Common Ground embraces EDM subculture

SATURDAY, June 29 — The annual music festival continued to uphold its legacy for bringing big acts and ideas to Downtown Lansing Friday night. By introducing a tattoo and piercing parlor, Las Vegas club DJs and plenty of PLUR-inspired looks — a lifestyle born out of electronic music culture — showed that the 20-year-old Lansing music festival is aging with their audience.

Friday’s headliners included Zedd, Grammy-winning, Las Vegas club DJ, and Elephante, who gained international attention for remixing Billboard chart-toppers. New this year, patrons could get haircuts, piercings and fresh ink. Sponsors Cascade Blonde served their Cascade Blonde American whiskey while offering down-home activities such as corn hole. With every year bringing bigger names onstage and to the vendor market, festival organizers seem to have a clear view of the future.

Jenna Meyers, marketing manager for Mi Entertainment, said the average age of Common Ground goers ranges from 18 – 35.  She added that this was the first year Common Ground had a “pop night that leans more EDM.” EDM stands for electronic dance music and has one of the fastest growing subcultures in the world. When interviewing attendees about their festival fashion and American youth culture, many referenced that electronic music opens doors for authentic self-expression. 

Saturday's line-up features country greats such as Cole Swindell followed by a hip-hop fused frenzy on Sunday. 

To see looks and attractions from Friday's concert browse the slideshow.