Getting Lost in The Florida Groves Fest: Day 1

Day 1 Recap by Nature Studios

Gif by Alexander “Raggy” Lynn

Photos by Phil DeSimone

The world of music festivals is constantly evolving, and every so often, an event breaks the mold and provides an experience like no other. That's exactly what happened at Groves Fest in Orlando. The two-day festival celebrated not just music but also a unique fusion of art, culture, and lifestyle. 

With a glassblowing showcase, a cannabis convention, a car show, a sneaker convention, and a half pipe complete with skateboarders catching Florida’s infamously muggy air Groves Fest presented a one-of-a-kind event that left a lasting impact on all who attended. The staff also went above and beyond to ensure festivalgoers stayed safe from the scorching Florida sun by keeping a keen eye on all in attendance, providing water when needed, and even offering sunscreen to those pale and pasty ones such as myself.

Photo by Fabian Bailey

Passionate music fan and faithful festival-goer Ben McQuay told Nature Studios that this year’s festival was “Bigger and better” than last year’s event. With so much to do, seeing all that Groves Fest had to offer felt impossible. Still, the weekend provided ample opportunity to traverse Florida’s blazing heat and check out every nook and cranny of the festival. 

Saturday offered little to no cloud cover except for a thick haze hanging low over the cannabis convention. Simply put, the convention was a cannabis connoisseur’s chocolate factory. The convention showcased the latest and most incredible wares, from innovative smoking devices to advanced vaporizers. Each booth provided a plethora of gadgets and gizmos to help us stoners partake in our favorite activity. 

Photos by Phil DeSimone & Fabian Bailey

Midway through the convention, artist Kole Trent, aka Nugtopia, displayed his beautiful art depicting dancing nugs within vistas of faraway locations. Much like any memorable artist, Trent encodes subtext into his paintings. His overall message in his paintings is to celebrate cannabis culture, lift the veil of taboo on the plant, and spread awareness of its healing properties. One piece in particular, “White Rhino,” tackles big pharma quite literally by having a pill hogtied by a nug clad in cowboy attire with his trusty eyeless rhino steed by his side. As my eyes danced around his works of art, the haze above thickened, and a certain giddiness overtook me.

Dr. Dabber contributed to the growing haze and intoxicating giddiness by providing an ample dose of wax within their electronic rigs to everybody who stopped by. The electronic rig's Evo model improves vapor density via a patented quick-connect adaptor, resulting in a considerably milkier hit than other electronic rigs. Dr. Dabber supplied precisely what everyone needed before returning and basking in Florida’s infamous heat. 

While walking over to the glassblowing showcase, Orlando’s own Kash’d Out played on triumphantly as clouds of sensimilla billowed from the crowd. The song “Way Too High For This” was comically true because, at this point, I was hypnotized by the glassblowers and their ability to mold glass to their will. Flames spewed from torches as artists stamped, pressed, and twisted red-hot glass. Techniques varied from each glassblower, yet the simplicity of it all was mesmerizing.

The Dub Collector

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Sierra Lane

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Shwayze

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Kash 'D Out

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The Dub Collector 〰️ Sierra Lane 〰️ Shwayze 〰️ Kash 'D Out 〰️

Photos by Phil DeSimone

Through the sounds of torches blazing and the sights of glass being shifted, Fortunate Youth started their set, bringing attendees to their feet and shuffling close to the main stage. Despite the heat, everyone could be seen smiling, dancing, and sharing fat doobies. Amidst all this, giant inflatable bananas and joints bounced above the heads of all the attendees. Each bop of the enormous bananas and joints spread the good vibes further and further through the festival grounds until everyone smiled wide. 

“We try to keep it professional, but we’re just having fun,” Said Fortunate Youth frontman Dan Kelly. His smile alone swooned the crowd, but the family gathering on stage is what made Fortunate Youth’s set so heartwarming. Perhaps it was the amount of smoke in the air, but it brought a few tears to my bloodshot eyes.

Fortunate Youth

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Fortunate Youth 〰️

Photos by Phile DeSimone & Fabian Bailey

Once ​​Collie Buddz took the stage, he ignited the crowd with his infectious energy and mesmerizing vocals. His unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop had the entire crowd swaying and singing along to every beat. He seamlessly transitioned between crowd favorites and new releases, keeping the energy high throughout his set. The crowd was particularly enthusiastic during his performance of his hit song "Legal Now," which had everyone singing the catchy chorus in unison. As his set ended, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, showering the Bermudian with some Floridian love.

Photos by Phil DeSimone & Fabian Bailey

Unfortunately, with the Florida heat and humidity, it almost always rains with it. Around 8 o’clock, the festivities and music were forced to pause, but before long, Protoje and his band could be heard strumming their instruments and turning amplifiers and speakers back on. Then, the air cooled down, and the show was back on.

Protoje closed out the night in fantastic style, with a bedazzling array of lights, guitars shredding, drums thumping, and bass booming. His performance didn’t simply play on like most. Instead, it stretched across the festival grounds, infecting everyone with the irresistible need to dance.

Photos by Phil DeSimone

As the night drew to a close, attendees were left buzzing with excitement and a sense of awe for what was to come on day two of the highly-anticipated Groves Fest. The unforgettable performances, fascinating exhibits, and vibrant atmosphere left a lasting impression on all who attended, fueling their anticipation for what was sure to be an even more incredible day ahead.

Review by Brendan Mcginley

Gifs by Alexander “Raggy” Lynn

Photo’s by Phil DeSimone & Fabian Bailey

Drone by Chad Morrison

Video by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney

Stay tuned for Day 2 coming soon!!!