BEYOND MUSIC:EVENT: HOW 88 RISING'S HEAD IN THE CLOUDS FEST BECAME A NEXUS OF GLOBAL ASIAN CULTURE

BY A BOOK OF EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPHERS: IRVIN RIVERA, PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, LOUISE BARRETTO

Amidst the vibrant landscape of music festivals, 88 Rising’s Head in the Clouds Music Festival emerges as a remarkable celebration that transcends mere entertainment. Now entering its triumphant fifth year, this event not only showcases the astonishing talents of rising and established Asian musicians worldwide but also serves as a poignant convergence of diverse communities woven together by the threads of music and the arts.

The A BOOK OF team presents to you some of the highlights from the festival grounds to the stages and some of the most memorable performances we’ve seen and enjoyed.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the festival unfolded over a glorious weekend, pulsating with the beats of culture, music, and unity. A breathtaking lineup spanning genres and continents, including luminaries such as DPR IAN & DPR LIVE, Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rina Sawayama, and more, graced the stage over two electrifying days. August 5th dazzled with performances by FiFi Zhang, Spence Lee, Stephanie Poetri, Warren Hue, and the mesmerizing Rich Brian, alongside an unexpected appearance by the renowned ZEDD. Sunday's cadence echoed with the fierce rhythms of Grentperez, the dynamic debut of Voice of Baceprot, the captivating ATARASHII GAKKO!, and a fervently anticipated West Coast premiere from XG.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival culminated in a spellbinding multi-artist finale, a harmonious crescendo that reverberated with the collective energy of the performers and the crowd. The luminaries Tiger JK, Yoonmirae, KnowKnow, Masiwei, and Zion.T, among others, delivered unforgettable performances, leaving the audience spellbound. The Head in the Clouds festival, however, extended its reach far beyond the bounds of Los Angeles this year, with a groundbreaking expansion to New York. This event's inaugural edition, hosted at Forest Hills

FESTIVAL GROUNDS