In the heart of a vibrant Saturday afternoon, Drake Stadium became the epicenter of a unique festival that combined music with sustainability. The Coastalong Music and Sustainability Festival, held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., brought together students, musicians, food vendors, and environmental enthusiasts in an effort to promote ecological awareness. This year’s event featured interactive installations powered by bicycles, student-led performances, and eco-conscious vendors. Organizers highlighted their commitment to creating a lively yet environmentally responsible atmosphere, emphasizing community involvement and innovative practices.
A Celebration of Music and Environmental Responsibility
In a radiant autumn day filled with golden hues, the Coastalong Music and Sustainability Festival transformed Drake Stadium into a hub of creativity and conscientiousness. Traditionally hosted at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, this year's location shift was necessitated by construction work. Hannah Freedman, the festival's executive director and an environmental studies major, expressed excitement about the new venue despite logistical challenges. With assistance from UCLA partners, the transition proceeded smoothly.
A standout feature of the festival was its reliance on pedal power for energy generation. Attendees could hop onto specially designed bikes to produce electricity needed for the event, turning passive listeners into active participants. Nikki Aviv, co-director of the music committee, described the bike-powered concept as revolutionary, encouraging attendees to engage directly with the production process.
Beyond the bikes, numerous vendors contributed to the festival's holistic approach to sustainability. Yoga-urt, an organic vegan frozen yogurt chain, showcased its commitment to eco-friendly practices through biodegradable and compostable products. Melissa Schulman, founder of Yoga-urt, emphasized the alignment between her business values and those of Coastalong. Other attractions included engineering exhibits featuring spin art bikes, bubble bikes, and generator bikes, all demonstrating practical applications of renewable energy sources. These interactive displays were overseen by Jade Semaan, co-director of the engineering committee, who praised the supportive environment fostering hands-on learning experiences.
Musical acts added vibrancy to the occasion, starting with Jericho, a band composed entirely of UCLA students. Their energetic performance resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of youthful talent and enthusiasm. For many attendees, such as Samantha Fried, the festival represented an annual highlight, blending entertainment with meaningful engagement.
First-time visitors like Jai Kollu appreciated the educational aspect of witnessing energy production firsthand, enhancing awareness of daily consumption patterns. Overall, Coastalong successfully bridged the gap between artistic expression and environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for future events.
The festival exemplifies how collective efforts can create impactful change. By integrating education with enjoyment, it inspires individuals to adopt greener lifestyles while celebrating local talent.
As a journalist covering this event, I am struck by the potential of initiatives like Coastalong to redefine traditional festivals. They demonstrate that prioritizing sustainability does not diminish fun but enhances it, offering innovative solutions and fostering community spirit. Such endeavors remind us that even small actions, like pedaling a bike or choosing eco-friendly products, contribute significantly to global efforts against climate change. Perhaps other institutions will follow suit, adopting similar models to inspire broader audiences towards more sustainable practices.