Something happened on April 24 in Orange County, California that hasn’t happened in over a year: a music festival — specifically the ROSE FEST.
It was a momentous experience with the perfect mix of star-studded performances from established artists and up-and-coming artists who are set to be next. All who attended were greeted to a Coachella-like atmosphere with plenty of appetizing food trucks from the black-owned Trap Kitchen to the celebrity favorite Wings n Waffles. In addition fun, arcade-like gaming experiences provided attendees with a nice balance of vibes to catch.
“The Rose Music Festival” originally came into fruition over one year ago by founder’s creative director Phillip Riian and rising artists/entertainers/co-founders Ry & Kendyx. “We’re really excited to create this moment for California because our community needs this beam of light during these unusual times,” says Phillip Riian, Co-Founder of The Rose Music Festival. It has been a tough year, a year that has shed light on the health and economic disparities in Black and Brown communities, so I’m happy we’re able to make this experience that looks out for many communities. Not only was the concert essential to us because of the cause, but it also provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to be able to see their name in lights and not have to wait on someone to allow them to because they are trending on social media.” Their goal was to create a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their bubbling stardom on a main stage with the appeal comparable to major music festivals alike — and they certainly did not disappoint.
The ROSE FEST featured some of the biggest names in music and emerging acts such as Mozzy, Stunna Girl, Eric Bellinger, Day Sulan, 1TakeJay, Rubi Rose, Black Fortuna, Jaddah Blue, 777 God, Kendyx, Ry, Abbey Nicole, Float Lord, Rizz, Marissa Ford and plenty more special guests! The festival was hosted by Philon and also saw guest appearances from J Mulan and Manuel Antonio with music/sounds by DJ Asia Shabazz & Power 106 FM’s own DJ Carisma.
To add icing on the cake, 100% of proceeds from The ROSE FEST will the donated to Avalon Carver Community Center, a network center located in South Los Angeles that provides education services, home improvement services, and substance abuse services for people who live in Los Angeles County. All thanks to the vision of community leader Mary B. Henry, the agency has become a centerpiece of the diverse community fabric of the neighborhood and met the needs of its growing and ever-changing community.
Ultimately the ROSE FEST was more than just a music festival. It was a chance to come together and celebrate life in person, not over a computer screen. In the words of Kendyx, (ROSE FEST Co-Founder) “music is healing, and it’s a beautiful moment to see emerging musicians, like myself, have this moment of coming together in a unique way that gives back to the community that has supported us all in more ways than one.” Also, Ry, (ROSE FEST Co-Founder) echoed similar sentiments by saying, “This festival will show that betters days is approaching for the world, not only for our community here in California.” The festival marks one of the first live music events in the United States in over a year. Hopefully 12 months from now the ROSE FEST will be back at it again — just this time without masks on.
Photo Credit: Damien Michael @damienmichael.ca