Sunday, March 17th my life flipped upside down. I unexpectedly had to move out of my apartment quickly and was short on cash because of it. The icing on the cake of troubles what that Beyond Wonderland was that following weekend. One of my biggest stresses and fears was missing out, which I recently learned is referred to as FOMO, fear of missing out. With positive vibes and unstoppable determination, I made it happen. The entire five-hour journey through Los Angeles traffic on a Friday afternoon I remembered why we come to these festivals. I found solace in knowing we come to escape reality, or in this case, drop down the rabbit hole to be with an extended family from around the globe. As soon as I entered the gates late Friday night, all worries had subsided; I had returned home to the hands of Insomniac.
It was Just the Beginning
The entryway was so vivid. I took the time to indulge as I walked in right as Carnage was playing his comeback set at the main stage, Queen’s Domain. Directly following his memorable, “I’m back baby” closing, Don Diablo jumped on deck and started my descent into festival glory. Lucky for me, I ended up at a table on the main stage SkyDeck. It was such a different experience; however, I was so thankful for a place to rest my dancing feet. With the grooves continuing I decided to take an adventure through Wonderland.
Wander Around Wonderland
If you haven’t taken the chance to run off into your own world and “get lost” at a festival, I recommend doing so. I was on a mission to explore all that was available. Everything from the many types of entertainers, the grand stages filled with Headliners and Freaks, to The Looking Glass and couple of rides. A word from the wise, do not go on the Dumbo ride after having a drink… not chill. Another pro tip, set a timer so you don’t end up getting completely lost from your group. It can be easy to get stuck at times in the adventure. I got totally lost when I walked past Ganja White Night’s set being played at Mad Hatter’s Castle, hosted by BASSRUSH. This was definitely one of those sets that lures you in and takes over your mind. I had no desire to leave.
Although I did not want to leave, my timer went off and I made my way back to the Main Stage to catch the end of Armin Van Buuren going hard leading right into my favorite female badass, REZZ. Somehow for whatever reason, I cannot explain, I ended up squeezing my way to the front of the crowd to cross to the other side of the stage. I 100% do not recommend this. However, if you’re into being smushed into others, rubbed against their sweaty bodies while they give you the evil for trying to get through then you do Boo. I do recommend never missing REZZ’s performance. Every time I have seen her, it has been one for the books. This time around was the perfect way to close out the first night of Beyond Wonderland.
Beyond Recovery
How did you feel after night one as you prepared for a fully stacked second night of rave? Stay tuned for how I made it through day two! My recap of the journey is on the way. If you’re anything like me, you’re still in recovery. To aid our rave wounds, Insomniac has put together a special night for those who emerged from the rabbit hole and returned to reality. Tonight at Exchange LA in Downtown Los Angeles the official Beyond Wonderland Recovery Party is going off! As Insomniac tends to do, we have been left wanting more. Tonight’s lineup is a total secret! There have local promoters who have dropped hints of the artists coming our way on Instagram. Follow my friend Albert to get clued in like I am. For now, I have your back, so far we have been told that two artists are from mau5trap, one from Barong Family, one of Mad Decent, and of course one from Insomniac Records. I thought my FOMO was serious for Beyond Wonderland. Fortunately, the Universe is on my side and I will be there.
I will make sure to report my findings to my favorite Freaks at the start of the week! Get your tickets while you still can. Do not forget ExchangeLA offers valet parking for $20.
*Featured Image Via Alex Varsa*
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[…] to the TV Remote to start my pump-it-up Beyond Wonderland Spotify Playlist. As I mentioned in my Day One Review, sometimes traveling in a group can keep you from festing the way you would like to. Each day, […]