VIBE festival aims to fill a void
A new summer music festival aims to fill a genre void and attract a different audience. VIBE Music Festival takes place Saturday in Diefenbaker Park with headliner Ludacris and a full day of EDM acts, Stephanie McKay writes.
HOW IT STARTED
The event picks up where 2015’s Full Flex Express, a one-off tour with a similar mandate, left off. Local organizers, including Jesse Larson, are trying to fill a void in the music festival market.
“We wanted to bring a festival with different genres, hip hop and EDM. We found out there wasn’t going to be a Full Flex Express so we thought we’d bring our own and keep that momentum going because I think there is a need in the province for it,” he said.
EDM HEAVY
In addition to Ludacris, VIBE includes performances by nearly a dozen EDM acts and DJs. Names include Zomboy, a U.K.-based bass artist, and American DJ MAKJ.
It’s a music style that resonates with Larson, who has DJed in the past.
“I like that it’s high-energy and has a variety of sounds. There are a lot of sub-genres in the electronic sphere and there’s really something for every mood,” he said.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Larson said production is a key element of VIBE Music Festival.
“We’re bringing in CO2, pyro and a big stage. I think the production and effects along with the different genres of music really set this one apart from any other festival we’ve had,” he said.
There will also be 10 food trucks on site. The event is 16-plus, but there will be a sizable beer garden.
BRIGHT FUTURE
Larson and his fellow organizers have been involved in promoting local club shows in the past, but VIBE is their biggest undertaking yet. He said they’re hoping for about 4,000 audience members. He also hopes VIBE will become an annual festival and eventually expand to two days.
“Every other province has something like this and we don’t so really embracing this year would help set up future years. Because we’re doing multiple genres, we could have a lot of different possible headliners, from hip hop to Top 40.”
GET IN
Tickets cost $89.95 for general admission and $129.95 for VIP. VIP tickets include a separate entry line, access to the Chill Lounge with private washrooms, couches and a private bar and a swag bag from the festival and its sponsors. Both ticket types are available at vibemusicfest.com. Depending on advance sales, tickets may also be available at the door. Performers start at noon. Ludacris takes the stage at 10 p.m.