Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival 2023: A Weekend of Enchantment and Music
By: Dani Sparano
Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, once again transformed into a realm of wonder and musical bliss as the Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival unfolded last weekend. This year’s event marked another chapter in the festival’s legacy, bringing together an array of talented artists and a diverse community of music enthusiasts.
The festival, presented by Secret Dreams Productions and Papadosio, showcased a remarkable lineup that included both familiar faces and exciting newcomers. Attendees were treated to performances by renowned artists such as Papadosio, Tipper, STS9, Cool Customer, Detox Unit, Alejo, Chris Karns, Daily Bread, Schmoop, Kursa, KLO, and many more.
The enchanting atmosphere of Legend Valley, known for its adaptability and natural beauty, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Festival-goers gathered near the stages, forging connections and embracing the spirit of togetherness that the event embodies.
The festival’s stages remained as distinct and captivating as ever. The Portal Stage continued to deliver electronic and glitch-hop delights, while the Lucid Stage hosted funky and live electro beats. The Woods Stage, tucked away and intimate, welcomed live jam band enthusiasts.
Pre-Party and Wednesday’s Performances
The fun began with a pre-party on Wednesday, featuring Lab Group, with Player Dave and Potions this time, who got everyone excited for what was coming. Amidst the excitement, there was a heartfelt tribute to Charlesthefirst’s influence and the space he left behind. Nonetheless, Lab Group’s performance set the mood for the upcoming festivities, hinting at the music-filled time ahead. The memory of Charlesthefirst stayed with us, showcasing how much he meant to the community and the festival’s overall spirit.
Thursday: A Night of Music and Excitement
Thursday marked the beginning of the Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival, bringing a night filled with music and excitement on all three stages. The Portal Stage featured a lineup that got people buzzing, including Maxfield, Duffrey, Ternion Sound, and Yheti. The Woods Stage was full of anticipation, hosting The Werks and Chalk Dinosaur, while the Lucid Stage set the mood for a night of amazing performances from Griz and Papadosio. Each stage boasted different artists, making the start of the weekend truly exciting.
Unfortunately, Of The Trees’ performance on Thursday had to be canceled due to heavy rain. However, he made up for it with a remarkable redemption during a sunrise set the next day. The combination of rain and lasers in the sky created a unique atmosphere. Despite the cancellation, the anticipation for his set was well-founded, and his sunrise hammock set the following day was a special and appreciated moment.
Friday: A Day and Night of Non-Stop Music
Friday was a jam-packed day and night of music that was about to hit us. From sunrise to sunset, the stages were all set for awesome performances that kept us moving and grooving all day long. Friday was all about preparing for a music-filled ride that we wouldn’t want to miss. Let’s dive in; All:LO takeover to start the day off with those groovy bumpin brunch beats. Later on, Detox Unit at the Portal Stage possibly delivered the top set I have ever seen. There’s something about that Whole Lotta Money Flip that gets you going.
Saturday: The Grand Finale
Saturday, the grand finale of the Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival, had everyone absolutely buzzing. And why not? It was Tipper’s day – and that says it all. After days of non-stop music and good vibes, Saturday was all about ending things with a big bang. As the stages got ready to light up one last time, you could feel the mix of anticipation and sheer musical energy in the air. Now, let’s talk about the awesome performances that led up to the Tipper extravaganza on this unforgettable day. Chris Karns kicked things off with some seriously OG old-school scratching that got the crowd hyped. Then came Schmoop, KLO, and Mickman, each bringing their A-game. Seriously, these sets were just fabulous. To keep it short, let’s just say Schmoop dropped Jungle Boogie, and that’s etched in my memory forever. Mickman also kept things spicy the whole time. And when it comes to a proper Tipper takeover, you can’t miss these guys on the decks. Hats off to that, but guess what? The night wasn’t done yet. Tipper hit the stage at 11:00 PM, all set for us – but were we really ready for him? Marbles were undoubtedly lost, and let’s just say, dreams got Tipped!
Conclusion
As attendees left Legend Valley with hearts full of memories and music, the sentiment was unanimous: Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival 2023 was a resounding success. The blend of familiar favorites and exciting new talents, combined with the enchanting setting and unwavering community spirit, solidified the festival’s reputation as a must-attend event in the music calendar.
With another remarkable year in the books, anticipation is already building for what the Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival will bring in the future, promising more moments of magic, music, and unity.
