Los Angeles and its surroundings are already hosting numerous festivals, I have actually lost count, some are Coachella huge, some are much smaller, some are just block parties, but it seems that a new one pops up every year. The number of festivals already existing didn’t stop Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to launch their own music festival next October,… and be prepared because this one will last for four days!
Big Top Festival will take place at the same location than the FYF Fest, Los Angeles State Historic Park on October 17-18-19-20th. According to the press release, it will look more like a carnival than your traditional music festival, with an eclectic mix of musicians, acrobats, comedy performers, puppeteers, a farmers market, beer garden, late-night entertainment and other activities.
‘Big Top will continue the band’s tradition of curating a uniquely interactive experience for fans. Continuous entertainment and activities will transform a single location into distinct yet equally captivating environments by day and night. The outdoor space surrounding the tent will offer a carnival like setting with a farmer’s market, avant-garde performances, and games as well as local vendors, artisans, and charities. Within the tent, 360 degree tiered seating will allow for intimate performances in the round. During the day, selected films and visual art installations as chosen by the band will be highlighted. At night the tent will present an eclectic mix of featured artists to perform, entertain, and inspire. Ultimately, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will take the stage surrounded by fans on all sides to bring this fantastical adventure to fruition.’
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros performed at the Hollywood Bowl this past Sunday, and according to the Los Angeles Times, circus performers dressed in black and white outfits were greeting people exiting the bowl to promote the event
Frontman Alex Ebert explained to the Times why he came up with the event: ‘These days a band is a fast machine, cramming in dates, cutting fat, making the most money it can. Far gone are the ancient days of the traveling troubadours, lingering in towns, meeting the people, entertaining for days. If you tour, or you have been to a ‘professional’ show, you may have had the sense that something is missing from the experience…And so, here comes the idea of Big Top – a one-off experiment in reaching for a more colorful, soulful, way to tour.’
Tickets go already on sale this Friday August 9th at 10 am, but, when I think about it, only out-of-work hippies can be available 4 days in a row!