Moustache Johnny
I’d heard of Hulaween but never heard about it. Always positive feedback but not too much detail. I was always familiar with a majority of the acts and a legit fan of at least a couple. Taking place at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Hulaween 2019 is the latest iteration of the Halloween Party and music festival. The event is hosted by The String Cheese Incident. Not much more than that was offered up unless one really pried for info.
Somehow the small north Florida city of Live Oak had managed to conceal the absolute magic occurring. Once I got my credentials and drove through the gates, I realized the Hula vibes were alive and well. Immediately the grouping of tents and small tribes of friends seemed open and inviting. I was fortunate enough to travel through every area of the park. Much of that due to my having no clue where I was going, and I was blown away. The #HulaCrew, as they prefer to be called, were all on the same beautiful page. Intricate tapestries flowed in the breeze. Campfire smoke wafted through the grounds. Flags hung from tents and cars. The bass from one of 5 not so distant stages pumped through the trees, drawing hoards of festival-goers to their next dance party.
A Look Back At Hulaween 2019!
The costumes were expected but still managed to defy any preconceived ideas I had. From thought-provoking to hilarious, homemade to store-bought, Barely-there, and a full-scale Big Bird, all the bases were covered at least twice. My personal favorite was a bearded Forrest Gump, who I only saw running several times throughout the weekend. The dedication to many of the costumes was flawless. Something I was not prepared for was the totems. Tied to poles and carried everywhere, the totems were beacons for tribe members and strangers alike. LEDs lit up the night sky in the crowd in front of and en route between every stage until the sun came up. Depending on who was asked, Totem duty was either an honor or a task. Seeing the Totems converge on The Meadow before The String Cheese Incident fired up their 3rd set Saturday night is a vibe that will be hard to forget. Small works of art suspended above the crowd and waving wildly with the music made it difficult to ignore the fun being had.
The costumes and the Totems weren’t the only art on display at HulaWeen. Spirit Lake is situated at the center of the five stages and houses some of the most incredible works by local and internationally known artists. As you walked through any of the gates to Spirit Lake, you’re instantly aware that this place is like nowhere else. Mural covered pyramids were scattered throughout. Giant wooden trolls took residence within the safety of the park. Ogres welcomed festival-goers from The Patch into Spirit Lake. A small gypsy casino popped up inside as well. A life-sized birdhouse village sat next to the Mural Maze. Larger than life works from the likes of Drake Arnold, and others led voyagers through an enveloping psychedelic walk amongst immersive paintings intended to smash through your consciousness. Interactive works and a laser light show on the water were only some of the other features that can only be seen to appreciate fully.
Art x Music!
The craziest part of it all may have been the fact that world-class musicians were playing their hearts out at every opportunity on five different stages during all of this. DJs, rappers, reggae, and jam bands pumped sweet music into the Spirit of the Suwannee park to the enjoyment of a nearly sold-out crowd of 20,000 people. Anderson Paak, Bassnectar, CharlesTheFirst, CloZee, and The String Cheese Incident were only some of the over 80 acts to fill the four-day festival. The famous themed third set on Saturday night at The Meadow by SCI is truly a highlight spectacle of the entire weekend. I will admit that this was my first exposure to the experience that is SCI, and I was blown away. Seamlessly moving through genre-defying songs with what is apparently every Instrument the stage would hold, they deserved the adoration spewing from the crowd long into the night.
While this is the largest camping festival of its type, sleeping is the least of anyone’s concerns while at Hulaween, but the camaraderie amongst the villages was inspirational. The three days, I was fortunate enough to spend at Hulaween were filled with the most positive vibes anywhere. The grounds of the park were filled with palpable respect for each other, understanding, and positivity that pierced the soul of anyone present. The question that was asked the most was, “Is this your first Hula?” as if the one asking knows you’ll be back. If so, they’re right. Look for The Culture Curators totem and come get your free hug. From the newest member of the #HulaCrew, I can’t wait to see you in The Meadow.
Photos via Moustache Johnny
