Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by
Head In The Clouds Festival has kicked off the summer festival season in New York City! Despite unseasonably cold temperatures, music fans eagerly gathered at the iconic Forest Hills Stadium to witness a pioneering showcase of Asian artistry. What I love about festivals in NYC is that they have to end early due to noise rules. While I enjoy dancing the night away in Vegas, I want to be home by 10 pm.
Presented by media company 88rising, based in New York City, Head In The Clouds has boldly centered Asian representation on a major stage.
In the heart of Queens’ diverse Forest Hills neighborhood, this historic 13,000-capacity venue has joined the ranks of treasured spaces like Madison Square Garden as a hallowed ground for memorable live performances. Originally constructed in 1923 as a tennis stadium hosting the U.S. Open, Forest Hills has evolved into one of NYC’s premier outdoor music havens. Its picturesque setting amid residential streets and acoustics create an intimate atmosphere that makes every show here feel extraordinarily special.
As a concert photographer who has shot at Forest Hills before, I always enjoy capturing the magic of musicians joining the stadium’s storied legacy of incredible acts. The cold did little to deter fans who braved the chill to ensure they didn’t miss a moment. It’s one of my favorite venues to photograph concerts at.
For Head In The Clouds Festival’s second year in New York, attendees were treated to a multi-day extravaganza celebrating the boundless talents of the Asian diaspora. The unobstructed stadium views provided an easy-to-view vantage point, and I had the opportunity to memorialize each performance from the photo pit.
To learn how to break into concert photography I wrote tips on how to get started and you can read what camera gear I use for concerts.
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