The Root of It

It’s far from corny.

Though I didn’t watch Children of the Corn, I can relate. Because while cornfields weren’t a thing in 90’s Detroit proper; parties and festivals in agricultural states had this girl hooked down boots.

My Adidas shell toes last touched dirt to dance amongst cropped lush fields and fireflies 25ish years ago. And though I partied at farms just a handful-ish times back in the day, they left an everlasting and visceral impression.

Stars alas aligned, presenting the perfect opportunity to trek to the heart of the Midwest with some salt of the Earth friends. Among them, previous attendees who raved that the festival’s ethos, music and sensibilities were a flashback to that golden era. A rare breed these days indeed.

Could that certain specific and sublime Midwest freshness been preserved over the decades?! Because that magic can’t be put in a jar.

You might have picked up on the fact that I’m more city than country. It’s just not my natural state. Or is it?! Because when that rooster crows- hop, skip and jump and away I go.

The festival’s lineup consisted of a strong representation of local artists dotted with thoughtfully selected guests from far and near. All curated with an ear for sound, rather than yet just another lineup crowded with headliners and little linkage. And what played out was a cross-section of music from genres galore. While I’m not partial to kicking rocks, I’m exhilarated to do so while dancing in the dirt. Prancing in picturesque places where sustenance grows is grounding. A feeling I intend to last long after the dirt is fully scrubbed off and clothes are clean.

The festival drew musically-minded folks from a fairly wide cross section of the country. All brought together to frolic on a farm. Seasoned partygoers and candy ravers alike. Weirdos of all varieties- with a range in age, ability and diversity. A lovely brew that seemed less about like-minded thinking and more about building unity. Creating stronger bonds which challenge ourselves and those we care about. Bridging divides. To do better. To be better. For the good of all of us. Optimism putting a thumb in the nose of the face of absurdity.

Music scenes laden with highly charged identity politics fueled by algorithms creates seemingly steel reinforced bubbles. This festival seemed to burst through clouds of clout, negativity and othering. Which awakened the optimism in me. Because being more about building a scene than being seen goes eons towards enacting real change.

Could it be a return to the early promises of PLUR?! Or was it there all along- and me who got lost in the sauce. Because, pragmatic lil teenage me scoffed at the very notion that peace, unity, love and respect were possible by way of raves. And just look at me…three decades later and here I am lamenting for that idyllic vision.

All that being said- and desired, utopia is far from realistic. Because well…humanity- or lack thereof. As such, a few years back I proposed a new definition for PLUR:

Proper. Listening. Understanding. Rave.

Proper: Respect and consideration for everyone across the board. Be aware and take personal accountability for your actions, especially in shared spaces.

Listening: Acutely listen. Really hear each other out, especially when it comes to our differences. That includes friends, acquaintances and anyone not yet in those categories. And of course, keep music as the nucleus of the party.

Understanding: No one knows it all. And we each enter these spaces with unique experiences and perspectives. Use the opportunity to challenge yourself through empathy and learning.

Rave: Because music and parties are why we’re sharing our dancefloors.

» For more on PLUR, read or listen to my past column, PLUR-fection is Overrated «

I maintain that this new definition is practical and attainable by way of real care and consideration. Let’s be honest about what’s achievable, so collectively we can make it so. Because the current status quo, in many scenes, is growing towards the negative rather than nourishing. It’s up to each and every one of us to pitch in and maintain it, through awareness and discourse when seeds sow doubt. Because if not, just what is this all about?