The Source was in DC for the third annual Eco-friendly festival
Some rain, no problem.
Washington, DC – The nation’s capital was home to it’s third annual Eco-friendly and sustainable-driven festival Broccoli Fest, and to put it simple, the third time was the charm. Despite the rain being a nuisance and attempting to damper the mood of festival-goers, the festival lived up to it’s “rain or shine” mantra and continued to rock out regardless of bad weather.
Staying close to it’s roots and message, Toyota’s Green Initiative was this year’s title sponsor of BC Fest and helped keep the overall ambiance of the festival in addition to, the slew of different organic vendors and healthy activities like yoga and a 5K run led by local health fitness guru’s. In past years, the festival has showcased up and coming and already solidified mainstream artists and this year wasn’t any different. Giving a platform to rising local acts such as rapper Lightshow and hippie president Visto and his Hippie Life Crew, Broccoli Fest amped up it’s line-up and featured a couple big names in this year’s festival that didn’t disappoint.
Bringing in her Cali flavor and serenading fans with her melodic tones and vibes, Kali Uchis managed to really set the festival in the right direction whereas, Tiara Thomas who followed, managed to have fans singing along to her songs and ever-so-popular choruses which left women and men alike wanting more. Chicago spitter and Timbaland protege Tink, performed her early and new songs such as “Ratchet Commandments” which was due for praise and was clear testament that Timbo has a star in the making full of Lauryn Hill comparisons. EDM and Hip Hop DJ Kaytranada, turned the festival on its head with live mixes whereas, Brooklyn MC Joey Bada$$ rocked the stage with DJ Statik Selektah and gave the festival it’s perfect touch of true hip-hop which had fans and new listeners in the zone.
It has to be mentioned, the festival reached new heights when brother and sister duo Willow and Jaden Smith performed on stage. Practically shattering everybody’s expectations, the duo alongside their mother Jada Pinkett Smith, managed to give off an energy and vibe that DC hadn’t felt all day and pretty much had the venue rocking throughout their set. But, the person who personified the spirit of the festival and undoubtedly had a lasting effect on festival attendees was the incomparable Erykah Badu aka DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Masterfully Dj’ing her mixes and adding in new and old records, Loretta Brown alongside bass guitar aficionado Thundercat, kept the funk alive and easily became the highlight of the night with their performance. In conclusion, DC’s annual green festival was a plus and for those that missed it should already have this festival circled on their calenders for next year.
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