Despite two venue cancellations, alongside complications at the actual festival, Bizfest 2 managed to unify youth from all across the Los Angeles region and surrounding regions for one hell of a DIY music festival. With headliners like The Buttertones, The Red Pears, and Caterwall, Bizfest 2’s lineup brought audiences to life April 29.

Most have probably been to at least one backyard gig in their lifetime, and Bizfest 2 wasn’t far from the logistics of said backyard gig. This is in no way a bad thing, the simplicity of the festival was one of its greatest attributes. With three stages, vendors like The Venus Collective and Unmodern Industries, and an indoor bar, the layout was organized perfectly for the crowd that was present, providing an ample amount of entertainment and art for audiences to enjoy.

Much like its logistics, the lineup mimicked that of a backyard show’s. What’s interesting about the whole backyard show/festival dynamic is that you can’t get this sort of experience at an “official” (or non-DIY)  music festival like Coachella or Beach Goth. Bizfest 2 created a community-driven, homie-filled environment; one you can’t get at a oversold music festival filled with sweaty strangers.  

The outdoor stages were the main appeal throughout the day, and bands like The Red Pears were the beat to the stages heart. The Red Pears brought some renewed energy to a worn out crowd with songs like “Run N’ Hide,” a tune that electrified even the lifeless. “Foliage” brought a different type of energy to the crowd. The dream-poppy, synth-driven sounds from songs like “Fate” were superb in deliverance and style. Combined with the outdoor stages use of lighting and the echo of the microphone, a true reverie of an environment was created. The Buttertones, who closed off the festival, were arguably the band that encapsulated the angsty feel of the event as a whole. Yes, you payed to see your friend’s band play. But another part of you probably paid to hear The Buttertones smooth, garage sound too. The noir esque quintet didn’t hold back a single cord during their set, and were a perfect closer to a day full of amazing performing artists.

The Bizfest experience is a unique one. Trading big-name artists for local ones (that are arguably more innovative than said big-namers) creates an at-home environment for the youth that might not have the money or drive to go to the more popular fests. If there’s a Bizfest 3 next year, I am more than excited to see how Heartcore Productions will up the ante for their festival’s developing reputation.