What better way to gear up for the summer than Governors Ball! New York’s signature festival delivered music, art, food, drinks, and of course good vibes this past weekend (June 10-12).
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For the second time in its 11-year history, the three day festival returned to Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. The home of the Mets was transformed into a fun-filled wonderland, with a rainbow of sky-high balloons leading the way. Literally steps from the number seven train stop, the festival grounds were awaiting a ton of fans.
Whether you’re a Pop or Rock fan, or a Hip Hop head – there was a musical act for everyone's musical appetite. This year’s lineup featured J.Cole, Kid Cudi, Jack Harlow, Halsey, Becky G, Playboi Carti, Kaytranada, Tove Lo, Flume, Black Pumas, Denzel Curry, J.I.D, YG, Skepta, Japanese Breakfast, Glass Animals, along with emerging acts like California-based indie pop trio Almost Monday, Alt-Rock artist De’Wayne, and many more.
“It’s our first time playing in New York City, a place like this is so iconic and has so much musical history,” Almost Monday’s Dawson Daugherty told Audacy. “It’s surreal [having] friends from high school, making a band and playing in one of the best cities in the world. So we're pretty stoked, very blessed.” The festival ran from day-to-night, across multiple stages, the main Gov Ball Stage, and two smaller stages sponsored by Bacardi and Go Puff. “I’m on cloud nine, I feel really amazing, ”De’Wayne told Audacy. “I do feel the most at home on stage especially when you give me that energy,” he added.
On day one, Coi Leray delivered a fan-interactive performance with “Slide” and a jersey club remix of “Big Purr," DJ duo The Knocks had an epic crowd-jumping set, which featured a mashup of Hip Hop and EDM, and Jack Harlow performed alongside the legendary DJ Drama. Furthermore, Halsey didn’t disappoint on day two. Aside from performing “So Good” for the first time, she covered Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Also, Tove Lo graced the stage, performing several hits including fan favorite "Habits."
Jazmine Sullivan serenaded the crowd with a soulful set on day three, performing records such as “Roster” and “Girl Like Me” from her GRAMMY-nominated album Heaux Tales. The Gov Ball grand finale additionally featured two big names in Hip Hop, J. Cole and Playboi Carti. Cole opened his set with a Queens shoutout, before performing hits like “Fire Squad” with a live band. Meanwhile, on the other side of the festival, a growing crowd of fans were chanting for Playboi Carti moments before he graced the stage. Attendees freely jumped up and down as the rapper performed “Sky.”
Aside from the diverse music lineup, carnival-like food, curated street art, and bold fashion statements, what makes Gov Ball a particular experience is the positively carefree atmosphere. The melting pot of music lovers were unapologetically themselves–laughing, moshing, singing, yelling, waving, even if it was just for a moment in time.
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