With The Avett Brothers closing out the last day of the 13th annual year of McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2016 (M3F), the festival has proven its worth of being a total success. The whole weekend, overflowing with great vibes, gave everyone the opportunity to get the true music festival experience.
One way the festival stood out was by filling the M3F 2016 lineup with artists and bands from every type of genre. Allowing each attendee to see someone they are guaranteed to admire. Whether people were there just hanging out in the middle of the venue or getting down in front row, the sounds coming from each stage were quite enjoyable. From children throwing a football across the crowd, to your grandparents taking a nap on a picnic blanket in between sets, and to those following the music, M3F was a festival that everyone can enjoy.
Friday was the perfect day for anyone who wanted to dance their troubles away. Artists included MS MR, Animal Collective, Big Wild, and, the headliner of the festival, Beck. There was a vibrant groove present in seemingly every individual that night. That groove also seemed to come out of each patron on the dance floor as crushers form the M3F lineup did their thing on-stage.
Animal Collective is not entirely for everyone. Some people said they love their music, but live, they couldn’t grasp the feeling they expected. Or it was the other way around. Big Wild played on the smaller stage right after Animal Collective, bringing over a crowd that kept expanding after every song he played. The stage presence Big Wild brought with him fed off to everyone watching his set, pumping them up even more to end the night with Beck.
Beck had an entirely different feel to his set. Even those who weren’t necessarily huge Beck fans were able to appreciate the show. Mostly everyone attending the show that night was there for Beck. At this point, only a few were not dancing as hard as they could. A couple onlookers outside the venue’s gates couldn’t help but show how impressed they were by the energy of the festival as the crowd reacted so well with Beck’s music. Beck concluded the show, sending everyone off with their very own imaginary “Two Turntables and a Microphone.”
Saturday was the day for the college crowd. With some of the most influential DJs in music right now, acts like GRiZ, Goldfish, and Porter Robinson stole the show. Giving the crowd some incredible entertainment, and showing off their multitasking skills behind the decks. GRiZ got the crowd grooving in no time, with his trusty companion, the saxophone, and was able to bring the atmosphere of the show up to at least double to what it was before. A perfect set matched a perfect sunset that sent the crowd into a night of more musical festivities.
Bloc Party played in the mid-afternoon giving everyone their daily British dose of music. They had recently released a new album, Hymns, with new bassist, Justin Harris, and new drummer Louise Bartle. Curiosity of the new lineup gave everyone some confusing expectations, not really knowing what to expect. Especially with a different sound from the new album. Bloc Party was able to overcome those expectations and killed the set, even playing old hits such as “Banquet,” “This Modern Love,” “Helicopter,“ and “Hunting For Witches.” They also paid homage to David Bowie, playing a beautiful version of the classic “Heroes.”
Porter Robinson was also one of the highlights of the weekend. Performing his famous live Worlds set, he took the show to new levels. Creating an intimate mood that the entire crowd was able to bond over.
Kid Cudi closed out Saturday night with a set that brought many people back to those memories of their old high school parties. Playing most of his hits, with a distinctive stage set up in between a bunch of trees, seeming as if he were in some sort of rainforest. Kid Cudi’s recent albums are a lot different, but he was able to set a fine line on which songs he would have in his setlist for the night.
Sunday was a day of relaxation. Going into the festival, everyone had brought their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets to set up throughout the entire field. Those who are used to having a easygoing Sunday were able to continue that tradition, but also watch some great performances.
Ruca continued with the classic Arizona reggae vibes in the afternoon. With a voice that was perfectly radiated with the sunshine, Ruca had the ideal set to play at just the right time. With a steady collection of pop, country, folk, and reggae, Ruca was a nice way to enjoy the afternoon.
Gary Clark Jr. was exactly what everyone needed as the sun went down. The amazing guitarist from Austin, Texas got everyone on their feet to dance to the bluesy jams intended to move to. Wooing the crowd with his Texas twang solos, Gary Clark Jr. knew exactly what he needed to do to make the set just right.
The whole weekend is something to be remembered and cherished, as curators of M3F 2016 have created something great that will definitely be continued and enjoyed by everyone for the years to come.