People of Firefly

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, so I'll make this one good. The Firefly Music Festival was the first real concert I attended, and with about 30000 others beside me each day, we celebrated some of the finest music of our generation. From bluegrass and rock to electronic pop and hip-hop, there was something for everyone. It was also the people that made this event memorable. It seemed as though I could strike up a conversation with anyone I crossed paths with, either that or just give them a hug or high-five. The most cynical thing I heard during the festival was while we were passing a group with a "Free Hugs" sign and a man nearby deadpanned, "Free hugs? Wow, that's great. I usually have to pay for mine." People dressed how they wanted to (this included taco costumes and crocheted bikini tops), drank what they wanted (beer), and danced without a care in the world. It was truly a different atmosphere. Everyone was free without judgment and feeling as though they had to live up to someone else's expectations. There were no bosses or in-laws, only camp neighbors and friends old and new. Though there was much diversity, all those who attended seemed similar in their free spirits and love of good music. After the first day, I no longer looked around to see if anyone was watching me dance. I just did. And it felt wonderful.

Of course, I had to photograph the people of Firefly. Everywhere I looked, there was always someone interesting in sight. I grew used to seeing strange wonders such as the guy in the neon green zip-up body costume, Native American headdresses (there were lots of these, though only few were impressive), a man proudly holding a cornstalk (Delaware pride?), and a college guy dressed in a very tightly fitted Hooter's uniform. Now I find it strange not to see an intoxicated person staggering about, beer in hand. It was quite the experience. I could go on and on about the musicians themselves, of the Black Key's soulful performance of "Little Black Submarines" and the insane fiddle and banjo playing of Trampled by Turtles, but I'm already stretching the limits of People of Rehoboth (This is in Delaware, so it counts.) Below are photos of the wonderful humans who came from far and wide to attend this amazing event (I threw in some band photos though. Couldn't help myself.)

Side note- Just about every band that was there made the remark, "This is our first time in Delaware." Firefly is a musical milestone for the First State.