Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival Returns For A Second Succesful Year [Event Review]

Billboard’s newest music festival returned this past weekend for its second year at Jones Beach Theatre. Similar to its inaugural year, Billboard displayed quite the impressive lineup. With a variety of electronic, hip-hop, rap, and pop, Billboard had it all covered. Day one would see headliners Ariana Grande and Martin Garrix to close out the “Hot 100 Stage”. Being located in the amphitheater, the Hot 100 Stage was undoubtedly the largest stage at Billboard. It contained a GA area at the bottom that was quickly filled up early in the day. Farther up in the stadium resided all the seats where patrons could view their favorite acts from above. Next to the stage sat the Billboard boat that served as part of the artist area. The Hot 100 Stage would have Calvin Harris close out the festival on day two. Throwing down an array of his classics while also mixing in some new stuff, Calvin destroyed his inaugural Billboard performance.

Photo by: Billboard

The “Next Up” stage would host most of the electronic acts for the festival. It was located to the side of the amphitheater and was conveniently placed next to the VIP area. This stage would host acts like Nervo, Hippie Sabotage, and Thomas Jack. The Next Up stage would be a dust cloud for the majority of the festival due to constant shuffling that turned grass into dirt in a matter of hours. The third and final stage would be located towards the back of the festival in an open parking lot. The “Sun Stage” was located on the opposite side of the Next Up stage and hosted acts like Marshmello, Madeon, and Galantis. Although located in a parking lot, it was often a nice mix up from the Next Up stage and the Hot 100 Stage.

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

Marshmello would close out the Sun Stage on day two. His set was neatly placed so it only conflicted with one other artist. He would come on at around 8:45 to an overly packed parking lot filled with mellogang members. Helmets, shirts, and totems came out in full force for Marshmello’s performance. Interestingly enough, there was even one fan dressed up exactly like Marshmello. Marshmello’s diverse choices in music made his set extremely unique and energetic. A mix of rap, house, trap, and dubstep placed his set as one of the best of the entire festival. He dropped all his classics including Alone, Colour, and Keep It Mello. Mellogang members rallied and showed Marshmello the love NYC has for him. He’ll be back this November so his Billboard performance will likely be one of many.

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

In addition to the stages and artists, Billboard also had an exclusive bar outside the Hot 100 Stage. The “Bay Bar” was an exclusive area for 21+ that was equipped with full bars, chairs, couches, and bathrooms. It served to be a nice place to unwind after hours of dancing in the hot sun. The main VIP area was located near the “Next Up” stage, however there were other VIP areas throughout the Hot 100 Stage and Sun Stage. Billboard’s diverse choice in artists made each individual stage change throughout the course of the night. Sometimes DJ equipment would be set up on stage and then taken down if a rapper or a band took the stage.

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

Photo: Bruce Gilbert

New Yorkers came out in full force for the second Billboard Hot 100 Festival. Smiles and good vibes could be seen and felt throughout the entire festival. Good artists, good music, and even better fans made this Billboard one for the record books. We hope to see the return of this memorable festival come 2017!

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