A Snowta New Years Eve
As the countdown to 2018 began, “Snowtatendees” prepared for the clock to hit midnight. Some ran to catch their midnight kiss, while others squeezed their way towards the front to headbang their way into the New Year. Excision hit his giant bass button and HAPPY NEW YEARS stretched across the Paradox stage screen while balloons of every color fell from the ceiling. New Years had come and gone and the Excision concert commenced. As the balloons fell of the stage, head-bangers raged their way into 2018 with over an hour of Excision’s hit mixes and new sounds. They threw their “X’s” up, they got down with “Robo-Kitty,” and they lost their minds when the T-Rex appeared in the middle of a meadow. Snowta, with the help of Excision, brought in the New Year with a 3 .. 2 … 1 … HEADBANG.
The two-day event sold out with 7,000 attendees per day according to producer, Zack Chazin.
“Our goal for Snowta is to grow this festival into not only a staple in the NYE festival scene, but to make it a annual destination for festival goers worldwide,” Chazin said.
[For more on Snowta day 1, click here]
Snowta attendees came from over a dozen states to celebrate New Years Eve with a wide variety of artists including Pretty Lights, Gucci Mane, Mija, Ganja White Night and so many more.
One Snowtatendee, Nick Kush, said on a Facebook review, “I came up from Colorado for this. My first time in Minnesota ever and Snowta did NOT disappoint! I had such an amazing time and met so many awesome people! There was so much to see and do there! All the interactive stuff and side rooms were so cool! The vibes were amazing and it was a true honor sharing such an awesome experience with so many beautiful souls! I will most definitely be back next year!”
Post Malone kicked off NYE at the Snowta mainstage with his first of three shows that night.
When he performed “I Fall Apart,” he introduced the song by saying, “This is for a B**** that broke my heart.” The crowd belted out every lyric of the ballad that brings out the soft side of Post Malone.
At the end of his set, Post jumped off stage and into the press pit to shake hands with his fans on the rail. A fan gave him a painting and he even stopped for photos.
Local Rhymesayers artist, Prof, was up next and it was just as weird and upbeat as one would expect from a Prof performance. He took a shot of Jameson and broke into “I Had Sex in the 90’s,” and everyone sang along. The song was featured on his 2015 album “Liability.”
The Gray Duck Stage focused on dub the first night with Liquid Stranger, Bear Grillz and transitioned to funk with Wookiefoot and Sunsquabi closing out night two. Jon Wayne and the Pain got super funky as well. The Minnesota based grassroots group puts out a unique blend of bluegrass and funk.
Mark of Wookiefoot
Snowta was not just about the music — there were hoopers dancing with LEDs and day hoops, poi artists flowing to the bass, glovers giving light shows and dancers shuffling along to the beat. If you got there early, you’ had more than enough room to have a dance battle with your rave buddies.
Snowtatendees could also purchase an activities band and partake in human bowling, bungee trampolines and laser tag.
Even though it was -43 degrees outside, Snowta felt just like a summer festival. People were running from stage to stage to catch their favorite artists. Merch booths were selling festival gear, pins, crystals, pashminas, art and more.
Snowta was two days of making new friends, discovering new artists and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos are taken by the amazing, Kara Ketcher
