Recent posts: fest

Returning for its 5th year, the Art of Cool Fest brought the perfect combo of hip-hop heat and smooth soul back to NC’s beloved Bull City. Fans were treated to monumental moments like DJ sets by 9th Wonder and Spinderella, a live set by Q-Boro’s own Nas and a surprise last minute reunion of Little Brother as music coming from The Armory and The Bulls Athletic Park speakers blasted sentimental favs. Also in search of R&B band bops, we made sure to race around town to catch Dwele, Erykah Badu, Young Bull, Maxwell and Anthony Hamilton throughout the worthwhile action-packed weekend.

With the snow-capped mountains and foothills in the distance, I made the short trip from Cali last weekend to attend the fifth edition of Boise’s Treefort Music Fest. On the quest for a new adventure and exploration of a new city, the atypical lineup intrigued and drew me in as I justified the three hour flight commute up north. I gambled that I’d enjoy it because the fests off the beaten path and under the mainstream radar tend to be the best and Treefort fell into this category. There’s no stadium, no humongous park or jumbotron to make the music fan feel like an ant in a sea of thousands. With food, ale and skateforts providing fun during the day, the artists playing intimate, live music at the cozy venues around the city thrilled each night.