow Globe Music Festival presented by MTV (who recently acquired the festival) retuned to the beautiful snowy mountains for its 8th consecutive year. Fans got thrilled with over 3 days of music and fun in the snow. Stellar sets came from Above & Beyond, G-Easy, Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Diplo, NIGHTMRE and so many more. Over 40 groundbreaking EDM acts, DJ’s and Hip Hop artists performed on multiple stages that ran simultaneously. Fans also got to witness pro skiers and snowboarders as they glided down big air ramps showing off their impressive skills, while the music and lights flashed all around, it was definitely an audio and visual overlord that seemed to get better each day. There were lots of highlights for the 2018 edition that included expanded and newly designed gathering areas, epic firework displays and much more taking the festival to new heights for overall fan experience.
Its important to point out that Snow Globe is located outside, so dressing beyond warm is a must as the weather can get to single digit temperatures. Many snowglobers, including us were wrapped from head to toe and although it’s sometimes tough to be fashionable where your rapped up like a mummy, many still got very creative. From rainbow colored outfits, to hats, headpieces, printed face scarves and furry boots fans sported outfits that looked like a cross between burning man and Alice In Wonderland.
The first day started out great, as early birders anxiously waited for the gates to open and once inside didn’t waste anytime getting their groove started and exploring all that Snow Globe had to offer. The weather was cold but still tolerable as long as you bundled up. Musical highlights included Bay-area hip-hop sensation G-Eazy who always impresses put on a great show, SnowGlobe-vet and fan favorite Kaskade who was also scheduled to play a sold out show in San Francisco that same weekend rocked the decks hard with this signature house sounds, EDM-star REZZ brought the energy, Swedish house heavy-hitter Eric Prydz took us on a journey through his lifelong releases of great tracks, and livetronica sensations Big Gigantic were amongst one of the best. Other highlights included the debut of the Rail Jam (the additional Big-Air feature showcasing local and professional skiers and snowboarders) and the brand-new MTV Lodge. At the very cool Igloo tent, fans were entertained by energetic sets from 070 Shake, Anna Lunoe, Duckwrth and others. The Sierra Stage saw sets from Party Favor, GoldLink, and Said the Sky. Day one rapped up with fans smiling and excited as 2 more days were still ahead.
Day two of SnowGlobe welcomed fans with warmer temperatures and beautiful California skies. Ah the fresh air was definitely refreshing after being plagued by unfortunate fires that led to extremely bad air quality conditions for many in the
Bay Area. Eager fans packed the Main Stage for highly-anticipated sets from superstar EDM hero Diplo who killed it, as well as Tyga, RL Grime, and one of my favorite EDM duos Sofi Tukker who made a huge splash this year with their eclectic dance grooves. The Sierra stage welcomed Ekali, Sam Gellaitry, Brownies and Lemonade All Star, while the Igloo tent bumped with Chris Lake b2b Waker & Royce, Justin Jay, and Sacha Robotti. What a way to end day 2, as fans filed out of the festival grounds. Many still ready to continue their musical high headed to nearby casinos and after-parties, as the final big day approached.
New Years Eve seemed to come quickly as fans gearing up to embrace 2019. The final day of Snow Globe temperatures really dropped. Those that braved the cold weather to look cool in their hipster outfits for days 1 and 2, changed up to a more skier friendly warm fit that still showcased some of their best winter outfits. Highlights for the day came from Rae Stremmurd who played an early afternoon main stage set and really got the crowed fired up and chanting along. Funny thing is you could see fog coming out of fans mouths, which added to the overall ambience. Other notable sets came from Gorgon City definitely another crowd favorite as they ripped through a dance frenzy set with a sea of fans moving in tangent. Slander, Chet Porter, NIGHTMRE and CRAY also had fiery sets, but the night belonged to Above & Beyond. The English EDM superstar’s are no strangers to big crowds and navigating through epic sets, as they were tapped to play the countdown set leading into 2019 and it was explosive and I mean that literally. From a larger then life production that included spectacular lighting and lasers to massive video and more, they just killed it and for a while we forgot how cold it was. Playing many of their hits as fans squeezed in tight, doing their best to get closer to the stage and possibly stay warmer, but whatever the reason it made for a good vibe community spirit. As the New Year approached, everyone started counting down and going bonkers. Above & Beyond got the crowd fired up inviting fans on stage to push the button to kick off the countdown and before we knew it, fireworks went off, balloons dropped, confetti canons shot into the air and we were full on into the beginning moments of 2019 – Happy New Year!
Snow Globe continued on after the New Year for many, as they just couldn’t seem to get enough of the experience. Organizers along with MTV really put together a mammoth year, that seemed to go well in all areas. Other attractions included, art installs, lighted Snow Globe marquees giving fans photo ops to share. The food was also great and one smart thing was they had an indoor food court with a variety of options that also included vegan friendly options. Their were cool vendors on hand that even sold warm gear for those that needed a little more liner, hammocks to chill on and gaze at the beautiful High Sierra skies and as you left, fans were treated to free water and hot chocolate courtesy of Snow Globe and MTV – thanks guys!
What a great way to celebrate the New Year and even though it was a bit cold, it was all and all a memorable weekend and hopefully the start of a prosperous New Year. Looking forward to see what Snow Globe and MTV have cooking for 2019, whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be one to put on the calendar…
For more info on Snow Globe go to: www.snowglobemusicfestival.com