wonderbus

Wondering how Wonderbus was? Incredible. Wonderfully incredible. Attending this event, you would've never known or thought this was the first of its kind. This two-day long festival went by so quick, and I can't help but miss it already. But all I can do is pray to the music & festival gods in the world, that they keep this one going...and make it a yearly thing...like for forever. 

before getting into wonderbus

I lyfted to the fest both days there & back, and had no issues finding the event. Festival signs were everywhere on many of the roads and routes and directed you to exactly where you needed to go [thumbs up for organization.] After getting dropped off at pretty much the front of the festival, you approach a vibrant green field with all the signs of Wonderbus colorfully welcoming you in. There was a quick bag, ticket, wristband, and ID check, before you could actually enter the fest with officers and security spread all throughout [thumbs up for safety]. 

Once inside

I've been to a handful of music fests before, and this one was unlike any other! Vendors were evenly scattered towards the front entrance in a way that you could essentially make an infiniti-ish loop all the way around. Vendors ranged from distilleries, radio stations, local clothing businesses, local crafters, henna tattoo & glitter artists, free custom flower crowns, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, and The Center for Balanced Living. A lot of the stands there provided fun activities to win prizes and try samples [thumbs up for chances to win free stuff!...partially kidding, but it's definitely a perk]. I actually forgot to bring my little travel sized hand sanitzer with me that day, and of course that's what I ended up winning on one of those spin the wheel things. so it really did come in handy for me.

I also had my fair share of Crook & Marker samples.. Who is now my new favorite low-calorie canned beverage! It's seriously NOT another hard seltzer! It's spiked & sparkling made with organic alcohol and has so much more flavor compared to other low-calorie canned bevvies. These were so delicious! [You can find Crook & Marker at Giant Eagle!]

The vision:

straight ahead

On the left side

​Once you finished wondering through the maze of vendors, you'll come across a variety of food stands, offering funnel cakes, burgers, lemonade shake-ups and all that fun festie food kinda jazz. And of course, there were also boozy stands as well. 

If you looked straight ahead, there were three stages that always had a performer on at least one of the three stages the whole time. A lot of people brought little mini tents, beanbags, blankets, and lawn chairs, to lounge a little further away from the stages. Their positions almost seemed strategic in a way that they were lounging, relaxing, while enjoying the music and vibes. [Definitly gave me ideas for things to bring for my next fest!] For others who wanted to experience more of the *concerty* vibe, they stood closer to the stage (obviously). But honestly, there was so much space for everyone to do whatever they pleased, whether they wanted to sit, walk around, dance, mingle, whatever-all that mattered was if you were having fun and enjoying yourself! I know I did!

on the right side

Food trucks, games, a Rhinegeist tent...could it get any better than that? So many spots to lounge, and games to play, and food to eat... my kinda fun. 
Games consisted of bean bag tosses, life size "beer" pong, ping-pong tables, and a bubble dispenser...the inner-kid in me loved every second of it!

the line-up

Consisted of, alternative, indie-pop, funk and jam rock.
It was impressive to say the least. Up until recently, I was the kind of person that had a better chance of recognizing a favorite song when I heard it play, than remembering who the artist was that sung it. But this fest changed me for the better. It gave me such a deeper appreciation for music, and everything that goes into just one song.
Being able to make connections with your own life experiences to a song, is such an unique feeling. There were several occasions where I heard a song at this fest, and found myself saying "wow, that's totally me" or "oh my gosh, I've been through that too". And from that, I've noticed by being able to invest a little more time into really hearing a song, gives you a chance to actually appreciate all of the different aspects to it. Whether it's vibing to the rhythm or listening to the lyrics, your mind is in some way trying to interpret and connect that song to you, your mood, your motivation, your experiences, your thoughts...to whatever you need it to be. And I just find that to be so inspiring. And that's what this fest set out to do. Connect people to music and create community.

[Curious in knowing more about these Artists? Click their picture, and it'll take you to my favorite song by them!]

This music with a message festival was everything and more

This festival helped me realize a whole new perspective on music and what it creates. And after seeing it for myself this past weekend, music truly does create community and a sense of belonging.  Wonderbus partnered with the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center to benefit OSWMC's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. The intent of this fest was to open up new dialogue, by using music and community to breakdown the stigma of misunderstood mental illnesses, and it did just that. Wonderbus was filled with opportunities and ways to learn how to use your voice, ears, and heart to help when it comes to helping someone who seems like they might be struggling. This festival brought so much awareness just through the music and activities at this festival. As well as appreciation for the music, the people around us, and everything that we got to experience while being there. This was a festival for everyone- families, kids, elders, college students, couples...etc. All were welcomed, all were involved, all had a good time.

For more information regarding Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Mission for Providing Provention and Care for Mental & Behavioral Health Click Below!

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Thank you Wonderbus for letting me be a part of such an amazing weekend! See you next year!