Article by Kelly Graham as told by Jenna Shaw
Ten years! A full decade of Closer to the Sun in Riviera Maya, Mexico—what an incredible milestone for a destination festival. Huge congratulations to the Slightly Stoopid crew for keeping the energy and vibes soaring sky-high year after year!
For this special occasion, The Pier’s very own music journalist, Kelly Graham, was on the ground to capture all the unforgettable highlights. Known for her unique interviews and love for live music, Kelly has compiled her Top 10 moments from this year’s 10th-anniversary celebration.
This one-of-a-kind festival never ceases to amaze, but year ten truly set a new standard. Despite the frequent questions from friends and family like, “Don’t you want to try traveling somewhere new?” Kelly finds herself returning to Mexico every year—and for good reason. Closer to the Sun is simply unmatched. As someone who travels often, this is the trip she saves up for all year, and it’s worth every single peso.
Here’s Kelly’s take on the standout moments from Closer 2024, in no particular order—because, let’s face it, every moment is pure magic:
Slightly Stoopid’s Spectacular Opening Night
The festival kicked off with Slightly Stoopid’s main stage set under a sky lit up by fireworks. The crowd swayed in unison, immersed in the music that brought us all together. The night buzzed with vibrant stilt walkers in Día de Muertos costumes, fire dancers, and performers scattered throughout the courtyard. A mariachi band opened the evening, blending Mexico’s rich traditions with the festival’s signature vibes. Stoopid honored the culture of their host country with a performance that perfectly fused music and celebration.
Brandon Hardesty: The Festival’s MVP
If Closer to the Sun had an unofficial title this year, it might’ve been Hardesty Takes Over. Brandon Hardesty, frontman of Bumpin Uglies, seemed to be everywhere—headlining a beach set with his band, joining other artists’ performances, and even staging impromptu pop-up shows. His infectious energy and spontaneity made him the heart and soul of the festival.
Iration’s Beach Jam Extravaganza
Iration’s beach set turned into a family jam session, highlighted by a rousing cover of Inner Circle’s Sweat. Special guests included Tony Barker Stern of Bikini Trill, Logan Rex of Artikal Sound System, Revelation Kalauli of Fortunate Youth, and Kaleo Wassman of Pepper. The energy was palpable, and this performance will have me singing “la la la la long” for a long time.
Tropidelic’s Resilience Through the Rain
Despite almost daily downpours, Tropidelic regrouped after a storm and delivered an unforgettable beach set. James Begin brought the house down with a jaw-dropping Rage Against the Machine medley, transitioning seamlessly from “Bulls on Parade” into “Killing in the Name.” (Pro tip: Catch the full medley on The Pier’s Instagram!)
Cypress Hill Brings the Hype
This year’s rap addition to the lineup was the legendary Cypress Hill. The crowd went wild for hits like “Dr. Greenthumb,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Jump Around”. A highlight was when the audience squatted down low, holding position until the beat dropped—then erupted into synchronized jumps, creating an electrifying moment of unity and excitement.
Unplanned Jams: The Festival’s Secret Sauce
One of Closer’s most unique aspects is the spontaneous jam sessions by unbilled artists. This year, we were treated to surprise appearances by Aaron Wolf, Cariies, Ted Bowne of Passafire, and more. Whether at beachside pop-ups or late-night jams, these impromptu performances added an unforgettable layer to the experience.
High Fiver Loyalty Party: Kyle Smith’s Sunset Showcase
Kyle Smith and his bandmates delivered an energetic performance at the Starlight Terrace, celebrating fans who’ve attended five or more Closer festivals. Special guests like Chali 2na, G. Love, and Myles Doughty joined the set, making it a sunset to remember against the backdrop of crashing waves.
Hotel Room Serenades: A Closer Tradition
Closer isn’t just about the main stage; it’s about intimate, unexpected moments. This year, I found myself at a hotel room jam session featuring Logan Rex and Chris Cope of Artikal Sound System, with Tony Barker Stern on guitar and Brandon Hardesty jumping in for an unforgettable rendition of Too Stoned. These moments of closeness truly set this festival apart.
Sublime with Jakob Nowell: A Historic Debut
This year saw Sublime’s debut at Closer, featuring Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, on vocals. Jakob’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the band’s performance quickly became a hot topic among festival-goers. Adding to the excitement, Scott Woodruff of Stick Figure joined for “Feels Like That,” Sublime’s first new track in nearly 30 years.
Stick Figure’s Rarities Set
Stick Figure closed out the Heaven stage with a special rarities set, featuring deep cuts like “Hawaii Song” and “Trouble Up There”. When their set went over time and the sound was cut during “Livin’ It,” the crowd took over, singing every word in unison. The band embraced the moment, continuing their jam session as the audience carried the vibe forward.
As we celebrate 10 incredible years of Closer to the Sun, it’s clear this festival has become more than just a gathering of music lovers—it’s a family reunion. From the unforgettable performances to the spontaneous moments of connection, Closer embodies the magic of music bringing people together.
Here’s to another decade of memories, unity, and the music that makes it all happen. Until next year, ¡Viva Closer to the Sun!
**Featured image by Keith Zacharski
