Culture Shock is fast approaching! This Saturday, April 12th, the festivities begin, and we’ll be in for a day full of music, art, and amazing vibes. I’m super excited– and I’m sure you are too! But, personally, this will be my first year at Culture Shock-goer, and I’m not sure what to expect. What should I wear? What should I bring? What’s the general vibe? I figured I’d get expert opinions and open up an advice column for myself and other new faces. Here’s an official Culture Shock Q&A panel to prepare you for the big day!
Meet the Panelists!
Brylee, she/her, has been to 3 Culture Shocks!
Lily, she/they, has been to 2 Culture Shocks!
Xander, he/him, has been to 1 Culture Shock!
Vi, they/them, has been to 1 Culture Shock!
Trevor, has been to 2 Culture Shocks!
What are the vibes of culture shock?
Brylee: SO FUN!!!! free music, friends, sunshine…what else could u need?!
Lily: Chill, fun, easy going
Xander: Laid back, chill, mostly just gathering for the music (at least that's how it was last year)
Vi: It's such a blast. You really get to see the community of music lovers come together in the most amazing way. It's a day of joy, connection, and pure student radio!!
Trevor: the vibes of culture shock are chill, hanging out, taking it easy, enjoying the show, throwing the frisbee
The theme for this year is “Americana.” (You can read about the theme here!) Is there always a different theme? What does the theming mean we can expect in terms of decorations or activities? And… should we dress up on theme?
Brylee: not always, but there’s usually a general genre theme to the songs. definitely dress up! this is our biggest event so go ALL OUT!
Lily: outdoor or crafting activities that are on theme, open environment to dress on or off theme, fun if bands do!
Vi: Last year there was no theme, but I have heard that there have been themes in the past. I'm hoping everyone shows up in their best cowboy attire.
Trevor: there is always a different theme, but this is the first one where we've had such a cohesive aesthetic in a while. most of the music reflects americana, but I think people should dress their idea of americana if they'd like
I noticed on the official timeline, there were some gaps in between sets, which makes sense to give all the bands time to get ready. But what can we do at Culture Shock during the gaps?
Brylee: there will be some BYOB vendors and food vendors that will be there, and it’s right off kirkwood so you can run and get food if you get hungry!
Lily: karaoke or a raffle for prizes
Xander: Get food! Get water! Socialize! Check out what's at the tables!
Vi: There will be BYOB sellers as well as food vendors and merch to buy. You can also just sit on Dunn Meadow and hang out with friends, meet new people, and enjoy the nice weather.
What is your favorite thing about Culture Shock?
Brylee: the magic of friendship <3 i love getting to see people and hang out with my friends all day while listening to great music!
Lily: the music and vendors
Xander: Probably the amount of cool people I'll get to talk to at Dunn Meadow who I haven't met before + getting to see some people who I haven't seen in a while
Vi: I love seeing everyone come together for the special day. It's our biggest event of the year and the turn out blows me away.
Trevor: when it is sunny and I'm able to sit and enjoy a rasta pop with my friends
What are you most excited about for this year’s festival?
Brylee: SO EXCITED FOR FULL BODY 2! love them and their music and i’m so stoked to interview them!
Lily: the line up
Xander: Mourning star!! And full body 2!!
Vi: I'm excited for the bands this year. I think we've got some awesome acts on the line up and I can't wait to see them.
What’s new and special about this year’s festival that you would like to highlight?
Brylee: the americana theme is new and i want to see people dress up and go crazy!!!
Lily: the theming seems more predominant
Xander: I think it's a bit more spread out this year (or at least, it's more advertised on when the gaps are this year) so there's much more time to go get food and water
Vi: I want to highlight that Culture Shock is BACK at Dunn Meadow. This is a huge feat considering the issues last spring with the university closing down Dunn Meadow. The fact that we are back is really impressive and exciting.
Trevor: the art and music, the art has been the result of some crazy planning and creation by our art director, sadie. the music booking too, it is such an interesting contrast of what is most popular in independent music right now
How would you describe Culture Shock in three words?
Brylee: awesome sauce, fun, SWAG ?
Lily: fun, fantastic, fuck yeah!
Xander: Really fun time
Vi: Community, Compassion, Culture!
Any advice for any first-time Culture Shock-goers? Something you wish you had known about the festival for your first time?
Brylee: bring sunscreen and something to sit on!!! you will not want to stand all day i promise you
Lily: bring blankets and coats
Xander: Stay hydrated! Wear sunscreen! May not be as large of a problem this year since it'll be chillier but still do it!
Vi: bring sunscreen and a picnic blanket!! you will want it, i promise.
Trevor: bring some water, bring some friends, talk to people you dont know!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Brylee: HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!! and pls be safe and smart!
To summarize: Culture Shock is going to be fun and funky, filled with awesome music and cool activities. Along with all of the excitement, you can expect to have genuine connections with people who love music and pure student radio as much as you do, with friends you bring along or those you’ll run into! Remember to stay safe– bring accommodations for sitting in case you need a rest, have an extra layer on hand in case it gets chilly, and don’t skimp on the sunscreen! Be sure to eat enough and hydrate well so that you can spend as much time as possible dancing, singing, wandering, chatting, and enjoying the festival!
And, in case you’ve missed it: Culture Shock takes place on Saturday, April 12th, at Dunn Meadow. Admission is free! I hope to see you there!
