Since being announced late last year, Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival has generated a tremendous amount of excitement as the new Florida festival gets ready for its inaugural party in paradise. During the first weekend in March, music fans will be treated to a jaw-dropping lineup fused with beautiful Utopian festival grounds in what looks to be an inspiring and rejuvenating experience for attendees. Soundslinger, LLC, an independent company founded by Steve Sybesma of Sunshine Promotions and Paul Peck formerly of Bonnaroo promoter Superfly, have put together the perfect jump start to festival season with Okeechobee, and here are 5 reasons why.
Location is Everything
This festival might not have even happened if it wasn’t for this perfect patch of land situated just north of Lake Okeechobee, about 2 1/2 hours southeast of Tampa in central Florida. Organizers were on a mission to find an ideal layout that would create a memorable experience for its patrons. The pristine 800 acre property, owned by Rosen, features miles of paved roads, a man-made beach, acres of wide open green grass fields for stages and campsites, and natural pine tree groves. The space, aptly named, Sunshine Grove, is a great home for what will be one of biggest music festivals the Sunshine State has seen.
Killer Lineup
What could be considered one of the best festival lineups dropped this year, Okeechobee is stacked with a variety of genre spanning talent. Whether you want to sing along to classic songs with Robert Plant and Hall & Oates, or you want dance feverishly to jams from Bassnectar and Odesza, or maybe wanna spit rhymes alongside Kendrick Lamar and Future, there is something for everyone here. You also can’t miss the “PoWoW!” which will feature an all-star jam session starring R&B singer Miguel that’s is molded after Bonnaroo’s “SuperJam!”
Stage Presence
By utilizing the Grove’s unique landscape, organizers are able to create a variety of playful oases. These oases will be hosting over 80 musical artists for 24 hours a day during the four-day event. Whereas the main stage lays claim to a vast grassy meadow, festival goers can also escape to the beach or hang around in the jungle. Aquachobee is a stage is situated beach side where you can get down with artists like Manic Focus and Twiddle while sipping a fruity drink and playing in the sand. Jungle 51 is an all night dance party in the woods where music goes from 9pm to 9am that features world class house and techno artists that will keep you grooving until breakfast.
More than Music
Okeechobee not only offers attendees a stellar lineup and location, but also offers attendees an array of non-musical activities including workshops, spectacular art installations and meditation. The spiritual center of the Sunshine Grove, Yogachobee, will be host to many of these spirituality and healing exercises. ChobeeWobee Village will feature an array of art and craft vendors. Campers can also enjoy a swim in the lake or throw up a hammock in between some palm trees and soak in the tropical Florida breeze.
Fan-Driven
As Okeechobee embarks on its first year, the attitude is positive and responsive. Due to a wealth of overwhelming excitement for the festival, organizers have decided to extend what was originally a three-day event, an extra day making it an extended four-day expedition. Moreover, the festival seeks out to create a meaningful festival experience where people can connect with a true sense of inspiration and community. The festival’s website offers a “Better Living Guide” which offers some basic guidelines on how to make the not only the most out of the festival experience, but also out your own transformational journey.
