The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most famous Chinese holidays. It happens on the 5th day of the 5th month, according to the traditional Chinese calendar. On this day, the people launch boat races and eat traditional foods, with respect to the date and tradition, celebrating fealty and loyalty to the family. The origins of the holiday are unknown, but there are many popular theories that suggest the holiday to be associated with the death of Qu Yang – a famous Chinese thinker and poet. His death occurred during the war of the period of the Warring States, where his loyalty and honesty sent him into exile. When the news of his country falling to the enemies reached him, the poet committed suicide by jumping off the bridge. The villagers, who held him in great respect, launched sorties of boats in order to save him and, failing that, to retrieve his body. Other stories involve a daughter looking for her drowned father and going on a boat to find him. While stories differ one from another, they all have one thing in common – the boat.
However, not all of China celebrates this holiday the same way. One particular exception can be found in the traditions of Qi’ao Island, located in the Zhuhai Province. It differs from the rest of the country in many ways, as local traditions and religious beliefs intertwined with the traditional holiday, changing it into something new. Unlike the rest of the country, the villagers of Qu’ao Island celebrate the holiday for 5 days, starting on May 1st and finishing on May 5th. During each of these days, a different activity is performed to honor the gods of the village. There are several deities in the village, the most notable ones being Grandfather Torrent and General Cai’er. These gods are unique to the village in that they do not appear in any places outside of it. They are worshiped in three different blocks – the Dongxi block, the Zhongxing block, and the Qixi block, all dedicated to their respective deities.
Another odd difference between Qi’ao and the rest of China is that they do not celebrate the holiday by launching boat races, despite having a lake nearby. Instead, they conduct a parade, during which the participants are outfitted and arranged to resemble a dragon.
The rituals performed during the five days of celebration are numerous. On the first day, the ritual of the cleansing of Buddha occurs. The second day is the day of preparation for the celebration. Sacrificial food is also being prepared on this day. On the third day, the villagers visit each other’s blocks and worship the deities with sandalwood. The fourth of May is dedicated to worshipping the deities within their own blocks, bringing them offerings of food, and distributing amulets and lucky charms, such as the lucky rice or the lucky tea. The fifth of May is the parade day. During it, statues of deities are carried through the city, in special chairs. Fireworks are being used, as China is where they were invented in the first place.
The traditions of Qi’ao are unique and interesting from a historical perspective. They show how local traditions and gods interact with Chinese culture, adopting the celebration and mixing it with the commemoration of the village’s Gods, which occurs on the same date. It offers a unique blend not found anywhere else and should be kept that way as an important part of national tradition and culture.
Why to attend a circumcision festival in the West African village you are working in as a Peace Corps volunteer?
If I faced such a situation I would attend the event for several reasons. First of all, I am in the village with the purpose to improve the health situation. I should know what the villagers do and how they treat their lives. All the aspects concerning health care should be done in my presence. Therefore, it is my direct responsibility to be informed about all the changes which occur in the village and about all the traditions connected with health.
People in West African villages have specific traditions and customs which may seem barbaric for civilized people. I am sure that if I faced such a request I would be happy to visit such an event as this would help me become closer to people, to understand their visions and considerations. I am sure that I would not be shocked as having lived in the place for 1 year I managed to get used to the environment and to draw specific conclusions about people.
How would you respond to the village elders?
Village elders are highly respected people in West African villages therefore, I am sure that my response would be affirmative with all the respect. Moreover, I would consider it an honor to sit while the ceremony near such respected people. I am sure that I would respond in such a way that to underline my respect for elders. I would make sure that I want to visit this event for the elders to be sure that I am interested in the supportive environment at the workplace and the place, I am living. I would also notify the elders that I was not impressed with the tradition and in my opinion, it is harmful to perform such things in those conditions, however, I would visit the place with pleasure to show my respect and to help the villagers to change their vision of hygiene.
Would you attend? Why or why not?
As I have already mentioned, I would attend the event being in West African villages with the purpose to improve healthcare, I must visit all the events which are connected with the health issues. Circumcision is a surgical operation that is going to be completed by professionals. Being aware of the absence of the medical education of the members of the village, I am sure that people who are going to participate in the traditional circumcision do not have medical education either.
Therefore, I will visit this place with the purpose to see what is going on there and to explain the basis of the medical knowledge if I see that something goes wrong. Moreover, I will be able to understand the life priorities of these people which will help me in completing my work. I am to inform people about the basis of their hygiene and about the most important data they are to know about healthcare.
What are your “cultural limits”? How do you maintain your cultural limits while still respecting the cultural values of the people around you?
We live in the modern world and I understand that different people may have various customs and traditions. I cannot say that living in a strange country I am going to apply to the traditional behavior of those people, however, I am not going to judge them. Different people live according to their beliefs. Still, healthy behavior and other issues connected with health and life bother me. I am sure that the traditions which deal with human health and which may harm them should be eliminated.
I am not going to say about it in a rude form, however being a medical worker, I will do all possible to assure people that they are to lead a life free from dangerous actions. Having lived in African villagers, I got to understand that these people have a lot of barbaric traditions. I knew that I was going to face such issues, therefore, I was not shocked and prepared myself for their activities. Even though I do not like them and I would do all I can to protect their health, I will not try to restrict them from the issues which do not affect their health condition even though I consider those actions inappropriate.
What cultural values would influence your decision to attend or not attend?
My cultural values are not connected with gender, ethnicity, cultures, and other factors which usually prevent people from performing particular issues. I am sure that none of the cultural values would influence my decisions as I am going to be guided only by the professional issues. Medical factor in the expecting traditional act is the only important factor which is going to affect my decision, as having chosen to live in the West African villages I knew that I would have some cultural difficulties if I have any and the very decision to go to Africa was supported with the fact that having personal cultural visions I am not prejudiced about them.
Every year, a shopping mall known as Asian Garden Mall and located in Westminster, CA, hosts a festival in preparation for the approaching Lunar New Year. It is called the Little Saigon Flower Festival, and it represents one of the major traditions of Vietnamese culture. The event’s significance for Vietnamese-Americans is also notable as the festival attracts large crowds, fully occupying the located near parking spaces filling the area with music and chatter. However, the market, a central part of the Flower Festival, also has a practical aspect, providing not only entertainment but also supplies, decorations, and presents for the Lunar New Year’s celebration.
Festival
Asian Garden Mall hosts the festival annually, providing the territory around the main building to vendors and performers. During the rest of the year, the shopping center offers various products, including Vietnamese foods and items. It works during the festival as well, but the arriving guests and mostly interested in the goods from small outside kiosks. It should be noted that the festival is held for several days, and its primary purpose is to prepare the visiting people for the main celebration. That is why the Flower Festival usually closes two or three days before Lunar New Year. In 2019, the festival was opened from January 18 to February 3, inviting visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Market
The center of all activities that bring the majority of the people to the Flower Festival in the market. It is a collection of small stalls, where people offer a variety of products. For example, flowers and trees are a significant part of all goods. In Vietnamese culture, such flowers as orchids, peach blossoms, or the so-called Mickey Mouse plants (Ochna serrulata) are traditional for this occasion. People can adorn their households with these plants or present them to others as gifts that bring luck in the upcoming year. Visitors seem to be ready to pay significant prices for some saplings since one can see offers go up to $1,000. Other types of plants are sold as well, and the selection is filled with flowers that usually grow in Vietnam. Some of the flowers such as narcissi and Mickey Mouse plants have not bloomed yet, but people still buy them for themselves and their loved ones. Finally, vendors showcase and sell small bonsai trees for decoration. These trees are often presented in a scene with figurines and other souvenirs. The smell of flowers engulfs the whole area where the festival takes place.
Decorations and other items are offered to the visitors as well. There are large stands with souvenirs or traditional items for good luck, health, love, and prosperity. Children may be interested in a variety of toys, some of them glowing or playing music. Older people may look at items for house décor – golden pigs (the symbol of this year), painted and gold-covered lanterns, fans, or charms. Costumes are also offered to the guests – mostly presented in red, dresses and shirts with embroidered flowers are aimed at creating a festive mood for anyone. Finally, painters and calligraphers can create personal presents for the guests, writing down names and celebratory messages on charms.
Apart from traditional products that demonstrate the cultural heritage of Vietnam, many vendors sell handcrafted goods. One can see paintings, clothes, hats, bags, accessories, toys, jewelry, and other items. Interestingly, some people offer non-tangible products such as insurance. Moreover, a number of booths are set up for discussions about the climate, culture, history, and traditions of Vietnam, the United States, and the world as a whole.
The next type of goods is food – sweets, spices, and other products are presented in concession stands. People can buy the necessary items for their New Year’s meals or look at the traditional cuisine of Vietnam if they are tourists. Some of the stands also offer premade foods that people can eat at home or while walking through the crowds. Fruit is another commonly displayed product – booths sell dragon fruit and Buddha’s hand fruit, otherwise known as citron. A notable and interesting plant is durian that is known because of its unusually strong smell. However, street food cooked right in front of people’s eyes appears to be much more popular to consume during the festival.
It is clear that the role of vendors is not only to sell their merchandise but also to represent and preserve the Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese-Americans who visit the event are thinking about their traditions when choosing flowers or souvenirs. Other guests get acquainted with the nature of the Lunar New Year and its celebration. Tet (the Vietnamese name for this holiday) is one of the most significant days of the year for Vietnamese people. It symbolizes the coming of spring, and flower sellers understand that their products have a deep meaning for people. Therefore, they act not just as businesspersons but as providers of valuable gifts and kind gestures. One can see why the Flower Festival is named that way, although it offers many other goods for sale. Furthermore, the role of all employees and owners of the businesses of the festival is to help attendees to prepare for the New Year.
Street Food
During the day, people can taste Vietnamese iced coffee since the weather in California is warm enough for a cold drink. In the evening, the stalls with Vietnamese street foods are opened. They offer many types of dishes, but the majority of savory foods are grilled or roasted. For example, one can try prawns, squid, lobster, oysters, fried rice flour cakes (bột chiên), grilled meat skewers (thịt nướng), or rice crackers (bánh tráng). Other foods such as kettle corn and barbeque chicken are also available. Finally, desserts, notably coconut waffles, are prepared and sold as well. The smell of spices and fried seafood is an inherent part of the festival – street food is an essential aspect of Vietnamese culture. While one of the main goals of most Vietnamese-Americans is to buy flowers and other presents, food carts are also occupied.
Entertainment
The festival’s entertainment also opens Vietnamese culture up to all visitors. People can sing traditional and contemporary songs at an open karaoke stand. Some of the festivals, including this year’s one, have live performances by Vietnamese singers and bands. In 2019, a band played various instruments and performed songs for people to dance. It appears that both traditions and trends are appreciated by people who attend and run the festival. Guests see actors in masks and costumes who symbolize dragons and other mythological characters from old legends. In the evening, these entertainers walk through the festival, an event that resembles a small parade with music and dancing. The entertainment may be important for children who come to the event with their families.
People and Atmosphere
The festival welcomes guests of all ages and backgrounds, and its organizers create an atmosphere of authenticity through the described above elements. Therefore, one can see many Vietnamese-Americans but also persons from other cultures attending the event. Some of the visitors are wearing costumes, but many younger people are walking around the stalls in their everyday clothes. Many families can be seen purchasing flowers, taking pictures, and eating food. Some parents teach their children about their culture, and many individuals speak to each other in Vietnamese. Vendors also know Vietnamese and English which allows them to connect with their clients. In fact, the absolute majority of booths have Vietnamese signs and explanations. People in traditional costumes take pictures with other guests or win their relatives. People in traditional costumes take pictures with other guests or win their relatives.
It is vital to point out the prevailing color of the festival, red. It can be seen in all types of décor, clothes, costumes, and flowers. The majority of charms, fans, and other goods are also covered in gold, while the writings on them are mostly black. Calligraphy is a large part of gifts, but it is not as prominent in the design of booths. Stands are simple in their style with Vietnamese and English text and descriptions of sold items. Many of the businesspersons have small booths, so it is understandable why their choice of decoration was focused on simplicity and transparency. Nevertheless, some employees wear festive attire, although actors are the ones to represent the cultural significance of the festival visually.
The appearance of performers also differs from one person to another. Dancers and actors wear special costumes, woven hats, or masks. The most colorful is the symbol of a dragon – these performers are covered in shiny fabrics and accessories. Other outfits are less bright, but all participants’ dancing is still active and energetic. Musicians who accompany dancing dragons are also dressed in traditional clothes, and they have drums and other instruments. However, music bands that play during the evening hours can wear modern attire, while performing both old and new popular songs.
Conclusion
The Flower Festival hosted by Asian Garden Mall is a unique event that brings Vietnamese culture to its visitors and showcases the process of one’s preparation for the main holiday in Vietnam. The Lunar New Year or Tet is a significant day in the country, and the festival offers an opportunity to Vietnamese-Americans to preserve the traditions of its celebration. The festival’s atmosphere is full of unique traits that Vietnamese culture possesses.
The main part of the event is the market that offers goods for gifts and decoration. Flowers and small trees are sold in many booths since they serve as a valuable gift and a sign of luck. People can purchase blooming plants for themselves and their homes as well. One can see orchids, lilies, narcissi, peach blossoms, Ochna integerrima, and other flowers at the festival. Apart from plants, guests buy the symbol of the upcoming year, fans, charms, and lanterns. Food is a vital part of both the market and entertainment. Booths with street food offer grilled meat and seafood, traditional dishes, drinks, and desserts. People can sing, dance, eat, watch performances, and spend time with their loved ones.
The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is an annual event that takes place in Stockton, California, and involves celebrating asparagus as local food. Across the world, destinations of tourism are promoting and developing food events as a way of attracting tourists. Lewis asserts that this is because food festivals are utilized to bolster the local economy (76). Tourism contribution associated with food festivals to the growth of local regions is essential since tourism creates needed job opportunities and leads to economic development. Lewis states that for “over its twelve years, the festival has raised nearly 1.75 million dollars for area non-profit groups, as well as obviously high, but unreported, levels of profit for promoters…” (74). Events such as the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival are a vital motivation for the traveling of tourists. People from around the region travel to Stockton to join the locals in the celebration of the food that is currently regarded as belonging to individuals in the high-class category.
Lewis’ views concerning local events are that they invent new cultural views. This argument seems to be true because local festivals provide a sanctuary where different people can interact and learn about each other’s cultural perspectives. Additionally, the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is a function where visitors can break the rules concerning how they behave in normal society. According to Lewis, “these events offer opportunities for everyday folk to experience unorthodox (sometimes even socially taboo) indulgences in an “out-of-realtime” setting” (75). As such, individuals are free to invent new cultural behaviors without fear of being judged harshly. The reason is that the festival creates an environment that allows people to experiment and try new things. Since it is an annual celebration, there are some behaviors that would be associated with the event that would be replicated throughout its life span.
For several years, the asparagus festival has created employment opportunities. The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival website shows that there exists a midway of fun carnival where visitors can engage in different exciting activities. The midway of fun carnival is among the several activities that take place during the event. These generate hundreds of jobs for locals and visitors who want to sell their products. The site further has a feature that updates the followers of the event. The attribute is necessary because it ensures that everyone is informed about the event. Currently, the world is combating a pandemic, and informing followers of the celebration that the event cannot happen is necessary to avoid losing visitors.
In recent years, one of the major invented festivals that has been celebrated in the United States is the Boston seafood event. The festival has several similarities with the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival. Both events celebrate foods that the American people enjoy and regularly eat. Secondly, asparagus and seafood are considered high class. In addition, both events provide opportunities that everyone can utilize to have fun and carry out activities that are considered abnormal in everyday life. These events last for days and are primarily utilized to promote the local economy of the respective states. The celebrations are a major tourist attraction for the states because usually thousands of people attend them. These visitors rent hotels, buy food and indulge in other various activities that generate income for the local government.
Works Cited
Lewis, George H. “Celebrating Asparagus: Community and the Rationally Constructed Food Festival” Journal of American Culture, vol. 20, no. 4, 1997, pp. 73-78.
San Joaquin Asparagus Festival. Noceti Group, Inc. Web.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a hotel built at a very serene environment near Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. Because of its architecture, and unique location, the hotel offers so much comfort and is equipped with elegant rooms for guests. This luxurious hotel is surrounded with beautiful scenes such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Getting to the city center from the hotel is quite easy. Besides being near the airport, it is also surrounded by several golf courses.
According to Graci and Dodds (2008), the idea of sustainable business operations is currently the talk of the day. Big or small, business enterprises are increasingly getting concerned about the impact of their activities on the environment. In response to this, most business enterprises are seeking lasting solutions by strategies that do not disturb the environment. Apparently, organizing green festivals is one strategy that is being used by most modern business enterprises.
Despite the fact that hotel sales have been on the decline due to the difficult economic times being felt globally, hotels are quickly discovering that going green is one strategy that may be used to triumph in the face of competition (DeMarco, 2012).
Although for a very long time hotels have been very slow in joining forces with other organizations to advocate for ecofriendly behavior, the message is finally sinking home and they are now forced to change their course by the ever changing business environment and the fierce competition for the existing market share. Various measures are thus being taken by key players in the hospitality industry to protect the environment.
This paper presents a promotional strategy to be used by Fairmont Bab, a hotel located in Dubai, to get persuade residents of this town to start thinking green and work towards minimizing environmental destruction.
Description of the Event
As noted earlier, the green festival is to be organized by Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. This location has been chosen because of its proximity to the airport and to the city center. In addition, the hotel management is conscious about protecting the environment and this blends in well with the agenda of our green festival.
The green festival being organized has a target of reaching at least 1,000 participants living in and around Dubai. Participants near the venue for the green festival drive heavy vehicles and these contribute heavily to the increased carbon dioxide emissions.
The main reason for planning the green festival is to get residents of Dubai and its environs to realize the importance of environmental conservation. Although it may be difficult to realize, quite a number of people prefer going green and are even willing to pay more for green products and services.
Despite having no target audience, our activity is meant for the adults who according to us, hold the key to shaping the future and can pass on great ideas to the younger generation.
A number of adverting objectives may be explored by we have settled on our main objective as to inform the people about the need to care for the environment.
Our environment is slowly wasting away and unless we act fast, we will have nothing left to pass on to the future generations. The importance of this campaign can thus not be underrated. People have to be made aware of the impacts their actions have on the environment.
What is a Green Festival?
According to Graci and Dodds (2008), a green festival is one that is planed to ensure that there is very minimal destruction to the environment. Examples of minimizing environmental destruction include waste reduction, proper use of water and energy, educating the masses or those attending the festival about environmental impacts, and much more.
Impact of a Festival on the Environment
The impacts of any festival on the environment are quite obvious. From an economic viewpoint, festivals may bring together thousands of people who, in turn, contribute positively towards economic growth. However, socially and environmentally, festivals tend to create enormous tons of waste, use excessive amounts of electricity, cause damage to land due to overuse, and lead to increased emissions of carbon dioxide.
Given that festivals can be regarded as part of the tourism industry, which is partly blamed for increased emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, it is imperative for hotels and other affected firms to be proactive enough and do everything possible to ensure that their activities do not degrade the environment.
Why a Green Festival?
Beyond any doubt, festivals are generally responsible for the creation of waste. Sadly though, these wastes end up destroying the environment. It is because of this that some festival organizers are realizing the importance of greening their festivals with the intention of minimize their negative impact to the environment.
Benefits of Green Festivals
There a number of benefits at are directly associated with greening festivals. One positive thing is that both the business enterprises as well as the general public get to benefit in the process. Clearly, it is a win-win situation for all.
In the first place, many people actually prefer green festivals and think that noise, waste, and traffic are a nuisance. Considering that people are now waking up to the fact that festivals contribute greatly to carbon dioxide emissions, they are more eager to pay more for greener festivals. When clients pay more, it is for the benefit of the hotel owners, festival organizers, and event clients.
A green festival can also help a business enterprise cut down on costs. As an example, certain items may be collected and stored for use in a future festival or event with similar requirements. Among other things, this can save organizers so much money when planning for a future festival with similar requirements.
Description of the Promotional Campaign and Launch Activities
Having looked at the preceding overview of a green festival, it is now time to present the plan for Fairmont’s green festival.
Pre-planning
Before the actual planning and implementation can take place, some decisions will need to be made regarding the festival. To meet the requirements of a green festival, Fairmont will have to look into a number of critical issues. First, it will be necessary to think about the participants. The organizing team will need to establish the number of participants, impact of each person, food requirements for each person, and what their consumer expectations are.
Secondly, the venue of the green festival and how people will get there will have to be agreed upon. It will be important for the team organizing the festival to know where participants will be coming from. With this in mind, it will be possible to arrange for a venue that is appropriate for all.
Easy access to public transport is also an important consideration that must not be overlooked. As much as possible, participants should be encouraged to come by public transport instead of using private means. It may be necessary to establish whether various choices for transport are available and if incentives can be offered to encourage participants to use public transport rather than private cars.
Thirdly, the organizing team will have to consider sources of material. The team will determine whether other means of communication are available instead of using paper fliers or information. Other things to consider include the source of food and other supplies and, whether materials can be locally sourced.
Fourth, the team will need to find out whether the chosen venue and accommodation is appropriate. It may be advantageous to have the festival done in a location that has less impact on the environment, if this is practical. Where recycling and use of renewable energy sources is possible, it should be encouraged.
Planning and Implementation
The different issues raised in the pre-planning section will certainly provide the foundation on which planning and implementation will take place. It will be necessary to ask questions such as whether the product or service is green, where it can be found, and whether there are substitutes for non-green products or services.
Transportation
As noted earlier, it will be helpful to avoid transport options that are associated with high carbon emissions. Where possible, the team will need to advocate for transport options that depend on green energy. Local participants should be encouraged to share a vehicle if they must drive to the festival.
Venue
It will be beneficial to hold the festival in a central location and within walking distance for most participants. In addition, the venue to be chosen will have to be one with a clear environmental policy and green strategy. Senior management may be involved in choosing the appropriate venue. In the case of Fairmont, most of the target population stays close to the hotel although others are from far places.
Food, Beverage, and Catering Services
Among other things, it will be necessary to ensure that suppliers only use ecofriendly products for cleaning or other important purposes. Where possible, cloths will be used for cleaning hands instead of using disposable materials. Plans will also be put in place to help control how water will be used. If available, local water trucks will be used instead of bottled water.
Registration
Ecofriendly methods will be used during the registration. This will be done electronically so as to minimize the use of paper and other materials that are harmful to the environment.
Venue Equipment and Furniture
Equipment such as photocopiers will require a double sided function. While on site, participants will be provided with and encouraged to use wireless services since the service will be freely provided to all participants. If possible, the use of recycled parts should also be encouraged. Ecofriendly furniture will also be used.
Energy and Water
If practical, the use of green power will be encouraged. It will also be necessary to ensure that all participants understand perfectly, the need to use energy and water efficiently.
Water Reuse, Recycle, and Reduction
To succeed in their endeavors, the organizing team will need to work closely with participants where possible. The main idea is to ensure that participants are part of the process rather than feeling as strangers or mere observers. All participants will be informed about plans already in place to address waste reduction and recycling needs.
Conclusion
Despite the heavy costs associated with planning for the promotional campaign, the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. As pointed out elsewhere, the greatest gift any generation can pass on to a future generation is a healthy environment. This promotional campaign will sensitize residents on the importance of protecting the environment, and obviously, the impact will last long into the future.
References
DeMarco, G. (2012). Strategy Plan for Hotels Going Green. Web.
Graci, S., & Dodds, R. (2008). Green Festivals and Events Guide, a How To. Toronto, Ontario: The Icarus Foundation.
Halloween or Hallow Eve is a global festival celebrated on October 31 in the Western Christian world. Its origin comes from The Celtic Pagan holiday; hence many beliefs are based on ancient mythology. Many symbols of Halloween, such as pumpkins, ghosts, witches, skeletons, and lanterns, are closely connected with their original purposes. The festival’s roots came from the traditions of religious attention to the edge between the world of the living and the dead (Shabnam, 2021). Such practices as sharing food with every visitor on Hallow Eve, making bonfires, or wearing a mask to protect oneself from evil greatly influenced the modern holiday but lost its initial nature.
Nowadays, society accepts some elder traditions as norms – such as wearing a costume to school or work, giving candies during trick or treat, supporting a dark atmosphere with horror movies and stories, and house decorations. These activities create solid values for society – adults giving candies to the children build an understanding of generosity, and the tradition of trick-or-treating simulates a small community of children involved in the same cause (Kelly & Riach, 2018). Consequently, celebrating Halloween contributes to the general feeling of involvement in global social interaction through supporting the same traditions.
Altogether holidays create social solidarity by integrating Durkheim’s concept of collective conscience (Conerly et al., 2021). Following the same norms, traditions, and values, people maintain strong common ties within the society. It also creates temporal mechanical solidarity during the holiday seasons and festivities, for instance, most children going trick-or-treating. Holidays were invented by the process of initialization, while the beliefs and values are justified by people. Therefore, holidays are grounded by society and, as a result, contribute to its solidarity.
References
Conerly, T. R., Holmes, K., & Tamang, A. L. (2021). Introduction to sociology 3e. OpenStax.
Kelly, S., & Riach, K. (2018). Halloween, organization, and the ethics of uncanny celebration. Journal of Business Ethics, 161, 103–114.
Shabnam, Y. (2021). American Halloween: enculturation, myths, and consumer culture. Proceedings of the 3rd International Academic Conference on Research in Social Sciences. Diamond Scientific Publishing.
The primary goal of this paper is to develop a detailed start-up business for the Michael Jackson Festival with the assistance of the business model canvas. Each constituent of the framework is designed based on the literature review, case study, or questionnaires. Discussing each segment in detail helped in understanding the decision-making process and the reasons for including particular elements in the framework. It was revealed that organizing a colorful event with different activities such as various contests and competitions will be of interest not only to fans but also to other individuals. Using social media and relying on the help of sponsors can assist in increasing awareness about the venue. At the same time, relying on the support of volunteers and partners will help establish a co-creation process, enhance revenue streams, and reduce related costs.
Introduction
Nowadays, entrepreneurs face a plethora of challenges and difficulties when designing an entirely new business concept. Nonetheless, various instruments exist to improve the effectiveness of decision-making and cover a start-up from an entirely new perspective. For example, the business model canvas is one of the most efficient strategies available due to the simplicity of the framework, its clear visual representation in Figure 1A, and the ability to cover key business components such as partners, value chain, and customer relationships (Campbell, Gutierez, & Lancelott, 2017; Daidj, 2014).
Figure 1A. The business model canvas (Campbell et al., 2017).
In the context of this paper, applying this model will assist in designing a full-blown start-up business for the Michael Jackson Festival. Each constituent will focus on related hypotheses that will be tested to understand the ideas used to derive the content of each business block. In the end, the conclusions will summarize the critical findings of the paper while underlining the promising nature of this venture.
Initial Value Proposition
The previous part of the study clearly indicated that the actual value proposition of the Michael Jackson Festival was not only to design a venue with different activities, games, and events while reuniting Michael Jackson’s fans but also to provide customers with an exceptional atmosphere of fun and joy. This aspect was assumed to be achieved by selling alcohol as this would help to increase revenues and festival attendance. Offering discounts for buying tickets in advance and the need to pay for entrance only were other features of this venture. These ideas will be used as a basis for each element of the business model canvas.
Hypotheses
In the context of this paper, the hypotheses can be formulated as follows:
The described value proposition (see Chapter 3.1) meets the needs of the customers;
People who are interested in this venue will be represented solely by Michael Jackson’s fans;
Both fans and non-fans will be eager to participate;
Employing volunteers may be one of the solutions;
Having sponsors can help reduce costs;
Co-creation and communities can be identified as the most relevant approaches to maintaining customer relationships.
Testing Methodologies
To prove or disprove the hypotheses mentioned above, the concept of the mixed-method approach will be used, as the blocks of the business model canvas will have a dissimilar content. For example, a variety of qualitative methods can be employed, including case studies and literature reviews. The details identified in the case study are often used as a basis for the development of new theoretical frameworks, and they rely on an evaluation and description of the actions of a particular organization in the business context (Klenke, 2016; Ridder, 2016; Seawright, 2016). This applies to the constituents such as key partners and resources. The idea of the literature review is similar, but it will use a combination of different aspects discussed in previous studies while being used to derive ideas for practically every segment (Galvan, 2016; Machi & McEvoy, 2016). As for quantitative methods, with the help of questionnaires, it will be possible to acquire feedback from potential customers concerning activities, value propositions, and channels.
The Business Model Canvas
Value Propositions
As mentioned earlier, the initial value proposition can be formulated as, “with the Michael Jackson Festival, you will not only be able to cherish a memory of your favorite artist but also engage in different activities, learn Jackson’s moves, become a star, and experience the atmosphere of a holiday.” In this case, to test the proposition, questionnaires were distributed among participants online with the help of social media.
One hundred users participated in the study, and it was revealed that both fans (80%) and non-fans (20%) of Michael Jackson would like to attend this event. When asked about activities, the answers were distributed among trivia contests (45%), holograms (30%), singing completion (80%), performance (80%), dance class (100%), and after-party (76%). In addition, 87% indicated their desire for alcoholic beverages.
Regarding additional comments, respondents stated that including merchandise with Michael Jackson and the logo of the festival would also be a positive feature. Analysis revealed that the described value proposition is sufficient, meaning that hypothesis one is correct. The festival will satisfy the needs of both fans and non-fans of Michael Jackson by offering discounts, an extended variety of events, and the sale of alcohol. Including the sale of merchandise can also be described as an important feature and has to be included in the list of costs and activities.
Customer Segments
When describing the main customer segments, it is essential to mention that even after the death of the singer, Michael Jackson’s fan base continues to grow at the pace of a geometrical progression. Various events and concerts have been organized to honor the memory of the King of Pop, and his popularity has been reflected in the form of impersonations uploaded to social media (Robinson, 2014). The questionnaire also revealed that the majority of respondents (80%) represented fans of the singer. It could be said that this segment can be considered to be the target audience (in other words, a niche market). Nonetheless, the survey also showed that non-fans (20%) would also be interested in participating in this event. Consequently, hypothesis two can be declared incorrect while number three is relevant.
Key Activities and Resources
Similar to the analysis of value proposition and customer segments, it will be necessary to review the responses to the questionnaires to describe the main activities. Figure 1 presents a summary of results while clearly displaying a percentage of individuals interested in each type of entertainment. In this case, a critical amount of financial resources should be invested into organizing a dance class, a singing contest and performance, and a party after the festival.
Figure 1. Summary of Activities.
When understanding the resources needed to deliver the selected activities to the customers, using observations from the case study of the Coachella Valley Festival can help in this process. In this instance, the festival not only focuses on reserving a particular space, banners, and merchandise but also pays close attention to human resources (Job Monkey, 2017). For example, the management of this festival heavily relies on volunteers since this method attracts workers to the event and provides an entirely unique experience (Job Monkey, 2017). This matter highlights that hypothesis four is correct, and it remains apparent that financial resources, copyright, rent, and merchandise are also required to organize this event (see Chapter 3.6 for more information).
Key Partners
Another aspect that has to be considered of high importance is finding partners and creating trusting relationships with them. Nowadays, practically every company in the entertainment sector pays particular attention to engaging in effective collaborations to organize an event (Fishof & Levin, 2012; Kaser & Oelkers, 2015). In this instance, referring to the case of Coachella can help in organizing this venue and optimizing associated costs and revenues.
For example, Coachella has a number of sponsors including Heineken, Absolut, American Express, and Sephora (Coachella, 2017). Being in collaboration with these brands not only reduces costs but also increases the recognition of the festival among the customers of these companies. Consequently, it could be said that building trusting relationships with enterprises such as Heineken can facilitate providing alcohol to the venue. At the same time, encouraging music stores to participate in the event will supply the management with merchandise and help organize effective advertising campaigns. A combination of these factors reinforces that hypothesis five is correct.
Customer Relationships and Channels
Along with key activities, resources, and partners, it is essential to understand the relationships with the customers that will be established. Nowadays, many companies consider co-creation as one of the most important modern trends due to continuous changes in consumer preferences and the rising popularity of globalization (Haro, Martinez-Ruiz, & Martinez-Canas, 2014). This type of relationship is believed to have a positive impact on the company and the customers simultaneously, as the clients feel like a part of the decision-making team while the enterprise enhances its image and reduces expenditures (Fernandez & Remelhe, 2016; Haro et al., 2014).
In the context of the venue indicated in this case, this scheme could be identified as the most appropriate one. It complies with the key activities such as contests and competitions that imply the active participation of the visitors and volunteers. At the same time, it would be impossible to organize this event without fans since they will help create a particular atmosphere while being united by the same ideas. Alternatively, relying on the idea of co-creation will assist in reducing costs without affecting the content of the event (Alves, 2013; Haro et al., 2014).
It could be said that understanding of advertising channels is strongly linked to the nature of customer relationships. It remains evident that social media plays a critical role in marketing today as it makes advertising activities entertaining and sophisticated at the same time (Alharbie, 2015; Bekoglu & Onayli, 2016).
Simultaneously, social media is believed to have a positive impact on overall business growth and prosperity while making businesses more innovative and competitive due to the ability to address the needs and preferences of new generations (Alharbie, 2015; Duffet & Wakeham, 2016).
Questionnaires revealed that 89% of respondents would appreciate being contacted with the help of Facebook while only 11% showed loyalty to more traditional means of advertising. In this case, this aspect implies that it will be reasonable to organize different community groups using social media networks. It will not only help to unite people who are interested in the event but also will encourage idea-sharing. Nonetheless, along with social media, advertising the venue with the help of sponsors can also be beneficial for the management. Overall, a combination of factors clearly indicates that hypothesis six is correct.
Cost Structure and Revenue Streams
Apart from paying chief attention to the description of the venue, it is essential to determine the profitability and the actual applicability of this business concept in practice. Figure 2 summarizes the cost and revenue structure revealed in the main findings of the paper. It remains apparent that the costs are high, but they will be buffered with the assistance of engaging volunteers in the process and establishing trusting relationships with sponsors such as Heineken.
Figure 2. Costs and Кevenues of the Мenue.
Conclusion
In the end, the business model canvas gives a clear understanding of the start-up structure and describes each element in detail. Along with this model, using a mixed-methods approach helps gain an understanding of the development of each idea and component. Consequently, in this instance, most of the hypotheses were found to be correct. Thus, the event must rely on the value proposition declared previously while satisfying the needs of both fans and non-fans with the help of a co-creation scheme and activities. Engaging customers with the assistance of social media and attracting volunteers and sponsors will not only optimize costs and revenue streams but also increase the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and consumer awareness.
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The Festival is expected to attract over 160,000 people this year, and therefore a large venue is necessary to accommodate all of the attendees. Thus, the Auckland Domain with its 75 hectares, or 185 acres, of space is the best option to avoid overcrowding and ensure that no ventilation issues that may arise in a closed venue arise. The guests are expected to not require much room for sitting and wander throughout the park while visiting various stalls, and so seating accommodations beyond the benches available in the park will generally not be necessary.
Varieties
Variety is the central concept of the festival, and so it should provide visitors with a broad selection of various entertainment activities. The venue will host approximately a hundred stalls with different Asian food and crafts that will attract people’s interest. Numerous performances showing off martial arts, dances, and live music from traditional and contemporary Chinese cultures will provide a more active form of entertainment. Lastly, the handmade Chinese lanterns that will be positioned throughout the venue will provide guests with beautiful sights and photography opportunities. The festival will be open in the late afternoon to early evening and last until 10:30 p.m., allowing the traditional crafts a chance to display themselves in their best light.
Variation
Other than renting the venue, the festival organisers do not have to be concerned with securing significant amounts of space for the attendees. Guests are advised not to use cars, as there will be no room to park them, and to come using public transport, bicycles, scooters, or no transportation. The bikes can be parked at the airport, and the venue will have two dedicated spaces for scooter drop-off and pick-up. The festival will supply the entertainment as well as the props necessary for the performers, but stallholders will have to pay for their spots at the venue. As such, it should be able to afford free admission for the guests and remain profitable for the organisers.
Visibility
The visitors will be able to see the entire operation of the festival, as it takes place outdoors and conducts all of its activities openly. The stalls will have to perform their cooking on site to cope with the demand for freshly made food, and booths generally allow the customers to see everything that happens. All of the other activities will have to occur in plain view, as well, due to the nature of the venue. As such, customers will be able to confirm everything but the origins of the lanterns displayed at the event and the crafts sold at the stalls, ensuring that the Festival provides excellent visibility to customers.
Venue and Criteria for Selection
The Auckland Lantern Festival is a massive event, one that usually attracts 160,000 to 180,000 people each year. As such, a large venue that can house all of these people, as well as the stalls and other forms of entertainment that will be present, is necessary for the proceedings. There are not many locations in Auckland that can satisfy the needs of the organising team, and so the Auckland Domain is one of the few places that can be used. It has some inadequacies, such as an insufficient amount of toilets to accommodate the expected number of visitors, but it is possible to amend the situation before the festival with portable toilets.
Resources Required
Contractors
The Festival is free to attend, so ticket and travel agencies will not be necessary for the event. However, a marketing agency would be helpful to improve engagement and improve the numbers of attendees. With regards to stallholders and performers, the former will register for the festival and pay the requisite fees because it represents an opportunity for profit. The latter will not make money directly from their performances, and so the organisers will have to contact them and arrange their presence and payment. A company that provides portable toilets for events will also be necessary. The presence of a security detail will be required to manage any incidents that may occur. Lastly, the Lime Company will have to be contacted to arrange scooter rental spots.
Accommodations
The stallholders and guests will be coming using their resources, and so they will not require a place to stay for the night to be provided by the organisers. They will have to visit and then return home, mainly if they are locals, or find a room for the duration of the event. Unlike them, the performers invited to the event will most likely require hotel rooms as part of their fees. Their food will also be covered, and the organisers will inquire into any allergies or intolerances to avoid incidents. Lastly, the event will prevent issues with tobacco allergies and intoxication by banning all forms of nicotine and alcohol consumption in the venue altogether.
Transportation
For transportation, the organisers will generally rely on customers to find their means or use public transport. They will contact Auckland Transport to arrange secure bike parking spots for guests who will be attending using that method. They will also contact Lime to ensure that there are scooter rental locations available to people who may choose to use the service. The use of cars will be discouraged, as there is no room to park a large number of vehicles. If attendance is projected to be unusually high, a shuttle bus service may be arranged to focus on areas of particular influx.
Volunteers
The Festival will require a considerable number of volunteers to set up the props for the performers as well as other infrastructure and provide assistance to visitors. Fifty to one hundred people should be sufficient, as each will participate in multiple shifts and fill a variety of roles. Auckland is a large city with a population of over 1.6 million people, and so it should not be difficult to find a sufficient number of volunteers. The event page will put out a call for participation, and the organisers will contact Team AKL, which tends to provide volunteers for various events in Auckland.
A large portion of the volunteer base, the ones that will be responsible for moving props and assisting with other physical labour, will be selected for physical strength. As such, they will mostly be male and demonstrate excellent physical health and fitness. The rest will be primarily responsible for helping the visitors, though the first group will do that as well. As such, all volunteers will be required to undergo communication and first aid training to become familiarised with the park’s various locations and learn to manage cases of visitors manifesting health issues. The city government runs a volunteer management program that organises their participation and shifts, and so the organisers will have to formulate a schedule and submit it.
Sponsors
The Festival is an annual event that has been happening for multiple years and attracted a variety of permanent sponsors. The ASB Bank, the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and the Harcourts real estate company are generally recognised as the event’s most significant funding sources. The first and the third sponsor the Festival for public relations purposes, as doing so helps them improve their image and the public awareness of their activities. The festival’s webpage and on-site decorations will feature their logos prominently, and their representatives will be able to participate in the opening ceremony if they would like. The Asia New Zealand Foundation is non-profit and dedicated to teaching New Zealanders about Asian culture, and so funding the Festival is in its interest.
Among other sponsors, Vector Lights are a manufacturer of lights and will supply the lanterns for the festival to advertise to visitors. The Hong Kong Economic Trade Office will participate to teach people about the culture of its home region and convince them to visit, similar to China Southern Airlines. Lotto will join as a sponsor and sell its games at the venue in addition to providing a Winning Wheel attraction. Similarly, Tip Top will be present to sell ice cream, which is likely to be in demand at the site.
Alpha Group will sponsor the Festival to spread public awareness of its products. Resene will supply the paint for the decorations in exchange for the promotion of the fact. China Travel Services will provide information about the tours it offers. Unicom New Zealand will provide funding to generate positive publicity among visitors from the country. Cloud Union will advertise its services at the venue and hold a lottery with a car as the prize. Lastly, Chinese Herald and NZME participate in a joint program where they hold a contest and provide a picnic zone to visitors in addition to funding.
Stakeholders
The city government and its various associated services will be the principal stakeholders for the event. The Auckland Domain is public property, and so the authorities should provide access to it at no extra cost after the organisers fill the proper applications. However, they will most likely require that the area is kept as undisturbed as possible, with no littering or damaging the flora in the park permitted. As such, the organisers will likely have to hire people to assist with the removal of garbage and ensure that the rules are enforced during the Festival.
The stallholders should be mostly self-sufficient, bringing their arrangements and tools and only requiring a space with considerable traffic to operate. The organisers should make sure to place every stall in a location where many visitors will see it and be interested in it. The performers will most likely be invited from Shanghai and be the same artists who participated in the festival in the previous years. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is a prominent stakeholder in the festival and will likely provide considerable help with organisation. The danger at the event is low, and the Festival takes place in an open space, so police or fire department involvement will likely be unnecessary.
As an event intended to celebrate Chinese culture in New Zealand, the Festival will secure the participation of multiple Chinese partners. The Asia New Zealand Foundation will help with funding as a founding partner and an essential stakeholder for the festival. The Hong Kong Economic Trade Center will have similar goals and provide assistance to fulfil them. The Chinese embassy in New Zealand may become involved if the organisers contact it and suggest that its members come to give speeches. Together, these organisations can help to ensure the event’s authenticity and provide advice for improvements in addition to their current contributions.
The case concerns an event hosted by Billy McFarland in October 2016 following a conceptualization of the spectacular Bahamas’ Exuma Islands. Although the Fyre Festival was conceived as an extraordinary lavish event advertised by all-time celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, among others, it was a complete failure. All of the performers, luxurious villas, and receptions promised were a total failure. Following the event’s failure, ticketholders filed a series of class-action lawsuits against the influencers and planners, including McFarland, for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract, among other things.
Concept, Theories, and Principles
The fundamental issue in this scenario is a lack of a standardized event planning framework. A regular event planning method must be followed for the event to be successful. The process begins with a practical idea and a budget that aligns with the resources needed for the event. Securing the necessary logistics follows second; if possible, marketing the event comes third (AlWaer et al., 2021). However, this procedure was twisted in organizing this event, with event promotion being the first item completed and little communication with stakeholders, allowing McFarland to handle things his way.
The standard event planning procedures will be used in getting the resolution to the challenges faced in Fyre and Fury event. McFarland first hired influencers to promote the event, ignoring information from organizers that there were insufficient resources, such as time and money, to hold the advertised dream event. The logistical aspect failed since Fyre Cay Island only existed as a concept but not in reality, making it challenging to host production firms as promised. The first item on the event preparation process was also not met since production firms estimated a budget of $5 million. Still, McFarland refused to comply, claiming that the event would cost $300,000.
Application of Chapter Content
Standard event planning requires an adequate communication procedure, which includes the flow of information within the organization. Vertical communication comprises the flow of information between people of different hierarchical levels. In contrast, horizontal communication involves the flow of information between people of the same hierarchical level within an organization. Communication was a challenge in the event’s organization, with McFarland doing things his way and ignoring warnings from other parties. For example, McFarland ignored the budget warning from the production firms, resulting in the first vertical communication problem.
Communication with marketers reveals several communication flaws, as the information they provided to their audience was inaccurate. The advertisements indicated something different from what the ticket customers experienced. In this case, the most significant communication barriers were an unwillingness to listen to others, a lack of transparency, feedback, and a poor choice of a communication channel (Mircea & Nicolae, 2012). The organizers’ failure to reply to emails from ticketholders, such as Maude Etkin, created a complete communication barrier, making it difficult for performers and vendors to plan ahead of time.
McFarland was effective at using social media in this case. McFarland’s ability to use social media effectively is what resulted in a large number of ticket sales and event attendees. The only issue with his social media usage was that he could not keep what he was advertising. Furthermore, the tone of the promotion was well done, with the promoters using phrases that stroke the audience. The descriptions of crystal-blue waters and yachts were particularly eye-catching: This also helped to develop an excellent reputation for the event, with many people deciding to buy tickets. On account of the ticket sales that McFarland drew, it is apparent that he was effective at leveraging social media.
McFarland might have successfully planned the festival if he had been a better communicator. The case shows that he was very effective at marketing, attracting an audience, and coordinating finances (Tanković et al., 2022). If he had communicated more effectively, the event management would have been completed successfully and on schedule. The event would have been a massive success if the execution had been flawless and communications had been promptly addressed.
A live concert of Alexandr Rybak, a Norwegian singer-composer took place on 13 November 2010 in Gusman Hall in Miami Florida. The attendance of this live musical performance became a memorable experience for me.
The overall atmosphere of the Gusman Hall was favourable for establishing the personal contact between the performers and the audience. The lighting and the special effects became a valuable contribution to the performance, intensifying the impression from the beautiful music and the personal charm of the talented performers.
The excitement of the audience had no limits and seemed to encourage the Norwegian singer. Playing the violin, one of the most difficult musical instruments, Alexandr managed to sing and even to dance. Nobody could remain indifferent during the performance, receiving a supply of energy from the live music and enjoying the amazing music.
The transitions between the compositions and the music themes have demonstrated that every detail has been reasoned out during the preparation for the concert. Along with the inborn talent of the singer-composer, the hard work and constant self-improvement were significant for getting ready for the concert.
Concerning the musical instruments which have been used during the performance, it seemed that there was only a minimum of them. There were percussion instruments, guitars and the main emphasis was certainly put on violins.
For rating the skills of the performers at their true value, one should take into account that playing violin is really difficult though the performers managed even to combine it with dancing, singing and establishing the eye contact with the audience. The musical themes which have been chosen by Rybak for the violin view the opportunities of this musical instrument from a new perspective.
Developing the skills of playing this musical instrument on the level on which the Norwegian singer-composer does it would take years of hard work. His approach to playing the violin can be recognized as revolutionary, taking into account the tempos and the sophisticated transitions. However, the instrumentation of the performance was not limited to the violins only, and the beautiful guitar ballads were amazing.
The compositions of various styles, composers and dates were combined in the concert, providing the audience with an opportunity to enjoy the various sides of the performer’s talent.
At the same time, this combination of diversified pieces reduced the risk of boring the listeners with the monotony of the themes. Along with the songs written by the Norwegian composer himself, such as the well-known Fairy Tale, the performance included the interpretations of compositions of various time periods which now can be regarded as close to the classic of rock.
Performing the songs by Beatles and Secret Garden, Alexandr provided a new interpretation of the compositions, adding his personal charm to them and showing them from a new perspective. Though the original versions of these compositions were different from Rybak’s performance, they remained recognizable and the audience had an opportunity to enjoy the well-known musical pieces, comparing the original and the modified versions. Even particular compositions of classical music have been included into the live performance.
The centuries between the dates of creation of the musical pieces were not noticeable and with the talented performance of the Norwegian musician the compositions became a whole in the world of music. Particular folk motifs have been also incorporated into the program of the performance, reminding of the national origin of the singer-composer whose talent has been recognized internationally. The well-known Fairy Tale was the climax of the live performance and one of the brightest moments of the concert.
The live concert even exceeded all the expectations of the audience, producing a long-lasting impression upon them. The storm of applause seemed to be never-ending and during the most famous compositions, the listeners could not help singing with Rybak.
It is amazing that with all the energizing compositions of the performance, particular lyric motifs of the concert pulled at the listeners’ heartstrings and appealed to their personal feelings. The personal charm of the performer was a significant contribution to the success of the concert. It was noticeable that Alexander did his best to establish the interpersonal contact with every listener.
The performance of the most complicated compositions looked easy and it created the illusion that they were not so complicated. It can be explained only with Rybak’s talent and the level of his preparation for the live performance. The concert generated the public interest in Rybak’s works and his talent of combining various styles and making elegant transitions between them.
I enjoyed the performance greatly and was really impressed with the talent and charm of a young Norwegian singer-composer. The performance had a significant impact on my perception of violin music and the range of opportunities of this musical instrument. Even the performance of classical compositions sounded different from the accustomed traditional concerts of classical music.
The unexpected combination of various styles persuaded me that there are no strict borders between various genres and all the compositions can be united into a whole in the world of music. I would attend the performance of this singer again and decided to learn more details on his creative works and his main achievements along with the well-known victory at Eurovision.
The long-lasting impression from the attendance of the concert filled me with new energy and encouraged to do my best to improve my professional skills. The achievements of Alexandr Rybak in playing the violin and combining it with singing and even dancing proves that the human abilities are not limited and training and hard work can help to polish skills and develop talents.
The attendance of Electric Zoo, a two-day festival of electric music was the realization of my dream and one of the brightest memories of the year. Twelve hours sessions of music exhausted all the fans who still wanted more and more. There were several sections at the festival which could satisfy the wide range of the fans’ interests.
The overall atmosphere of creative freedom and the unlimited opportunities for self-expression united the thousands of fans who came to Randalls Island. There were four stages at the festival and the sounds which could be heard from each of them united into the rumbling which could be annoying under different circumstances but was appreciated by the fans of the festival coming up to their expectations.
The combination of the sounds and various music styles created the unforgettable atmosphere of the festival which intensified the impression from the performance of the bands. The crowds of youths were overwhelmed with emotions and sharing their impressions intensified the effect of the festival.
The bands used a wide range of electric music instruments, demonstrating not only their talents and unique style of the band themes but also the latest achievements in the technical side of the issue. The innovative technologies have changed the approach to the performance of the musical compositions as well as the musical preference of the audiences.
It is possible that the older generation would never appreciate all the advantages of the big beat sounds and techno rhythms. The fans of the electric music, on the contrary, were delighted while listening to the sounds produced by the innovative instruments. The beats and the techno rhythms made the bodies of the music fans move with their favorite themes.
An opportunity to attend the live concert and not only to listen to the music but also to see the musicians with their own eyes impressed the audience greatly. The view of the electric guitars and the percussion instruments influenced the perception of the music by the listeners, especially those who play in music bands themselves and can appreciate the quality of the sounds and the instruments at their true value.
The festival of electric music hosted bands which represented different styles and directions. It was only the second festival but it can become a good tradition and the victory at it would become more prestigious. This year The Chemical Brothers, ATB, Chuckie and Boys Noize became the winners of the festival. The big beat sets by Chemical Brothers got the audience dancing. The work of their visual effects team was remarkable and the lasers as well as the trippy screens became a valuable contribution to their victory.
ATB as the second nominate of the festival was playing on the main stage and paused between his energetic compositions for not more than several seconds. The exhausted audience was not irritated. On the contrary, the youths enjoyed this endless marathon and the song Till I Come was a real success.
The singles of Chuckie were spectacular and did not allow the audience to pause of r a single moment. Every track by Boys Noize was welcomed with the audience. His performance techniques were recognized as innovative and it is hypothesized that he will make a contribution to the future of the electric music. Surprisingly, the list of the losers starts with Benny Benassi, who is followed y Afrojack and Major Lazer.
Benassi’s set was not energizing this time. The time lag is required for defining whether it was an occasional incident it can be regarded as the beginning of his crisis. Afrojack’s set was not enough persuasive as well. Though the fans enjoyed his Riverside and Take Over Control, something was missing in his performance.
The performance of Major Lazer lacked energy and the performers looked lazy. Perhaps, it could be explained with the lack of dancers and traditional Chinese dragons. Still, disregarding the level of success with the public, every band contributed to the overall atmosphere of the festival and became a real holiday for their fans.
The two days and nights of the festival became a significant event in the cultural life of the country. It was a unique opportunity to enjoy the techno rhythms and to participate in the dancing marathon. The spirit of the crowd and the dominating emotion of delight did not allow the listeners to remain indifferent.
Getting them dancing and energizing them for the prolonged dancing marathons, pausing for only few seconds. By the end of the second day, everyone was exhausted but could not get enough of favorite music and bands. Though the largest part of the audience was the American youths, the international language of techno music united the representatives of various age and ethnic groups.
The musical performance and the visual shows as well as the interpersonal communication with other fans became a memorable experience for all the guests of the festival.
Providing plenty of opportunities for self expression, the festival became a splendid opportunity for the release of energy and getting emotions for escaping from the daily routine. The prolonged dancing marathons and the enormous excitement of the fans have shown how powerful the impact of the energizing electric music can be.
The Electric Zoo festival produced a long-lasting impression upon me. At first, my delight with the event was so overwhelming that it could hardly be translated into words. I must admit that the live music performance cannot be compared to listening to the studio record.
The atmosphere of the festival as well as the common excitement of the music fans has a significant impact on the perception of the themes. My favorite rhythms got me dancing for hours not taking into account the exhaustion and the natural needs for rest. The positive emotions were so strong that I could not get enough of the music and enjoyed the music sessions. I though t that the simultaneous performances on the four stages would interfere one another and spoil the overall sound.
On the contrary, the combination of the styles produced a peculiar effect and intensified the impressions of the fans. If it is possible and if it becomes a tradition in the world of electric music, I would go to the festival next year. The splendid idea of the Electric Zoo festival can be developed in future, welcoming wider audiences and new bands and making particular improvements in the organization of the event.
