We could all use a strong dose of community vibes after 2020, and the music venues & festivals in Buffalo Niagara are great places for just that.

Much Needed Communal Vibes

Think About It

Remember in the before times (anything prior to about a year and a half is considered the before times) when you might see a festival in the WNY area and think, “ Mmm Nah, maybe next year, I’m just not up to it, now.” Ok, I’m talking about myself in years past, but I’m sure many of you can relate. My thinking back then was, “ I and the festivals will be there next year, so what’s the rush?” Well, I’m sure you can understand why that mind frame has done a 180 recently. The thing I don’t get though, is why was I so sold on missing out? Was it better to do the normal routine of hanging out with friends, watching movies, wondering about the universe (What’s out there? It can’t be only little green men. What about little green woman? Do they have little green dogs as well?), writing blogs (because you know I’m writing blogs no matter the circumstances, boredom, pandemic swimmers ear. Whatever. If the people want them, I’ll keep ‘em coming)?

Looking back, I’m not mad at myself for not instantly dropping everything I was doing and running over to get an Italian sausage, or something. Still, I do wish I was a bit more open to the experience, or that I gave the thought of going, well… some more thought… (did you see that profound description I just gave? I bet there’s a stirring in your soul right about now from the immense impact my words provided, that’s why I’m THE WRITER) because I’m sure I missed out on something. Maybe it was the pretty girl selling beer, or I missed out on having a great conversation about life with a stranger (those are often the best conversations because both parties are blank slates to one another, so conversation tends to flow like water. Unless he or she is drunk then it tends to flow like wine).

Or even just the prospect of trying new food.

But today’s a new day, and if you’re anything like me, then at the very least you’re putting more thought into going than before, because who doesn’t love a celebration? The world is so difficult now. We need any reason we can find to break out the confetti and streamers. I’m of the mind at this point I don’t even care what the particular festival is; I’m just glad to see it’s happening.

Take the WNY VegFest, which is taking place on September 26, for example. I’m not a Vegan that’s way too stressful of a meal plan for myself, but I’m going to check my calendar to see what I have going on, on that day because I might go (but don’t hold me to it and send the Welcome office emails asking if Max went to the VegFest. I might have to do laundry that day. It’s not glamorous but it needs to get done all the same). Why? Because if Covid has taught me anything, it’s that experiences don’t just fall in your lap. Sometimes they do, but generally, you have to seek them out yourself and be ready for them because they’re out there waiting for you.

Oh, the Humanity

Let’s not forget possibly the best part of any festival — the people. Festivals seem to be the place where everyone with every possible different personality converges, which can be a downright wonderful thing. Or truth be told, it could also become a drunken disaster — filled with screaming matches, drunken fistfights, and more, but that’s a bit of a rowdy rarity. For the most part, festival-goers are good people looking to have fun and absorb whatever that festival has to offer, whether that’s a perspective on a culture you’re unfamiliar with, food, music, hell I know some people just go to a festival with the sole purpose of getting drunk and as long as they’re not disturbing anyone while they do it I can’t say I have a problem with it.

Festivals are about the celebration, after all, and what better way to celebrate than with a drink in hand (remember always to drink responsibly though. I don’t want you to go from the festival to the jailhouse because you had one too many wine slushy‘s. I know they’re good but you’ve got to control yourself). With all the different people present at whatever festival you decide to go to, the possibilities for meaningful interaction are limitless! I know I’m sounding like a hippie (flower power every hour even when it rains or showers).

Still, the prospect of meeting someone new and possibly learning something new and interesting from them is incredibly enticing because contact cannot only strengthen our bonds with others but also within ourselves. I believe that every new person you meet has something to offer you.Good or bad, you can take that as good information and apply it if it’s a good experience. If it’s terrible, you can use it as a lesson for the future.

Festivals are a great place to meet people. You just have to forget about the good or bad aspects and take the plunge.

Be a Social Butterfly

Look, I’m not saying going to the Chamber Music Festival (a festival that I’m actually interested in going to) or any other festival for that matter is going to 100% change your life, but it might. You might meet someone and go on a great date or have an incredible conversation with someone you met 5 minutes ago. If nothing else, just be open to the celebration vibes a festival brings. At worst, you’ll be around new people. At best, you’ll have a good time. I don’t know about you, but with those odds, I’d be open to giving it a shot.