Mother Nature can be petty when she wants to be. That was very clear when Randall’s Island experienced her showing up during the last acts of Day two of Governors Ball. The rain that occurred was not some light drizzle. No, it was a rain that was damn near biblical. Regardless, folks were willing to come back to the grounds for the final day of the festival. Then this happened:
Due to severe weather & likelihood of lightning in the area, GOVBALLNYC is officially cancelled for DAY 3.MORE INFO: https://t.co/Pq6Tq2cZFC
— The Governors Ball (@GovBallNYC) June 5, 2016
So the plans changed. No Vince Staples, Vic Mensa, Joey Bada$$, Gary Clark Jr. or Kanye. But thats alright, because for the days that Gov Ball did happen, glimpses of bright, beautiful blackness occurred.
The performers
There were three highlight performers during Day two of the festival that brought their own essence to the stage:
Thundercat
Thundercat is such an amazing live performer. Wearing some stellar bejeweled sunglasses, he wowed the crowd with songs off his last two albums. Seeing Thundercat play guitar live is exciting, especially when he’s going back-and-forth with his drummer or when he goes into a music break. Seeing him feel the music he’s playing is a joy as an audience member. We even got the treat of him singing “Complexion” from Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly.
De La Soul
“I love your energy, but y’all gonna learn some sh*t,” said Maseo to the under 30-year-old crowd. And learn we did. De La Soul commanded respect and energy, so much so that they paused their set just to ask the photographers in the photo pit to put their hands up as well. My favorite part was the mix of “Potholes In My Lawn” and the “Ain’t No Nigga” instrumental.
Miguel
Miguel was as agile, animated and engaging as he usually is when he performs. With his band in all-white backing him, the lights and colors were bright in the background to match the mood of the performance. We indeed became Miguel’s ‘wolf pack’ (his words), singing along to our favorite songs off of Kaleidoscope Dream and WildHeart. And even when it started pouring, Miguel kept rocking (but I went back to the tent because I forgot my poncho at home).
The style
Immaculate black style is a treat to see in motion, especially at music festivals. Here are some fellow attendees looking fly:
All in all, Governors Ball 2016 was a good time. But lets try not to piss off Mother Nature again next year, ok?
