This past weekend, on August 5th-6th, 88rising and Goldenvoice produced the fifth ‘Head In The Clouds Los Angeles Music & Arts Festival’ at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. The festival served as a celebration of Asian and Asian-American music, food, and culture.
The two-day event featured performances from various artists spanning a variety of genres, from brooding Korean hip-hop/R&B group DPR IAN & DPR LIVE, to the theatrical performer Jackson Wang, to the smooth and soulful vocals of NIKI, to celebrating the intersectionality of the Asian and queer identity with Rina Sawayama, and many more.
Head In The Clouds Day 1
The festivities commenced with an energetic early set by FiFi Zhang on Saturday at the Honda Double Happiness Stage. Following the set were captivating performances from artists such as Spence Lee, Stephanie Poetri, and Keith Ape. Meanwhile, the 88rising Stage featured Warren Hue, Rich Brian, and special guest ZEDD.
In addition, California State Representative Evan Low presented 88rising with a State Assembly Resolution on Saturday, recognizing 88rising’s efforts to uplift AAPI arts and culture. Alongside the resolution, August 5 was officially declared Head in the Clouds, 88rising Day in the State of California.
Head In The Clouds Day 2
On Sunday, festival-goers were welcomed back with the opening act, Sion, on the Honda Double Happiness Stage. Following his set were performances by Zior Park, Grentperez, Eyedress, and Voice of Baceprot – one of many acts that made their US performance debut this weekend. At the 88rising Stage, fans enjoyed performances from LØREN, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and the highly-anticipated West Coast live performance debut of XG.
The festival concluded with their signature multi-artist 45-minute finale. The performance included various musicians, including Tiger JK and Yoonmirae, Know Know, Masiwei, Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Phum Viphurit, MILLI, Zion.T, Keith Ape, YOASOBI, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and guest acts Okasian and Sokodomo. The artists sent off the festival goers with an explosive “Midsummer Madness” performance.
626 Night Market
Beyond music, 626 Night Market served as the festival’s official food curator for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s offerings included All Dat Dumpling, Baozza, Luckyball Korean BBQ, Sandoitchi, Shake Ramen, Tao’s Bao, Waffleland, and many more. In addition, the festival featured popular Los Angeles eateries such as Bone Kettle, Bopomofo Cafe, Cocodealers, The Drunken Dumpling, and IKI Ramen. A new addition this year was BOBA VILLAGE, a unique boba market of local favorites such as Bobaful, Factory Tea Bar, Sunright Tea Studio, and more.
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