TwoGether Land Music Festival closed out its inaugural run in Dallas on Sunday, May 26th, solidifying its place as a new contender in the city’s (read “the nation’s”) festival scene. After a scorching hot first day, day two brought the heat with a stacked lineup of hip-hop legends and R&B rising stars.
While the first year of any festival comes with its challenges, TwoGether Land delivered a strong showing. Weathering a severe storm and humidity and heat that took a toll on a humber attendees, the TwoGether Land team handled it in stride, as they were prepared with more than adequate emergency personnel to tend to the masses. After a delayed start due to a severe storm that rolled through Dallas, damaging the fairgrounds, the TwoGether Land team managed to recover and finish strong.
The vibes at Fair Park were electric as fans packed the grounds to catch iconic names like Lil Wayne and Jeezy. Lil Wayne, a true veteran of the game, delivered a powerhouse set filled with his signature wordplay and undeniable charisma. Jeezy kept the energy high with his classic Southern anthems.
Latto and Mexican OT, two of today’s hottest rappers, showcased their lyrical prowess and stage presence. Up-and-comers like Susan Carol and Mariah The Scientist brought a smooth R&B touch to the mix.
But one could argue that the day belonged to the Dallas All-Stars who hit the stage, back-to-back as the cumulative of “Hollywood Bay Bay’s Dallas All-Stars” set. Shreveport, LA native and legendary radio personality Hollywood Bay Bay curated the legendary set himself, showcasing the city’s ability to deliver hit after hit. This stage served as a love letter to the Dallas hip-hop scene, featuring performances from local heroes like Big Tuck, Dorrough, Erica Banks and Charlie Boy.
Dallas Weekly had a chance to sit down with the 2023 Best of Black Dallas winner, Dorrough to discuss the Dallas music scene and the potential impact of TwoGether Land’s presence in South Dallas. It’s no secret that while the sprawling expanse of Fair Park pulsates with history and potential, the economic realities of the surrounding South Dallas neighborhood paint a contrasting picture.
South Dallas, historically a predominantly Black community, has long grappled with underinvestment. The construction of Interstate 30 in the 1950s physically divided the neighborhood from the rest of the city, hindering economic mobility. Today, South Dallas experiences higher poverty rates, lower property values, and fewer job opportunities compared to northern Dallas.
Fair Park itself boasts a rich legacy, hosting the iconic State Fair of Texas and numerous cultural attractions. However, its economic impact on South Dallas residents has been limited. Past development projects often prioritized parking lots over amenities for the surrounding neighborhoods.
When asked about what he hoped TwoGether Land Music Festival would mean for South Dallas, Dorrough spoke fondly of his childhood and teenage memories at Fair Park and the Dallas music scene. “There’s a lot of places they could’ve gone. This is a legendary place for alot of reasons.“
Dorrough went on to explain that “when you bring this type of attraction and attention to South Dallas you have to keep putting money into it and that means more money to the businesses around and the community that’s around. The city is transforming into what it should look like. Something like this is going to bless South Dallas.”
Music festivals have exploded in popularity in recent decades, transforming from niche gatherings into cultural and economic powerhouses. Gone are the days of muddy fields and DIY vibes; today’s festivals are big business, generating billions of dollars and creating a significant impact on host cities.
As the music festival industry continues to expand, its economic clout is undeniable. From creating jobs to boosting tourism, these vibrant gatherings are proving their worth as major contributors to local economies.
In the same vein, TwoGether Land wasn’t just about the music as One Music and TwoGether Land Festivals founder Jay Carter and team tapped into the local economy to integrate music, food, and culture. Festival-goers enjoyed a wide variety of food trucks offering delicious options, from classic festival fare to vegan and gluten-free delights. Interactive experiences and sponsor activations from the likes of Art Overdose, Jack Daniels, Martell and Toyota kept the energy high between sets.
And though these initiatives offer hope, the community concerns remain. Longtime residents are already wary of gentrification, where rising property values and new businesses price them out of their own neighborhoods. Ensuring inclusive growth that benefits current residents is paramount.
The future of South Dallas and Fair Park’s economies hinges on successful implementation and integration of these projects. By prioritizing resident input, fostering small business development, and promoting equitable job opportunities, this historic district has the potential to become a thriving economic hub for the entire community.
With a focus on bringing people together through music, a diverse lineup, and a commitment to including locals while showcasing local talent and businesses, TwoGether Land has the potential to become a major draw in the years to come.