feature: “my bonnaroo experience” – nashville soulstress kandace springs

Last summer, I played AFROPUNK Brooklyn, which was so dope. Ashley Capps, who runs AC Entertainment and co-produces Bonnaroo, happened to see my performance at AFROPUNK and offered me the opportunity to perform at Bonnaroo 2015. I’m a Nashville girl, and since Bonnaroo takes place in my home state, being part of the festival meant so much more to me than any other festival. It was also special being that my first time attending the festival involved me performing. I had the amazing opportunity to play three shows: my own set on the Miller Lite Stage with my DJ, Simen Sez; the famous Superjam where I got to share the stage with Chance The Rapper who has been a friend of mine for a while now; and a set for the Global Citizens Organization on the Solar Stage.

By Kandace Springs, AFROPUNK Contributor

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Playing on the Miller Lite Stage

I performed my set at the festival on the Miller Lite Stage, a venue designated for up and comers such as myself. Performing here gave me a chance to reach a bigger audience; and due to the central location in Centeroo (the concert area) I was able to gain lots of new fans. I had so much fun playing my own set and I loved the crowd’s energy.  They showed me a ton of love.  The highlight of my set was when I premiered a new song (be on the lookout)—the fans seemed to really dig it.

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Taking it Back: This is How We Do It & More

My next performance was the Superjam. Other than the band, I was the first performer to walk on stage. There were people as far as the eye could see. I yelled to the crowd, “how y’all doing Bonnaroo,” and everyone went absolutely nuts—it was the most incredible moment of my musical career so far. After a short intro, Chance the Rapper came running on stage and again the crowd went wild.  Of course, Chance totally killed it. We kicked off the show with “Summertime” (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince by Will Smith) then we did “Juicy” by Biggie.  I love both those tunes, they bring me back to when I was growing up. This was my first time performing alongside Chance since doing a few shows together last year; it was awesome to see him again.  After the first two songs, I was able to hang backstage until I closed the show with Chance.  We ended the night with “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe and “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. I’m extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to be amongst such talented musicians and I’m still pinching myself; it’s surreal that I got to open and close the Superjam—the experience is one I’ll never forget.

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The Finale

On Sunday, I played a set for the Global Citizens Organization which is a social organization focused on eradicating poverty. I’m a supporter of the Global Citizens efforts and I can’t wait to get more involved with them. During my performance, the audience hung out on the grass and some were laying in hammocks—just a really chill environment. I was so happy to see that after I started my set fans started pouring in.

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I really loved every aspect of the festival, especially the diversity of music and fans, who really know, love and respect the music. Red Light, my management team, has this amazing sanctuary of tour buses that made my experience first class.  They really catered to my every need and since it was so hot the Red Light Management oasis was key for me. My dad and sister were with me as well, which helped in making my Roo experience even more special.  Overall, I would rate my Bonnaroo experience an A plus. I can’t wait to go back!!

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Peace & Love,

Kandace

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https://www.facebook.com/kandacesprings