In the heart of the Pocono Mountains, where the whispers of the forest meet the pulse of electronic beats, Elements Music & Arts Festival 2024 unfolded like a vivid dream. From August 9-11, this woodland wonderland became a playground for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and free spirits alike, proving once again why it’s the Northeast’s best-kept festival secret. Despite facing initial challenges due to severe weather, the festival emerged as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of music.
Nature’s Curveball and the Festival’s Comeback
The festival’s opening act, however, was scripted by Mother Nature herself. As hurricane winds threatened to gate-crash the party, organizers made the gutsy call to postpone Friday’s festivities. The decision didn’t come lightly, especially considering the star-studded lineup that was forced to bow out. Festival-goers had to bid a reluctant farewell to anticipated sets including Max Styler, ODD MOB & Omnom: HYPERBEAM, Boogie T & Boogie Trio, INZO, and more.
The heavyweights, too, fell victim to the weather’s whims. Kaskade’s uplifting melodies, Illenium‘s emotional bass music, and the dream B2B of Green Velvet and Patrick Topping – all swept away by the storm. It was a reminder of festival life’s unpredictability, and a testament to the caliber of artists Elements attracts.
But Elements’ spirit? Unbreakable. In true Elements spirit, the setback became a setup for an unforgettable weekend. As Friday night descended, The campgrounds erupted into a celebration. NYC’s Renegade crew, refusing to let the music die, orchestrated a legendary B2B featuring Tape B and Disco Lines. It was a testament to the resilience and creativity that would define the weekend, turning disappointment into an unexpected adventure.
Saturday: The Forest Awakens
Saturday dawned with a palpable buzz of anticipation. The forest, now alive with sound and color, revealed its four distinct realms – Earth, Fire, Water, and Air – each stage a unique character in this unfolding story.
The Earth Stage, a behemoth of production with mind-bending visuals and a sea of lasers, pulsed with bass-heavy beats and live instrumental acts. As one of the two mainstages, it showcased the festival’s commitment to top-tier production. My day kicked off with 5AM Trio, perfectly setting the tone for what was to come. TVBOO was a standout set with his earth-shaking rhythms reverberating through the woods and igniting the crowd. As the day progressed, The Floozies painted the air with their electro-funk brushstrokes, while Troyboi’s trap-infused set had the crowd moving as one. LSDream took attendees on a psychedelic journey before Excision closed the night with a mind-bending bass extravaganza that left jaws on the forest floor.
Meanwhile, the Fire Stage lived up to its name, bringing the heat both literally and figuratively. It created a non-stop dance party in the heart of the forest, complete with constant pyrotechnics and nightly fireworks displays. Matroda set the stage ablaze with his bass house beats, followed by Dr. Fresch, who ignited the crowd with his signature “Future Ghetto” flames. As night fell, Fly With Us (AC Slater B2B Chris Lorenzo) turned up the temperature even further, their house music masterclass echoing through the trees.
The Water Stage, perhaps the most visually striking of all, took the form of a giant octopus, its tentacles reaching into the sky. At night, lasers shot from its eyes, creating a surreal backdrop for a diverse lineup spanning heavy bass, D&B and hard techno. The stage’s diverse lineup reflected in its ever-changing crowd, a sea of people ebbing and flowing with each new sound. Despite its visual appeal, the stage’s popularity sometimes led to overcrowding, which reminded attendees that even in paradise, there can be too much of a good thing.
Completing the elemental quartet was the Air Stage. Built into the forest with a circular design and surrounded by treehouses. Creating an intimate club-like atmosphere, it offered the most immersive natural experience. Its eclectic lineup and unique setting made it a favorite for those seeking a more intimate musical journey. As Saturday night deepened, the Air Stage hosted a surprise set from Disco Lines, turning the forest into an impromptu dance party that kept the energy high until the early hours of Sunday.
Sunday: From Sunrise to Sensory Overload
Sunday brought a new energy, starting with LSDream’s LIGHTCODE project at the Air Stage. This 11 AM set, a meditative journey nestled in the woods offered a serene start to what would become a day of sensory overload. The Air Stage, with its unique forest integration, continued to surprise throughout the day, with It’s Murph later bringing his electric energy to the woodland setting.
As the sun climbed higher, the water stage came alive with a surprise D&B set from Barclay Crenshaw. The day unfolded with bass-heavy performances from Austeria and Space Wizard, followed by Cool Customer’s unique vibe. Subtronics‘ sunset set proved to be a double-edged sword – while the music soared, the stage’s popularity created challenges for the crowd. Yet his closing set at the Earth Stage later that night more than made up for it, dropping favorites like “Scream Saver” to the delight of the now-spacious crowd. Dimension and Sub Focus represented the best of drum and bass, while Sara Landry took command, closing out the Water Stage with her hard-hitting techno – a stark contrast to the day’s earlier tones. It was a reminder of Elements’ musical diversity – from sunrise meditation to nighttime techno dungeon, all within the same magical forest.
Back at the Earth Stage, Hamdi brought the heat with his unique bass concoctions, energizing the crowd for G Jones, and The Disco Biscuits, who delivered a jam band experience like no other. Each act drew in crowds like moths to a flame. The Fire Stage kept the energy high with Walker & Royce’s uncontrollable grooves, leading up to the night’s crescendo with a monumental B2B set from Chris Lake and Cloonee. They kept the crowd in constant motion, their seamless mixing and pulsating beats epitomizing the best of what house music has to offer.
Beyond the Beats: A Feast for the Senses
But Elements isn’t just about the music – it’s a full-sensory experience. Between stages, art installations dotted the landscape like alien flora, turning simple walks into adventures. Lit-up pathways through the forest guided festival goers through a wonderland of enchantment. Fire dancers and acrobats appeared like forest spirits, their performances adding an extra layer of magic to the already magical woods.
For those seeking respite from the beats, wellness activities offered a chance to recharge. From Breathwork Alchemy to Goddess Circle’s, yoga classes and Reiki to sustainability workshops, these oases of calm amidst the storm of sound proved that Elements understands the importance of balance. The festival’s commitment to personal growth and mindfulness provided a perfect counterpoint to the high-energy musical performances. Daily activities including Flow Art Jam Sessions and Live Pokémon Battles added to the excitement, creating days brimming with activities for everyone.
The culinary experience at Elements was equally impressive with a diverse array of food options catering to all tastes. The options were far beyond typical festival fare with a plethora of options for those who enjoy chicken quesadillas and burgers and those who prefer vegan and vegetarian options.
What truly set Elements 2024 apart, however, was its people. Despite the initial hiccup with Friday’s cancellation, the vibe remained immaculate. Friendliness wasn’t just common – it was the rule. Strangers became friends, friends became family, all united by the pulsing heart of the festival. The sense of community was palpable, highlighting both the festival’s organizers and the passionate music lovers who make up its audience.
Reflections in the Moonlight
As the final notes faded into the night sky, Elements left its mark not just on the forest, but on the hearts of all who attended. It proved that a music festival can be more than just a collection of performances – it can be a living, breathing ecosystem of sound, art, and human connection.
In a world of cookie-cutter events, Elements stands apart. It’s not just a festival; it’s a reminder of the magic that happens when nature and creativity collide. For those lucky enough to have experienced it, Elements wasn’t just a weekend – it was a glimpse into a world where music, art, and the human spirit dance in perfect harmony across Earth, Fire, Water, and Air.
As the Pocono woods returned to their natural quiet, one thing was clear: for a few magical days, Elements hadn’t just hosted a festival – it had created a world. And for those already dreaming of next year’s adventure, the message was simple: the elements are calling. Will you answer? And who knows, maybe next year, the weather will play along, allowing the full spectrum of Elements’ musical mastery to shine from day one.
Featured Image Courtesy of Elements Festival // Maggie London (@maggielndnphoto)
