Photo by: © Erik Kabik/ erikkabik.com
The third annual Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival wrapped up an epic 3-day weekend in Downtown Las Vegas. More than 90,000 people took over the streets eager to catch headlining performances by legendary musicians Stevie Wonder and Duran Duran, Billboard chart-toppers ImagineDragons and Hozier, hip-hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg, dance music artists Major Lazer, Kygo, Porter Robinson and many more who hit the four outdoor stages throughout the one-of-a-kind weekend.
The best in music, art, culinary and learning came together to kick-off the fall festival season with each component owning more than 18 square blocks of Downtown, the largest land-space the festival has owned in its three years. Spotted during the weekend were young Hollywood favorites Vanessa Hudgens, Emily Osment, Emmanuelle Chriqui and first time speakers at the Learning Series Kat Graham and Rosario Dawson who were seen roamingthe festival grounds.
Stevie Wonder, LIB
Opening night of the fest was led by non-other than R&B star Stevie Wonder, who serenated the crowd at the main Downtown Stage performing his top hits including, “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “Superstition” to an ecstatic crowd. The interactive art installation welcomed murals painted by international street artists D*face and also featured Banksy’s New York delivery truck, which made its Las Vegas debut at the festival. Food Network’s own pastry chef, Duff Goldman participated in culinary demonstrations offering festival goers tip and tricks to his craft. To top it all off, Bill Nye the Science Guy joined electronic house DJ, Discovery Project, on the Troubadour Stage, the debut tent at this year’s festival.
LIB Bill Nye 2015
On day two of the fest, the city’s own hometown heroes, Imagine Dragons, wrapped an electrifying performance in front of thousands of screaming fans. Actor and Director, Justin Baldoni surprised a young girl on stage named Claire Wineland, who is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, by gifting 15 minutes of his speaking time to allow her to deliver an inspirational speech. It has been Claire’s dream to be a public speaker. Another highlight included noted French chef, Hubert Keller offered a full culinary demonstration of his ultimate Fleur hamburger.
Brandon Flowers Killers LIB, Photo by: Erik Kabik
On the last day, The Killers reunited with Brandon Flowers on the main stage, while emerging new artist, Halsey jumped off stage in the middle of her performance to give one lucky fan her first kiss. Vampire Diaries actress, Kat Graham performed her new album at The Downtown Container Park and actress Rosario Dawson spoke on stage in front of a crowded room about life challenges and obstacles at the Learning Series. Weezer collaborated with fellow Life is Beautiful performers Best Coast during their set and Kendrick Lamar closed out the 3-day festival with crowds chanting his name.
I’m sure most attendees will agree that this years LIB was the best yet. The amazingly curated lineup mixed with the culinary offerings and learning opportunities made this an event we won’t soon forget.