As fireworks reflected off the snow covered grounds of Winter Park, as insane light shows reflected off the neighboring mountains, as music goers covered from head-to-toe in snow gear jumped up and down continuously as incredible artist after artist took to the stages, Snowball 2013 can rate itself up there as one of Colorado’s best winter time festivals.
The layout was set up perfect with one main stage and two tents, each far enough away from one another that you could hear each artist clearly but close enough you could dance your way from set to set without freezing your buns off. There were plenty of great vendors, lots of delicious warm food and heating areas so when the toes and fingers needed a quick warm-up people had a place to go.
The festival started off with a bang Friday with the musical talents of Zion I, Porter Robinson, Krewella, Kendrick Lamar and ending the night was none other than a Rado favorite, Big Gigantic. Kendrick Lamar gave the crowd poetic justice and a hell of a lot more. He took that stage and showed just what a true rap artist he was; his vocals crystal clear, his words flowing with the rhythms and his stage presence captivating. Then Big G got on the stage and lit it up, literally and figuratively. Their light show is one for the books and their live musical instrument set is what ranks them up there with one of the best live performances to see. It takes a true artist to be able to go on stage and play their instrument live and these boys do it with such ease.
Saturday Winter Park saw a down pour of snow but that did not stop any of the festival goers from making their way to see the shows. More layers, hand warmers and a nice hot beverage got this day off to a great start. I have to give a shout out to Luminox. During his set, his computer screen was distorted and he couldn’t see what he was playing. But instead of throwing in the towel, he busted out a desktop screen, plugged in his laptop, and kept dropping some unbelievable trap. Kudos Lum, huge kudos. Portugal the Man and Datsik brought amazing energy to the day and the night was finished with Colorado’s favorite man of lights, Pretty Lights. Derek Vincent Smith, the name given by his mother who is always in the crowd supporting, has never failed to put on a captivating and memorable show. Between the light show and PL’s choice of tunes, from his new hits all the way back to some old favorites like Radiohead’s “Everything in its Right Place”, PL shut down the night leaving everyone’s bodies in a state of music euphoria.
Sunday was no day for rest for this festival with huge artists still stacked. K Theory, Ishi, Grizmatik and Flosstradamus were just a few names who threw down the dub, the jazz and the dirty trap. Then the perfect closer for the ultimate snow weekend, STS9 took to the main stage. This instrumental band mixes the sounds of rock, funk, hip-hop, drum and bass and a little jazz to capture every form of music that was present at Snowball this weekend. As the final fireworks lit the sky, every face in that crowd was smiling with the ultimate love for all the amazing music that had taken place over the weekend.
To all the artists who were at Snowball, thank you for coming to Colorado and making us fall in love with your music all over again. For the day dancing shows to the night thumping after parties. To the Snowball staff, you all did an amazing job and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year. And of course, to all the festival goers, keep fuckin rocking.
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