Photo: Christalyn Concha

Ian Benjamin, June 22, 2003

Well, to start off, I have to admit I haven’t been to nearly enough parties this year, but I knew from the first day I heard the word “spring,” that Junebug was on its way. This is one that I could not miss. I started that day waking up with a moderate hangover, far from my own bed. After getting a ride home, I spent the day burning CDs, packing my bag with water, chips and some warm clothes (forgetting the clean socks, as I do with every outdoor) and pacing my room waiting for four o’clock, at which time my ride would arrive. She came, and off we went in her blue Astro van. After stopping at that gas station on the way to Albuquerque, we luckily met up with some friends whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. It was a funny scene there: about fifty kids obviously off to Junebug were meandering about. When we finally got out to the site, it was probably around 8 o’clock, the sun was setting and the mountains had a mysterious glow to ’em. It was nice because it felt like they were always just ten feet away. I saw lots of people I knew, and many I didn’t expect to find. I spent the first two hours just walking back and forth talking to people, and I most likely missed many people. The music wasn’t exactly to my taste, but I spent a good time wailing my arms and stomping my feet to the beat. I definitely enjoyed Justin’s set, especially the Coldplay Heaven and Earth remix towards the end of the set; I really think he rocked it right quick. Also, Donovan’s early morning set was great. Most of the other time, I just sat on my blanket enjoying the scene and nacho-flavored Doritos. There was one point in the night when you could see cars going on for what looked like a mile and a half, and I was just simply amazed at the turnout. Apparently there were some fights, but I didn’t see that. All I saw was smiling faces, dancing bodies and good friends.