It was extraordinarily hot, yet the music bubbled, and the crowd sizzled at Movement Music Festival 2018. Undoubtedly, another successful year has been stamped in the history books. My experience was as expected, a smattering of chaotic and beautiful moments, meeting people from all over the globe, and photographing just a fraction of the personalities that define the classical ideal of a summer festival soaked in a perspiration of modern music.
There I was, finding retreat quite frequently in the shadow of a the fountain at the heart of Hart Plaza. It was like clockwork, the masses would move to an ever predictable packing in the four corners of the main stages within the festival grounds. While I like crowds and music, it’s difficult to interview people near speakers, so I floated mostly around the main plazas. Here, you find the interstate of concertgoers, taking refuge in the fountain, as I did, or refreshing themselves in a beverage of choice. This is where I spend most of my time, talking with people, witnessing their experience.
Grandma disco was there, zooming around in her motorized chair. Many of the people I remembered from years past were there, and we reconnected. Flec Mindscape was there, bending our minds with his acrobatic act in the plaza. “This Is A Good Sign” Kevin, all nearly seven feet of him, was there, dancing like a banshee.
I try to capture their experience in photos. Not my experience, but theirs. There is something pure about a truly candid photograph. Of course, once they see me, I oblige them if they ask for a photo, hopefully creating a memory for them to take home. It’s my gift to them, and their gift to me. Somewhere along these lines, I meet people, talk with them about life, and learn about humanity. Particularly at Movement Festival, the attendees are liberal, open-minded, welcoming, and warm…really, really, warm for three whole days.
