This past weekend was the fourth annual Governor’s Ball Music Festival held on Randall’s Island, NYC. The three day event featured world class music, renowned local restaurants and food trucks, games and merchandise. But what makes Gov Ball so unique is its inviting atmosphere as noted by their catchphrase: “You’re Doing Great”. Such a prolific attitude can only be found at a festival that merges people of all different ages and cultures but who share a similar, joyous mindset.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the first day of the festival unless I wanted to miss my senior prom (don’t get me wrong, I almost did it). Based on personal accounts from my fellow Gov Ballers, Friday was the perfect start to the weekend. The day was capped off with a powerful performance from Phoenix as well as an awesome concert from OutKast who have been playing the country’s best festivals on their reunion tour.

On Saturday, some friends and I stepped off the train from Stamford to Harlem and crossed the bridge to the island just in time to see a crowd favorite, Chance the Rapper. His bubbly attitude and clever quips got the day off to a great start. Next we stopped by Disclosure then The Naked and Famous, two exciting performances of very different styles. The prospect of such diverse acts throughout the festival was one of the best parts. No one was limited to a performance they weren’t happy with. All one has to do is walk across the park and enjoy a new band, maybe an act they’ve never even heard of.

While diverse acts are one of the best parts of the festival, the absolute worst part was choosing between two fantastic bands that were scheduled for the same time. It’s unfortunate but necessary evil for a growing festival. I had the chance to go for one day in 2012 when it was only a two day event, and there were never overlapping sets. But now in 2014, Gov Ball easily doubled in size since the last time, thus difficult decisions must be made. After much deliberation, I chose to see Childish Gambino over The Strokes on Saturday night. I keep switching between, “It was worth it” and “I hate myself”, but that’s okay it was great nonetheless. Saturday night finished with a fantastic set from Jack White of the White Stripes and an electrifying performance from Skrillex.

On Sunday, the final day of Gov Ball, Tyler the Creator killed it to start the day off, then the Head and the Heart really got the crowd going. The thing with Gov Ball is that – despite how fun it is – it’s exhausting! One of the best parts is that you can relax and enjoy some of the amazing food while you listen to the music instead of jumping amongst the crowd. To succeed at Gov Ball, you have to take your breaks, take in the atmosphere of the festival, and remember that if you miss one band, you will always have another chance to see them.

After the break, I finished the night with three straight performances: Foster the People, Empire of the Sun, and finally, Vampire Weekend. Each was captivating in their own unique style further proving the magic of Gov Ball. Overall, I give Gov Ball a ten out of ten and highly recommend everyone to find me there next year!