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Detroit’s Mo Pop Festival was Mo Poppin’ than Ever

Updated: May 23, 2023 09:40
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mo pop festival

30,000 festival goers in Detroit just got their jewels ran, peoples fostered, Tylers created, J’s alted, grams phantomed, and langes so-ed. (Three of those worked) Fun in the sun and shameless in the shade, Mo Pop Festival had a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone in attendance. Whether it was Run the Jewels, “Burning this motherfucker down” and then giving a speech on how Killer Mike, “will punch you in the fucking face if you grope a girl” (which he should and would) or the lesser-known Canadian punk band PUP made things stranger in the best way possible (that’s also a reference to their ‘Sleep in the Heat’ music video) and provided the first of two dust storms. But hey, stop reading this and start looking at the pics, and okay I guess read the captions, but that’s the most reading you’re doing while on break because school’s out for summer. (Alice Cooper did not play at Mo Pop Festival.)

mo pop festival

Run the Jewels ran all over everyone’s jewels with a rap attack that would’ve left Doris Payne in awe. (Google her and you’ll get it.)

mo pop festival

Watch out Beyonce’, Lil sis Solange brought it harder than when she beat up your man.

mo pop festival

Even though we really wished Arkells was R. Kels (R. Kelly for you lames) they still made sweet legal rock’n’roll love to the crowd.

mo pop festival

Mondo Cozmo, just a bunch of handsome dudes playing catch pop-rock.

mo pop festival

Alt-J being adorkable and strobing the life out of the monster finale crowd with their poppy indie rock tunes.

mo pop festival

Tyler the Creator created a spectacle and one of the most hyped up crowds all weekend.

mo pop festival

Foster the People fostered some enjoyable diverse indie rock into the people’s ears.

mo pop festival

Vance Joy is just the cutest Australian in our modern life since Rocko.

mo pop festival

The “Cool Dude and Sexy Lady Playing Dope Music Award” goes to Phantogram!

mo pop festival

Step aside Childish Gambino, Amine brought raps so hot even your short shorts wouldn’t keep you cool.

mo pop festival

PUP a.k.a the politest punk band ever! (They’re Canadian so it makes sense.)

mo pop festival

The kids from School of Rock have more talent than 99.5% of the people attending Mo Pop!

mo pop festival

Woodward Movement Creative just upped the ante by live screen printing the Mo Pop badge on almost any article of clothing you desire, except dirty drawers, and yes someone asked.

mo pop festival

The only thing bizarre about this craft bazaar is how everyone didn’t end up spending all of their money under just this one tent.

mo pop festival

Oh, you know just playing Centipede and listening to Depeche Mode, ah to be young again.

mo pop festival

Big props to all the staff, promoters, vendors, and musicians, especially the dancing security guard during RTJ and Tyler!

mo pop festival

As Mo Pop bid us a good night, we all bid you a see you next year.

mo pop festivalmo pop festivalmo pop festivalAuthor’s Note: All really nice photos were taken by the world’s coolest professional performance photographer Kristen Drum. The rest, well… I  don’t see you taking photos now, do I?!

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Curtis Conrad Schabath

Curtis Conrad Schabath

Prof. Curtis Conrad Schabath loves being a third-generation Detroiter, dog dad, vinyl slut, and old-school fool. This queer Cancer can be found equally at marches and rallies, on the trails, beach, or streets, taking time to volunteer and teach, and micro-dosing in the morning plus meditating at night just to handle it all. Phone on DND, camera on hand, a few dollars in the pocket, and heart full of love and protection is how they emote and float through this crazy thing (and electric word) called"life".