SnowGlobe rocks South Lake Tahoe

By Kathryn Reed

Most SnowGlobers were bouncing to the music blasting from the speakers on Day 1 of the three-day South Lake Tahoe music festival, but plenty more were chilling in the warming tent.

A sea of bodies at the three stages moved to the music supplied by bands and disc jockeys. While the temperature felt warmer this year, more people were fully clothed than the last two years.

Inside the warming area the sounds from the main stage were crystal clear. People were sprawled on what is normally the turf of Lake Tahoe Community College’s soccer field. A full bar warmed people in other ways. The only thing that could have made this more ideal would have been screens to see the action going on outside.

While the number of noise complaints is considerably less than the first year, the bass is louder than last year.

“There is considerably more bass and noise than last year,” a resident of Pioneer Village told Lake Tahoe News at 4:15pm Sunday. The concert had started an hour earlier.

Bijou Park closed

“Like last year the park is utilized for SnowGlobe staff and equipment parking. South Tahoe Middle School is the nearest offsite parking for vehicles traveling to SnowGlobe. The park will reopen to the public on New Year’s Day.”
–– Lauren Thomaselli, South Lake Tahoe recreation manager

“(The) first year was awful and very unnerving. We had pictures fall off the walls. Last year was better. We’ll see what this year brings,” the resident added.

About 15 noise complaints were filed with the city the first night.

“Sound monitoring is being conducted throughout the event. No violation of permissible sound limits has occurred thus far,” Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News.

It’s likely the lack of snow contributed to the sound not being absorbed. Plus, as the wind shifted, the noise drifted.

But for those at the concert, other than it being difficult to have a conversation at times, the sound was what they came for.

Lisi McMadden came up from Santa Barbara for her first SnowGlobe – and her first trip in Lake Tahoe. She will be back the next two nights. She’s already been snowboarding several days.

“My dad proposed to my mom in South Lake Tahoe. It’s a beautiful, magical place,” McMadden said.

She was waiting for Star Slinger to take the stage in the Sierra Tent. On New Year’s Eve she is looking forward to Snoop Dog.

Miasam Oeli made the trek from Los Angeles for the second year in a row.

He was enjoying the Polish Ambassador.

“It’s a relatable vibe,” Oeli told Lake Tahoe News. He described the DJ as reggae with a funky feel.

The only thing he liked better last year was the snow. The snowpack this year has Oeli questioning where he’ll hit the slopes while he’s here.

Buddies Andrew Laufer and Alex Jasmund also came up from Southern California. Jasmund did some research on the lesser known acts so he would be familiar with them.

They are both looking forward to Kaskade, who will be the last act on the main stage tonight.

Single-day and three-day tickets were still being sold Sunday. The last two years the event sold out.

“I noticed many hotels still had vacancies, so my guess is the extra visitors for the event is critical to businesses,” Uhler said.