Note: This article was updated at 10:30 a.m. EST on Monday, August 12, 2024 to reflect and highlight the work of all Broccoli City Festival Founders, including Brandon McEachern, Darryl Perkins, Jermon Williams and Marcus Allen.
On Saturday, July 27, the Broccoli City Festival made its grand debut at Audi Field. With performances from Megan Thee Stallion, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Lil’ Yachty, day one of the weekend-long event set the tone for the grand finale on Sunday, July 28. Aside from the collection of artists hitting the stage, there was no shortage of celebrity sighting. Everyone from Desi Banks and Funny Marco to Lenny S. and Mal were in the building for the event. Even Netflix reality show star Raven Sutton was an ASL interpreter during the day. Not to mention, fans graced the Converse Stage as well to perform some of their favorite Trapsoul cuts with the man himself, Bryson Tiller. After a nearly 10 hours of entertainment, we look back at what we like, loved and learned from day one at Audi Field.
Liked: Empowerment Of Entertainers, Content Creators and Podcasters
Our co-hosts Desi Banks & Funny Marco had the whole stadium buzzing every second! #broccolicity #BCFest24 pic.twitter.com/bk3PhnbJdZ
— Broccoli City (@BroccoliCity) July 27, 2024
From coast to coast, music festivals are jockeying for position in a tricky landscape. An average music festival ticket reportedly costs anywhere from $200 to $600. Additionally, 80% of American households are reportedly in a worse position than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, music festival tickets are pretty expensive and Americans have less disposable income than before. Therefore, the likes of Rolling Loud, Coachella, Day N’ Vegas, etc. have to do more to encourage parents to buy tickets for their high school and early college aged children and young adults are increasingly asking, “Is this ticket worth my money?” During the first day of this year’s festival, Broccoli City answered that question with a loud and resounding, “Yes.”
Broccoli City has never been simply a music festival. Founders Brandon McEachern, Darryl Perkins, Jermon Williams and Marcus Allen have always worked to incorporate workshops about entrepreneurship, community service, etc. This year, they took things to a new level. Not only did fans get a chance to see their favorite artists, but they also had the opportunity to interact with their favorite podcasters, comedians and entertainers. Issa Rae introduced Megan Thee Stallion. Desi Banks joined Little Bacon Bear and Mouse Jones on stages. Mal of New Rory & Mal walked around and interacted with listeners. Funny Marco popped in and out of the venue, dancing with fans and cracking jokes. Furthermore, Broccoli City has made a clear investment in content creators. Down the hallway from the media lounge for legacy and more traditional publications, there was a separate space for content creators. From the festival’s creative approach to empowering content creators alongside traditional media outlets to the inclusion of entertainers, it’s evident that Broccoli City is doing the work to put together a lineup that is stellar and a lineup of special guests to make it feel like an award show weekend as much as it is a music festival.
Loved: Bryson Tiller Is For The Fans
Friend, if you had the chance to sing with Bryson Tiller, how would you do it? Our trap soul karaoke winner had the answer?? #BCFEST24 #brysontiller #broccolicityfestival pic.twitter.com/IXTFzgtB8N
— Broccoli City (@BroccoliCity) July 27, 2024
One of the more interesting sets of this year’s Broccoli City Festival was Trapsoul Karaoke hosted by Bryson Tiller. The set followed the format laid out by Trap Karaoke Founder Jason Mowatt and then, added Bryson Tiller to the mix for a little razzle dazzle. While some fans excelled and effortlessly owned the stage while singing a capella, others learned just how difficult it is to perform on stage in front of thousands. More specifically, some participants struggled to hear themselves while the beat burst through the speakers. Meanwhile, others seemingly forgot some of the words or experienced a bit of stage fright. Through the ups and downs, the man known as Pen Griffey was extremely supportive of his fans and helped them through those tough moments. “I know. It’s tough to hear myself up here, too,” he said at one point, sympathizing with one participant. While some certainly cracked jokes about the first few participants, Tiller and Broccoli City created an inviting environment that people safe to have fun and just go for it.
Learned: The Fight To End Gun Violence Continues
“Learned” may not be the most appropriate word. Instead, let’s say community leaders had the opportunity to emphasize the importance of fighting against gun violence. Midway through the first day, Broccoli City invited Erica Ford of LIFE Camp, Inc. and White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Deputy Director Greg Jackson took the stage to highlight the ills of gun violence in America. For those who are unaware, Black people account for 60% of those killed by firearm homicide each year despite making up less than 15% of the population. Furthermore, young Black males from 18 to 24 are nearly 23 times more likely to die by firearm homicide than their white male peers. Not to mention, Black Americans are killed by police at a rate 2.7 times higher than white Americans. This message was not only powerful, but timely. Young Dolph, who was gunned down at a Makeda’s Cookies in 2021, would have celebrated his 39th birthday this weekend. His legacy lives on and the fight to end gun violence moves forward.
