It’s finally here! Today was day one of Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati, OH. After months of growing anticipation, I was so excited to finally walk through those festival gates. VIP check-in was quick and easy, and we were on site in no time.
The entrance puts you right in the middle of the festival. You are immediately immersed in Bunbury. We took our time to explore – get the lay of the land. Then we naturally ended up at the VIP tent. We were greeted by a guest DJ, catering, and a private bar. I was feeling ambitious so I decided to try the custom mix drinks Bunbury had to offer – the Bunbury Punch, and the Bunbury Buzz. While neither Red Bull or tequila are really my thing, I just had to get the souvenir Bunbury mug that came with the Bunbury Buzz. (There’s a chance I came home with three by the end of the night because who knew red bull and tequila was delicious?) Once we had our drinks in hand, we wandered outside where we found a private VIP viewing section with a side stage view, and even some couches a little further back. I knew I was going to like VIP life…
The first band that was high on our list today was Royal Blood. The weather clearly didn’t care about our list. The set was delayed by a half hour or so while we all took cover from an incoming storm. It’s not a festival if your shoes don’t get muddy, right? But after the storm had passed, Royal Blood took the stage, and it was worth the wait. Even watching them two feet in front of me, it’s still hard to believe the music we’re hearing is just a bass player and a drummer.
The sun came out just in time for Fitz and the Tantrums. But Fitz and the Tantrums can clear up any rainy day, and they were the perfect band to cheer up the now soaking wet festival goers. The little dance breaks by Noelle Scaggs and Michael Fitzpatrick was enough to make anyone smile. Their happiness was contagious, and you could tell they were genuinely happy to be here.
Next was Young the Giant, who never disappoints. They started the set off strong with “Amerika” and “I Got” – hit after hit. They were the perfect ebb and flow for the lineup today. Their set went by far too quickly, and all the sudden it was time for the last band of the night – The Chainsmokers.
Admittedly, I went in with low expectations for The Chainsmokers. They are not my favorite band of all time, but I knew they would put on a show – and I was so very right. The lights, the confetti, the pyrotechnics! Sooo many pyrotechnics. One thing I was happy to discover is they are actual DJ’s and musicians. They don’t just press play on their Macbook Pros like I’ve seen so many other artists do. They live mixed, they sang, they jumped on instruments – it was an actual musical performance and not just a prepackaged DJ set. Besides one terrible version of The Cranberries “Zombie”, they went above and beyond my expectations.
Before we knew it, it was the end of the night. We went back to our room at the Radisson, happy to wash off our muddy feet and rest for day two. Good night, Bunbury. See you tomorrow!
Did you like this post? Check out these related posts!
Lord I am so old these days…lol…I haven’t been to a music festival in over 25 years, but having said that have done some of the world’s most awesome festivals from Donnington and Slane Castle to Dream Beach in Spain. Truth is you are never too old if you love the music and this sounds like one hell of a line up
I live in Ohio and hadn’t really heard of this festival before! (Granted, I’m not really a festival-goer, so that’s probably why). This sounds like an excellent first day line-up, though! And it’s great that you didn’t let the rain ruin the day for you (because such is Ohio in the summer!).
It’s not an Ohio summer without rain!
Never heard of the festival and it’s not my type of music, but I bet it was fun! Must be been very enjoyable to stand so close, you have some great photos.
I haven’t heard of this festival, but it seems like it would be fun to addend. Young the Giant is from my hometown, Irvine, but sadly I have not seen them live yet. Love that silhouette shot of the Chainsmokers!
The silhouette shot is actually of Young the Giants! You have to see them live, they’re great!
Wow, festivals are such an amazing time for togetherness, I love fitz and the tantrums so thats awesome, looks like a great time
We had a blast!
Great photos of what sounds like a great day! I love music but I’ve never really been to a festival, this sure sounds like a lot of fun!
I’ve never heard of this festival but it was interesting to read! I can’t believe it stormed but happy it cleared up and you were able to have a great time.
It’s Ohio, the weather is always unpredictable LOL
I love music festivals! I haven’t even heard about this one but it sounds like so much fun! Having VIP access at a concert would be a dream. I’m sure day 2 was just as great.
That was a great line up specially ending the day with the chainsmoker! That was cool! Looks like you had fun!
hahah I lived in Toledo, OH for 6 years and I never heard of this festival. It look pretty cool! Maybe I will plan a visit for my trip back to Ohio
I am not familiar with music festivals in the USA. Glad I came across your post loved reading it.
I like the helpful info you supply for your articles. Thanks for sharing a smart thought.
Thank you!