FESTIVAL OF COLORS
PHOTOS BY: JELENA ALEKSICH and BRITTANY NO FOMO
Photo by: Jelena Aleksich
It was a seemingly dreary Saturday as the sky illuminated with different shades of whites and greys. A few friends and I took an Uber Carpool into the heart of Brooklyn as mid-afternoon descended upon us. We had no idea where we were going until we saw streams of color-clad young’n’s walking out of C-Pac, the outdoor space of Cultural Performing Arts Center. From the moment we arrived, we began to get doused with a rainbow of bright, vibrant color as every attendee is gifted a bag of color upon entree to celebrate the arrival of spring. #finally
Photo by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Photo by: Jelena Aleksich
Holi Shit. Upon first glance: crowds, color and a buzzing clamor of excitement. Colors began to effervesce in the air all around us as DJ Vic blasted a mash-up of popular tunes. The JunXion buses-turned-rooftop-stage enclosed the main stage with swarms of eager party-goers. Local food trucks lined up with delicious food as drink lines created a crowd of their own. We all become superheroes, dousing new friends with streaks of color as we had a whole day of pure enjoyment ahead of us.
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Photos by: Jelena Aleksich
Suddenly, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem was in full swing as Quincy Vidal, ScienZe, and Noah Bility graced us with their poetic flow and frenetic vibes. Plus, they looked super dope with their color splattered ensembles. Backstage, I had the pleasure of bumping into some old friends while meeting some new ones as I ascended atop the infamous JunXion bus. I found myself wanting to freeze this moment as I inhabited the best seat in the house, eavesdropping on all the bright pandemonium below me.
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Photos by: Jelena Aleksich
Next up was one of my alltime favorite Brooklyn-based bands – The Skins – a rock group comprised of three siblings and two friends whose debut EP was recorded by Wreckroom Records (brainchild of actor Adrien Grenier – who, by the way, made an appearance). Decked out in bright green latex digs and sick kicks, they belted rock-infused soul to a crowd that was joyously rocking out to this raw, new sexy sound. I decided this was the perfect time to make my way back into the battlefield through hordes of hue’d peoples. It was magnificent in every way possible as I witnessed a variety of smiles, laughter and all-around good energy as the music soared into the early evening.
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Photos by: Jelena Aleksich
Gears shifted as Branchez made his way up to the stage, bombarding the crowd with orgasmic melodies. Each time he dropped, colors would fill the air cascading into a beautiful haze. His notorious remixes made a huge splash this year (re: Alesso/Tove Lo “Heroes”) and made a comfortable appearance during his set.
Photos by: Jelena Aleksich
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Photos by: Jelena Aleksich
Photo by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Break time. As I was inhaling a falafel sandwich, all I could hear was brass radiating off the stage as darkness finally arrived. Six, good-looking guys that go by the name of Lucky Chops were serenading the crowd with brass-infused covers while decked out in colored white scrubs. Blending a fusion of sounds – funk, gospel, jazz, rock, world – they were the perfect balance of high power energy and nostalgic rendition. This is when I, along with everyone else, became a dance machine.
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
Shortly after, The Golden Pony took over and raised the bar even higher as they splattered color all around the stage and the audience. As the last act, they basically turned the entire event into a party as intoxication and fun antics were in full swing. I continued to jump up and down and whip my hair back and forth…until the very last beat.
Photos by: Brittany, NO FOMO
As the show was officially over, I couldn’t help but want more so luckily there was a BangOn! afterparty at The Wick that was about to drop until the morning. Feeling dirty but looking damn fine, we all hopped into various vehicles of sorts – fresh out of battle, relishing in technicolor – ready for more.
Photo by: Brittany, NO FOMO
There’s even more to see.
Photos © Brittany NO FOMO &JELENA ALEKSICH. All Rights Reserved.
