For those who needed an escape from the holiday rush this past weekend, the Magic Island Music Festival provided a welcome getaway.
This "one of a kind" festival took place on Jiuzhou Island, an easy twenty-minute ferry ride away from Zhuhai. Although small, the island boasts a roped-off swimming area, some unusual rock formations, a few creepy abandoned buildings to explore, and of course, seaside views galore.
Headlining bands at the festival included local favorites such as Colin Phils, Dirty Curtyy, and the Sun Yat Sens, while also introducing some relative newcomers.
One band, Jade Bazaare, formed just six months ago in Guangzhou. Members commented that they were "a little bit tired" from their commute to the island, but that the experience was still "amazing." Also, the stage equipment was superb: "the best stage we ever played on."
Other performers included the Dim Sums, the Static Nomads, the Mighty Orphans, VaChina, and SpaceFolk. Altogether the bands represented a broad spectrum of musical genres, ranging from reggae to rap to rock-inspired electronica.
Fun activities like Zumba sessions and treasure hunts, plus dance performances, were squeezed in between the main musical acts. In total, the festival lineup ran for an impressive 12 hours, starting at around 2pm on Friday.
Most of the performers and participants camped out in tents overnight and took ferries back to Zhuhai the following morning. Despite minor mishaps like bloodthirsty mosquitoes and an early morning thunderstorm, many left Jiuzhou tired but satisfied.
Members of the Afro Soul Dancers pose with friends.
The group Jade Bazaare performing.
The Mighty Orphans on stage.
Dirty Curtyy performing in a dress.
The Afro Soul Dancers rocked the stage before coming down to mingle with the audience.
A member of the Sun Yat Sens.
Colin Phils' vocalist/guitarist (above) and bassist (below).
A vendor distributes free samples of wine to appreciative audience members.
Adrian Blackstock performs from his album VaChina.
0 User Comments