KAABOO’s third year breeds success

Antonio Pequeño, A&E Editor

The eclectic music festival, KAABOO, concluded on Sept. 17 after three days of diverse music, gut-busting comedy, creative art and all kinds of delicious food. With a lineup of over 80 performing music acts, well-ranged is the best word to describe the music that the festival brought to the table.

The lineup spanned generations of fans and genres with performances from rock bands like Weezer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to hip-hop artists like Ice Cube and Logic, all the way to pop stars such as P!NK and Kesha. Whether it was Muse’s electrifying performance or Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ soulful show, every headliner boasted different energetic atmospheres during their sets.

The vast food selection kept everyone on their toes as there was something for everyone. Attendees found themselves engorged with Korean eats, Middle Eastern cuisine and American food to sweet indulgences like gourmet waffles, organic açaí and ice cream.

Distinguished comedians kept spirits high outside of all the music that flooded the fairgrounds. Arsenio Hall, Patton Oswalt and Demetri Martin were just some of the acts that graced the stage at KAABOO’s Humor Me comedy club which was a laugh inducing outlet for attendees.

Alongside the music and laughs came the expansive exhibitions of various artworks, located throughout the fairgrounds and within its exhibit halls.

Perhaps one of the most relevant and bold pieces of art came from German graffiti artist, Case Maclaim. Titled “Para Mis Padres y Mi Gente,” Maclaim’s towering portrait depicted a defiant Paola Delfín (a fellow KAABOO artist) gripping a degree, dressed in a florally-studded graduation cap, gown and tassel. Addressing DACA’s recent rescission, Maclaim wrote, “I’m deeply saddened and disturbed by the brutality in language and action of today’s politics,” on his instagram post of the portrait.

KAABOO offered even more experiences to indulge in with their lounge and swim hub, BASK, which also gave a comfortable view of the Grandview Stage (one of the four stages at the fairgrounds). Meanwhile, Club Elevate provided attendees the opportunity to get their fix of late night dance music if their show-going experiences weren’t enough.

Passes for KAABOO 2018 are currently being sold on an early bird special at https://www.kaaboodelmar.com/