Following a major opening day for 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Arts and Music Festival, day two certainly hit a homerun with exhilarating surprise collaborations and the major return of the Japanese hip hop group the Teriyaki Boyz. The Pasadena event came to a bittersweet ending fortifying a bond between fans and artists with the traditional grand finale but leaving a lingering sadness having to wait another year for the next Head in the Clouds.
The fourth annual Pasadena Head in the Clouds concluded this Sunday, Aug. 21, with electrifying performances and a star-studded finale. The two-day festival ended with an epic finale bringing together Atarashii Gakko!, Rich Brian, Terryiaki Boyz, Jackson Wang and a special appearance by Everything Everywhere All At Once and Crazy Rich Asians actress Michelle Yeoh.
Day two began with DJ CO1 setting the vibe for the day and Ylona Garcia opening at the main stage. Guests were able to enjoy more of the 626 Night Market vendors and prominent LA restaurants with Taos Bao, Bobaful, All Dat Dim Sum and more.
The fun and super energetic Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! returned for the second year in a row with another spectacular performance at the 88rising main stage. Bibi also returned this year, enthusiastically greeted by fans which many carried signs reading “kiss me Bibi,” referring to her shocking kiss with a fan at last years Head in the Clouds.
The Double Happiness stage hosted a series of ranging genres from Stephanie Poetri singing Owl City’s “Fireflies” alongside the crowd to K-Town legend Dumbfoundead not only performing an incredible set but also doing a bit of stand-up between tracks. Dumbfoundead was definitely one of the acts that stood out the most, his engagement with the crowd and hyped set was a perfect recipe for a dynamic performance.
Following an exciting performance by Rich Brian at 88rising’s main stage, a herd ran towards the Double Happiness stage as the Teriyaki Boyz made their return to the stage after 10 years with their hit song “Tokyo Drift,” featured in the 2006 film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. As if the song could not get any better, Rich Brian and the Teriyaki Boyz performed the song together smashing the original and Brian’s freestyle, which he released during the Covid lockdown in 2020, during the epic finale.
Magic Man, Jackson Wang gathered the crowd at the 88rising main stage for a spectacular performance which was later joined by the return of the Kinjaz. Wang gave his all on the stage with a heavily Michael Jackson inspired performance down to the single glove and air kicks. Wang’s impeccable choreography and hit songs were not the only things the crowd cheered for as Wang shared a touching moment with words of advice and speaking on mental health, “it’s okay to not be okay… and to feel confused, we’ve all been there,” shared Wang.
The grand finale kicked off with Jackson Wang and Milli performing their new single “Mind Games,” walking down the stage holding hands. Warren Hue, Chasu and Rich Brian performed “Jaded.” Jackson Wang rejoined Rich Brian and the 88rising stars for “California” with a video of Niki playing in the background keeping her included despite having to call out of the festival after testing positive for Covid. August 08 joined the rest on stage for “Midsummer Madness” which was amplified by Michelle Yeoh’s surprise appearance. The two-day festival finally concluded with the traditional acapella sing-along of the chorus of “Midsummer Madness” accompanied by thousands of flashlights in the crowd and a group selfie on stage.
Needless to say, the fourth annual Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival was a success with major debuts, major returns, major collaborations and most importantly major enjoyable experiences. Here’s to more Head in the Clouds festivals and more breathtaking moments with 88rising artists.
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