The joy of live music is a cherished experience for many, as it merges the tones of instruments, heartfelt lyrics, and the electrifying pulse of a unified crowd. Yet, for one devoted fan who recently attended the Roots Picnic, their love for music turned into disappointment, bringing forth reflections on what truly makes a music festival memorable.
This year’s Roots Picnic, held in Philadelphia, transformed from a magical experience last year into a frustrating ordeal that left many attendees, especially loyal fans, feeling let down.
Having experienced the festive spirit of the festival in the previous year where everything seemed to flow wonderfully, the fan was eager to share the event with a friend. However, their excitement quickly turned into a litany of apologies as they endured logistical nightmares.
The first day of the festival was marred by a cumbersome four-hour wait for VIP ticket holders. In stark contrast, friends with general admission tickets breezed into the venue in under an hour. Upon finally getting through, attendees were faced with chaotic conditions that resembled a cattle pen. The situation escalated, with several individuals succumbing to the heat, others breaking down, and many aiding strangers in need amidst the thronging crowd.
The supposed VIP experience was anything but, resembling a glorified area void of any real hospitality. Servers were nowhere to be found, and attendees found themselves carrying their own chairs and contending with muddy grounds.
Food and beverages offered little solace, with lackluster options that left many feeling cheated. An oxtail pizza that failed to deliver on its promise, paired with drinks that lacked any significant punch, only added to the disillusionment.
Despite the initial frustrations, attendees pressed on to enjoy performances from notable artists like Tems. However, the enjoyment was short-lived, with many opting to leave earlier rather than endure freezing temperatures and inflated prices for merchandise like a $100 sweatshirt. The decision was further vindicated by social media reports revealing that artists like Miguel and Maxwell also struggled with adverse weather conditions during their sets, which underscored the day’s challenges.
Day two of the festival offered slight improvements with a shorter wait time for entry, but the energy felt markedly diminished. Drinks were consumed, but the spirit of celebration and unity was absent. It wasn’t until Total took the stage that any semblance of joy returned, igniting the crowd with familiar hits. Following that, Jagged Edge performed alongside Adam Blackstone, which helped rejuvenate the atmosphere briefly.
Then came Lenny Kravitz, an artist held in high regard by many in the audience. However, even his performance found faults, with technical issues hampering his set. Despite his professionalism, the connection with the crowd felt strained and uneasy, a far cry from the vibrant interactions witnessed a year prior.
By the time Meek Mill was set to perform, disconnect from the event prevailed. Though the city turned out for him, those who had become disillusioned with the festival did not stick around to experience the performance.
In a stark contrast was the opportunity to witness Wu-Tang at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, which came next in the lineup of events. The fan initially anticipated a more subdued experience due to the age demographic expected at the show. However, the atmosphere was vibrant from the moment they entered. With quick entry, ample bar supplies, and a show that started punctually at 8:01, everything felt right.
Run the Jewels kicked off the night with a powerful 45-minute set, setting the stage for Wu-Tang’s arrival. The group’s flawless execution of their classic tracks resonated with their audience. Recognizing the crowd served as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between musicians and their fans—a bond that was regrettably absent at Roots Picnic.
The experience crescendoed with Erykah Badu’s performance, a highlight and a testament to her unique connection with her audience. Though known for performances of familiar songs, this time felt distinct. Tye Harris opened the night with a heartfelt piano performance, celebrating Dallas through his music.
Erykah Badu made her entrance draped in commanding attire, masterfully weaving familiar tracks into a new and enthralling experience. Her rendition of classics and debuts of new collaborations, such as her piece with The Alchemist, left fans spellbound. The culmination of the evening was not just a concert but a vibrant declaration of artistry and connection.
As the fan reflected on the two very different festival experiences, it became clear what made the difference: organization, respect for the audience, and a genuine celebration of the music. At 41 years old, this fan has learned that the quality of a music festival can significantly impact the enjoyment and satisfaction of its attendees.
With frustrations still fresh from the less-than-stellar Roots Picnic experience, there is a sense of desire for the organizers to respectfully recalibrate their approach in future events. Lives and experiences hinge upon the connectivity that music brings to communities. As such, the prospect of attending another Roots event appears bleak, while the allure of Wu-Tang and Erykah Badu remains undeniably strong.
To everyone celebrating the rich tapestry of Black music, there’s hope that next year, the focus will return to honoring the artistry, passion, and community that music festivals are meant to embrace.
image source from：dallasweekly
