This past weekend, Coachella counting down-teens and over-the-Zoo adults hoped aboard the ferry to Governors Island for this year’s Governors Ball. The one-day, two-stage event featured some of the biggest and best live acts in electronic, dance, hip-hop and indie music; Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit DJ Set, Das Racist, Neon Indian and Big Boi took over the isle (which is evidently the soon-to-be home of NYU Freshman) for twelve, straight, sunny hours. The idea of no overlapping sets was an initial game-changer – it made me, a Hamptonite at heart, skip the Sag to shoot the sets. However, as fantastic as it was in theory, it was bad in execution. They opted for two stages, set across the festival grounds which resulted in fans ping-ponging back and forth in 45 minute increments. Hearing all the acts – brilliant – but running back and forth all day – not so much. Despite that big boo-boo, the fest was extremely well run and organized; it’s got serious potential and is well on it’s way to being a summer staple in NYC.

My oh so serious thoughts….

• The fun-for-the-whole family vibe; Governor’s Ball skewed more classy than trashy as opposed to most of the festivals we’ve seen this year. 
• VIP being worth it! Hooray for skipping the ferry line and separate seating (kudos to the Fest makers for seriously well organized transportation)
• Airspace’s famous balloon chain which made me happy (not as happy as when I see it at Coachella, but happy) 
• Empire of the Sun channeled their inner theatre geeks with over the top costumes, and dancers that made their Coachella set look like a Coldplay concert. 
• It’s a good thing Girl Talk sprayed the crowd with toilet paper – he had something to clean up his mess of a set with… 
• Big Boi brought me back to 8th grade when I snuck into an Outkast Concert and lost my red Nokia cell phone. His set was a fun mix of tracks from his new album and old Outkast jams.
• We are not cattle, so next time, don’t herd us.  
• Electro-pop group Miami Horror, I like you. 
• Put a DJ on between sets - especially if you have two stages - have you ever heard of DJ Tanner?
• Beer Pong tent, great call. Just don’t tell anyone I said so, I went to NYU.

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Summer is all about festivals, but you don’t have to travel far to listen to music, hang out with your friends and soak in the sun. The Governors Ball Music Festival is a one-day, two-stage event that features some of the biggest and best live acts in electronic, dance, hip-hop and indie music. Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, Neon Indian and Big Boi will be taking over Governors Island, just a hop and a skip from Manhattan, on June 18. So forgot the Coachella or Bonnaroo fomo (I know, I don’t make it easy), because this time the tunes are coming to you… 

The Jetsetter package includes access to a VIP lounge with shade, seating, massage services (yes, massages), wine, beer and special food concessions, exclusive viewing areas at both stages, special restroom facilities, two drink tickets, access to the photo pit or sound board during selected performances and a two-night stay at Gild Hall. All you have to worry about is your endurance. 

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I woke up this morning and realized that spring is 12 days away, and Ultra is 16. Marinate in that fact. You’re Welcome!