Life is Beautiful Returns and Locals Are Conflicted
The music, food, and art festival Life is Beautiful starts Friday — you may have already noticed street closures downtown as it sets up. Since 2013, Life is Beautiful has taken over several blocks of downtown for three days. Headliners have included huge artists, like Megan Thee Stallion, the Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, Arcade Fire. Celebrity chefs show up. Apparently Banksy was there one year? It’s all wild and magical… but maybe not for everyone.
Today, Sonja (an LiB newbie) talks with Dayvid and Layla, both veterans of Life is Beautiful, about why so many locals have mixed feelings about it. Dayvid shares a conversation with musician Jack Evan Johnson, who started the cheeky Life is Shit event, while Layla talks with local artist Tanna Marie, who’s getting a huge break at this year’s festival.
Quick note, you’re gonna hear some profanity in this one, including a well-executed F bomb.
How do YOU feel about Life is Beautiful? Let us know: 702-514-0719 or @CityCastVegas on Twitter.
For even more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter.
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