IT’S CLEAR THESE GUYS WERE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT SINCE 2007
Photos: Brittany NO FOMO & Chris Lazzaro – Freedom Film LLC & Julian Cassady
The word of mouth buzz scattered across Brooklyn and to the lucky few in Manhattan of the underground warehouse party scene emerging just in time for our generation. The flyers and invites were flashy enough to capture our attention, and the descriptions for the events listed out these odd and fantastical offerings that were a perfect blend of whimsical and downright crazy. Interest peaked.
Photo: Brittany NO FOMO
Maybe without even intentionally doing so at first, the BangOn!NYC crew defined the “warehouse party” and gave new meaning to what a “rave” in our day meant. They set the standard for the quantity and quality of art and music needed in one night to be considered a successful “Brooklyn event” and also were the kings of setting event themes. One night out in a cold warehouse packed with curious party people, surrounded by DJs, art, aerial performances, and light shows… and we were hooked.
Photos: Brittany NO FOMO
Fast-forward years later, and OGs Timothy Monkiewicz and Brett Herman expanded their warehouse parties into entire one day events under the co-title Elements, and now ten years later, we all danced under the Pennsylvania stars at their first ever weekend festival: Elements Lakewood Music and Arts Festival.
Photo: Brittany NO FOMO
The weekend set at a summer camp already had a perfect Memorial Day Weekend backdrop. Groups of friends overtook cabins and decorated them to their custom themes from Pickleback camps to alien infested cabins, making each bunk a party of its own. Like all BangOn!NYC events, every turn had an activity and interactive element like volley ball, rollerskating, rock climbing, human foosball, yoga, and pirate ship dancing that intertwined with a packed electronic music schedule. In their usual stunt-driven fashion, there even was a crew flyboarding in the lake. Seriously.
Photo: Brittany NO FOMO
Photo: Julian Cassady
Photo: Brittany NO FOMO
Staying true to Elements, the Earth stage designed by Rhizome set a beautiful wolf and moon setting for headliners like Tipper and Ott. The water stage overlooked a pirate ship on a lake and became the hub for the best day parties with a sea of rainbow attired dancers. The ZERO air stage floated beautifully in the woods hidden under the shrubbery of the trees for BangOn! annual acts like Lee Burridge. And the fire stage had, well just that. Explosions of fire lit up the sky to end the outdoor music on Sunday night behind DJ Dirty Looks b2b with The Golden Pony, both are performers and the creators / production hands of the festival. Talk about a busy weekend.
Photo: Chris Lazzaro – Freedom Film LLC
Photos: Brittany NO FOMO
From an outsider looking in, you are intrigued by the uniqueness of the event and the impressive lineup, elaborate art, and slightly whacky programming. You are whisked away into another world, but you cant quite put your finger on why you love the event so much.