Show 6: Kendrick's Ball + That Fleetwood Mac Song

It’s hard to find great neighbors in New York City. But in my old apartment building, I was lucky to find two- a couple, Mel and Devin. What I admire most about them is how they met- They met at Coachella.

I have never been to Coachella. It has always come across as a cost-prohibitive trip to California. The lineups were never must-go for me- except that time OutKast headlined. In general, I’m not a huge fan of large concert festivals. You will never see all the artists on the bill because of logistics. The festival set lists are shorter. Bad weather might pop up on the day of the festival.

But the lure of a concert festival is that I imagine a soulmate or two of mine will be in the audience. She’s gotta be out there in some grassy field transformed into a musical venue, nerding out to R&B & Hip-Hop, as well as ‘80s jams and classic rock.

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, I went to The Governor’s Ball in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, NYC.

On the way to another stage area, Mel and Devin found me. We chatted for a couple minutes and they went on to see Lil Nas X at a different stage while I stayed.

I wasn’t the only one who stayed.

I noticed her during the end of Ari Lennox’s set. “Backseat” and “Break Me Off” back-to-back had my eyes fixed on Ari and her gorgeous pink and black two-piece outfit.

I could only see the back of her, but I loved her tattoos and the way her long, straight black hair draped down her back. I couldn’t make sense of them, as I thought they haphazardly adorned her fair skin and her slender frame.

After Ari ended her set, it seemed like we were both conserving our energy. We sat against the metal barricade as the blazing sun threatened us with sunburn. She’s a veteran of these music festivals, I was certain.

Though I didn’t feel like talking with anyone, it didn’t seem right to stay in silence. I tested out some banter, and felt a lukewarm reception. I told her my name, and then asked for hers. “Rhiannon," she replied. “Wait, like the Fleetwood Mac song?" I retorted. She smiled, with a hint of surprise that I knew the song. Classic rock provided a breakthrough.

While the conversation wasn’t smooth, it was honest and earnest. She’s from Vermont… or was it New Hampshire? I forget. She told me she’s of Native American heritage. An immigrant like me has an extra level of admiration whenever I come across indigenous lineage. For me, our conversation was a worthwhile diversion from my congestion headache and an admission that I have always craved nuanced, eclectic connection. Maybe the conversation to her was just a nice way of passing time until Kendrick came on stage. I was ok with that.

Giveon took the stage next. The sun was setting. My headache was getting worse. But I’m committed to the moment.

Kendrick hit the stage with “N95”, wearing a bright orange outfit- a liberated prisoner with first day out energy. “Element” came next. The jams for the day one fans came after. I’m not a day one Kendrick fan.

I love his substance, but not his voice. Undoubtedly talented as a lyricist, songwriter, and MC, and perhaps the best of this era, I can’t get over how screeching his voice is to me when he ventures into high-pitched Kendrick. And it doesn’t help that some of his most fervent fans like to set up mosh pits that I have to elbow my way out of.

And so the Kendrick songs I love have minimal screeching.

The ominous beat of “Swimming Pools” hovered over the crowd, and I nodded my head up and down as if to say the concert had finally started for me. The G-funk, talk box entrance to “LOYALTY” was next, and I was wishing that Rihanna would pop out for a surprise. “HUMBLE.” came after and the crowd bopped in unison. Another ominous beat hovered to lead into my favorite verse on “Money Trees”. A highlight of Kendrick’s set was “Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe”- not just for the greatness of the song, but that he shouted out performing it SOBs years ago. For all the veteran NYC concertgoers, SOBs was the spot to catch amazing talent on the rise.

As her arms rose to take a video of Kendrick, I saw the number six tattooed on her wrist. What does it mean? What does it matter? Rhiannon and I didn’t say much once Kendrick hit the stage. I was just glad she looked like she was enjoying the show- She traveled much further than I did. I’m also basking in the delight that I finally got to see him for the first time. Was it worth the money and trying to survive it when I wasn’t feeling well? Yes- and meeting Rhiannon helped.

But what was supposed to happen at the end?

As the live horns of “Alright” played, I knew there were only a few minutes left of Kendrick on stage. And so I prepared my standard line for these type of situations: '“Before I never see you again, can we…”

The show ended. We exchanged Instagram accounts. She then introduced me to a gentleman who I assume was her boyfriend. I turned to follow the brightly-colored trees along the pathway to exit the park. I went home.

That is what was supposed to happen at the end. That’s because the rules of a concert festival are simple:

1. Enjoy the moment.

2. There’s nothing but the moment.

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Concert access + more:

1. You can look for Kendrick Lamar + SZA concert tickets here if you didn’t get the $49.50 ones I did during the general public sale.

2. If you’re a fan of Myke Towers, visit a participating Boost Mobile store for tickets to a private concert in NYC

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Los Angeles fire relief:

1. Adobe, aside from donating $1 to relief efforts, is matching donations to the Entertainment Community Fund and California Community Foundation: Wildlife Recovery Fund

2. SBA disaster assistance is now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations This covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants also may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

3. MusiCares Foundation is offering $1,500 in financial assistance, $500 in food vouchers for music industry professionals: [email protected], 1-800-687-4227

4. Here’s a GoFundMe list to help the families rebuild in Altadena, CA

5. FEMA Assistance is available for residents impacted by LA County wildfires. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST)

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About the author:

Cris Mercado is the award-winning Founder & CEO of GrantAnswers, an NYC-based data, strategy & consulting firm founded in 2013. His journey from undocumented immigrant to award-winning entrepreneur & immigrant rights advocate has been highlighted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, MTV, and Forbes. He has helped +1000s launch careers in tech & secure acceptances to top colleges & programs. His speaking engagements for the likes of Teach for America and the US Chamber of Commerce encompass immigration, career development, entrepreneurship, and tech diversity & inclusion. He is also an avid concertgoer for +25 years and counting, and likes to tell stories about it.