So now that we’ve all returned to regular life, shaken off any remains of cold weather, and started (or failed to start) our New Years’ Resolutions, let’s recap #SnowGlobe 2018.
What Worked:
The music was simply phenomenal.
The after-parties hosted plenty late-night dance scenarios for music lovers of all the sorts.
The vibes, of course.
by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Credit: SnowGlobe Music Festival
Credit: SnowGlobe Music Festival
Free stuff courtesy of MTV. Lanyards, koozies, and light up toys. Everyone loves no-cost souvenirs.
The collab with Lyft. Last year, there were horror stories of post-festival Uber shortages and $200 cab rides to Stateline. Glad SnowGlobe figured this one out. They even had hot chocolate for anyone waiting on their ride. Nice!
Above & Beyond is worth a mention for the glacial countdown to 2019.
Credit: SnowGlobe Music Festival
Highlights…
DUCKWRTH by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Chris Lake B2B Walker & Royce by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Rezz by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
RL Grime by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
G-Eazy by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
NGHTMRE B2B SLANDER by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
Justin Jay by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Shoreline Mafia by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
GoldLink by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
What Didn’t Work:
The Igloo or the House Tent – this stage was at maximum capacity throughout all three days. It will need to expand in the coming years if they’re serious about this whole festival thing…
Despite heading over to the Igloo early to find a good spot for Phantoms, dancing room became a competitive personal bubble battle. Some people had to go – and I willingly left. Despite my commitment to House music, it was Just a Feeling… wish it could be more…
Lastly, an almost unbearable, 9-degree NYE countdown – BUT – we signed up for this, we knew we were coming to Lake Tahoe. We certainly saw the weather in advance. It’s not something worth complaining about. It just feels a lot colder than it really is.
Is Christmas finally over? We can start talking (hyperventilating) about SnowGlobe now? No need to mention the lineup – you’ve seen it by now.
If not….
Top 5 Sets Not To Miss:
RL Grime on Sunday – He is only performing at a select few cities in the U.S. this year and South Lake Tahoe is one of them. His latest album, Nova, which is in Electronic Roatation at KSJS features a hand full of Hip-Hop and R&B artists that I just can’t get over. UCLA ft. 24 Hours is on repeat.
Shoreline Mafia on Monday – Everyone thinks they’re from the Bay, so you can only guess why I like them so much. Shoreline Mafia has been a KSJS collectors’ item for some time now with several songs previously in Urban rotation. And with quite a few collabs with SOBxRBE (who are scheduled to perform just a few hours later on the same day), one can only hope for a cameo – just throwing that into the universe
Gorgon City on Monday – Can we just stop to smell the House Music right quick? Currently in KSJS Electronic rotation is this duo, who recently released a gem, Escape. Seeing them live in October overwhelmed me with happy vibes, especially since they played my favorite song twice hence the need to not miss this one.
NGHTMRE B2B SLANDER on Monday – Okay… rave round two, anybody? About a billion people went to NGHTMRE Before Christmas in The City two weeks ago and although we didn’t see SLANDER, that didn’t stop the Gud Vibrations from flowing.
Duckwrth on Saturday – Yes! Just yes! There is no better feeling than seeing an artist you’ve supported for years move through the underground world as effortlessly as Duckwrth. Almost every song he drops ends up in KSJS Urban rotation – like SOPRANO and FALL BACK to name a few. What’s even better, he genuinely supports our support.
It’s worth a mention that GoldLink just got added to the lineup. Bay Area attendees will be excited since he missed Outside Lands this past August. We’ve got a few Dirtybird Players in the mix, plus a “secret set” scheduled for Saturday
Now, let’s discuss these afterparties…
There’s plenty to do after the festival (after all, it ends at 10 PM on Saturday and Sunday) but since we can’t be everywhere at once, I’ve narrowed down the choices for you.
Brownies & Lemonade is taking over the Sierra Stage all day on Saturday, but they’re also hosting the first official afterparty at Mont Bleu. All we know is “secret guests all night long” and casinos don’t close ‘til the sun comes up.
Sunday night will be one to remember. Mont Bleu is also hosting Walker & Royce with Phantoms – which sounds like a match made in House Music heaven. All I can say is get your trap thighs warmed up – this is what we call a “house party”.
Dress warm and in layers. It will drop below freezing temperatures at night. You are allowed a bag or backpack so it wouldn’t hurt to throw an extra jacket, gloves, scarf, or hat inside. Regardless of the weather, WATERPROOF BOOTS are a must!
Parking will be a hassle – plan for it. There are several options including a shuttle and limited off-site parking. Local businesses and communities will be monitoring street/neighborhood parking so be warned
Tune in to 90.5 FM KSJS on Thursday, 12/27/2018 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for a very special #SnowGlobeSpotlight playlist curated by DEBO. Live stream: www.ksjs.org/listen
Happy 2018!! Now that most of us have returned to reality, let’s just reminisce for a second about New Years. Some are still trying to figure out a new diet and fitness routine while others are contemplate giving up that bad habit. However, for the thousands of us who spent New Years in breathtaking South Lake Tahoe for SnowGlobe–words won’t do so, here are some super awesome photos to help.
by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
Armani White by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
If there is one thing I can stress about these kinds of music festivals… it’s the people. I go to a lot of shows, concerts, and events–approximately three a week for the last two years–and SnowGlobe somehow attracted the most loving and caring crowd.
Examples: I was walking up a small, muddy incline when I slipped and a stranger helped me up and said, “I got you fam.” While I was in the photo pit shooting artists, front-row females were calling me beautiful. People in the crowds who obviously never met were sharing hand warmers, healing crystals, glow sticks, and just overall good vibes. It was truly incredible.
Also incredible though–every DJ set I caught was amazing. And I am sure the ones I missed were equally impressive. You would think after hearing every track on Kendrick’s DAMN. 900 times, you’d get tired of DNA, ELEMENT and HUMBLE, but nope. Inevitably, Gucci Gang was another one of those go-to tracks in rotation. I even heard Plain Jane mixed in. Going into SnowGlobe, I was doubtful I’d hear any Hip-Hop, but surprisingly, I was wrong.
Musically, here are some highlights from each day:
Day 2: Porter Robinson and Alexander Lewis (who, by the way, I got the pleasure to meet. He was such a sweetheart. His manager, Matt, was also super humble and the while experience low-key made my entire weekend.)
E-40 by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wnAlison Wonderland by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
Adjacent to the Main Stage was a ramp where riders and skiers from Sierra-at-Tahoe ripped 540’s and 720’s like no ones business. I learned how to ski at Sierra so personally, this was a very special addition to the usual festival features. An abundance of flames and fireworks accented the main stage. And with the amount of glowing totems, flame dancers, light hoopers, and girls with those light-up faux-fur coats, it was a visual display like no other.
Flame Dancers by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Fire by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Flame Dancers by Deanna Boutte @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
The Igloo was my favorite of all the stages. It was the smallest, but it was under a white tent while blue trickling lights so it literally felt like party in an igloo. Igloo Village was home to several white frosted tents with heaters in them to hang out, make friends, or just warm up.
The Igloo by Jennifer Gross @gudvibesphoto
Beer was mildly expensive. I realize I really like totems a lot. SnowGlobe fashion trends included light-up faux-fur coats, animal onesies, retro ski apparel, and obnoxious hats. It wasn’t even thaaat cold. I got a New Years kiss. This event brought Tahoe’s tourism-based economy a few thousand visitors and overall, I can’t wait until next year.
#SnowGlobe2017 is right around the corner and chances are you’re excited! If you’re heading out in the next few days, here’s some insight you might like.
Leave Early
Since most of SnowGlobe’s attendees are from somewhere else, there’s one thing you can count on–and that’s traffic! Majority of SnowGlobeTrotters will be making their trek Thursday night or Friday morning. And while the forecast predicts clear skis (and therefore clear roads), still–you will probably be driving a little longer than anticipated. It’s a three-day, holiday weekend and there will be thousands on the road. With only a few highways coming into South Lake Tahoe, practice patience and always carry chains. Here are a few tools and tips to help you get through the drive:
-If you’re coming from the Bay Area, leave before dawn to beat commuter traffic. There’s plenty to do in Tahoe before your check-in time.
-DO NOT pull over on the side of the highway to take pictures. Yeah, Tahoe is beautiful… heck, the whole drive is pretty impressive, but this is this a rookie move, it causes traffic, and is dangerous.
–Use Waze to keep up with real-time navigation and traffic updates.
-Most importantly, for your music needs, here are a few playlist suggestions for your drive:
Pro-tip: you can also download the SnowGlobe App to browse all the Spotify channels of artists performing at #SG17.
Shop Ahead Of Time
There are plenty of after-Christmas sales going on, just in time for you to re-stock on festival gear. Weather you need a new bladder for your hydration pack, ear plugs, a pair of sunglasses, matching sweatshirts for the squad, or some new accessories to keep you warm, it’s probably not a good idea to wait until you get to Tahoe to do your shopping. Bring your necessities. Shop Tahoe for accessories.
This goes for food too. While spending money at shops and restaurants fuels Tahoe’s tourism-based economy, and we recommend you do so (don’t forget to tip)… Here’s a suggested list of things to pick up from the grocery store on your way that could save you a buck on dining before and after your SnowGlobe festivities:
A bunch of bananas (or any fresh produce)
Trail mix
Protein bars
Gatorade (good for hangovers)
Emergen-C (because ew, germs)
PhoneGlobe: Get The App
We all know you have way too many apps on your phone. But the official SnowGlobe App is crucial. So, make room on your device, add a shortcut to your home screen, and browse. Why? Because the SnowGlobe App lets you create a custom schedule with all your must-see sets. It allows you to share your schedule with friends. The App has a wholesome playlist, not to mention, you will stay up-to-date on set times, exclusive contests, giveaways, and festival updates.
Use the SnowGlobe App as your main resource for music and information as you get ready for this weekend. And make sure to follow SnowGlobe on Instagram and Twitter so you can tag and retweet pictures and posts.
Pro-tip: Selfies, squad pictures, and Instagram stories are important (we know). So, if you’re worried about your phone dying, DON’T. There will be charging lockers available for one-day or three-day purchase.
What Do I Wear?
Besides the super obvious warm coat or snow jacket, waterproof boots (emphasis on waterproof), thick socks, and many layers, we suggest you bring:
At least one pair of gloves–two pairs never hurt anyone though
Chapstick with sun protection
A beanie or ear muffs
Snow pants on top of long johns, jeans, leggings, or yoga pants (layers!)
Hand-warmers
A scarf or gaiter
Your wristband (don’t forget to register it so you’re covered in case it’s lost or stolen!)
Pro-tip: We expect sunny rays during the day, but once the sun down, you might need to add more clothes to stay warm (layers, layers, layers!)
The Shuttle, Uber, Lyft, and Parking, Oh My!
You’re already spending hours on the road to get to Tahoe, why would you want to drive to the festival anyway?
If you are staying near Stateline, a shuttle is available to take you to and from SnowGlobe. It runs every 30 minutes. And it’s free with your single-day wristband.
If you are staying somewhere else, it’s highly recommended that you take an Uber or Lyft. Not only does this prevent the possibility of a DUI, but you won’t have to deal with parking.
Parking is very limited. There will be no parking at the venue. If you must drive yourself, parking is available at the South Lake Tahoe Middle School (see map).
If you decide to park here, be prepared for a short walk (+/- 10 minutes) and steep costs ($75 for all three days, not including Eventbrite fees). And FYI, this does permit for overnight parking so if you are planning to hit the casinos or any of the SnowGlobe Late Night After Parties, be ready to move your car beforehand.
For a complete list of info on getting around, click here. The SnowGlobe Music Festival website is packed with useful information and FAQs too, so pay it a visit if you have questions: www.snowglobemusicfestival.com
Re-post with your pro-tips and advice for this year’s #SnowGlobemusicFestival and you may be featured in the post-festival blog. See you Friday SnowGlobeTrotters. Safe Travels.
A Vibe Called West 