As festivals are just beginning to return at the end of this month, one event promoter has already notched a few mini-festivals during this difficult time. The most recent outing was called Utopia LBGTQ+ Festival and it featured Diplo headlining on the beach in Isla Mujeres, Mexico over Easter Weekend. This was the latest in a series of events created by super-producer and philanthropist Jake Resnicow.Â
Because it was a bubble festival, guests experienced total freedom on one of the most magical islands, just a 20-minute ferry off the coast of Cancun. The festival featured open-air beach events, yoga, sound healing, fitness, and immersive performances.
Elevated health and safety protocols were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All guests are required to provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel. Guests also underwent Part II testing on-site prior to returning stateside. There were zero cases of attendees testing positive after the event.
In 2019, producer Jake Resnicow launched Utopia during WorldPride in New York City at the Javits Center with superstar producer Kygo, debuting “Higher Love”. The events raised over $500,000 for LGBTQ+ charities. During the pandemic and thru Utopia, Resnicow has raised over $22,000 to provide life-line grants to LGBTQ+ nightlife workers affected by the pandemic. “Our community has been hit harder than others,” explains Jake Resnicow. “So many members of our family are still out of work, struggling to make ends meet. Giving back is very important to me.” The event is co-produced by Paul Nicholls and Mauricio Kirschner.
