Awesome People We Met on Day 1 of Beyond Wonderland SoCal 2017

Another year, another rave. We’re back at our SoCal fan-favorite festival: Beyond Wonderland. This year, we’ve introduced a new theme: the Endless Sea, an aquatic-themed twist to our beloved Wonderland. And as always, you lovely Headliners brought your true awesomeness with maximum energy. You’re the reason we keep coming back year after year.

Get to know some of the Awesome People we met on day one of Beyond Wonderland SoCal 2017.

Name: Orlando
Age: 26
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? My first one was in 2007—I lost count how many I’ve been to, ha.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? One of my closest friends—he didn’t have the money to come this weekend, and I wish he could have made it. We usually come together.
What’s your secret to happiness? To just be yourself. I love environments like this, where you can express yourself however you wantou can be anybody you want to be. It’s just all love here, you know.

Name: Whitney
Age: 26
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? This is my first time—and it’s beautiful.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? My husband couldn’t make it this weekend, but he’s here with me in spirit.
What’s your secret to happiness? Just letting yourself be happy. It’s important to share your love with other people. When you put love out there, it comes back to you.

Name: Tawny
Age: 31 (tomorrow is my birthday!)
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? I’ve been coming since 2013; this is number four for me.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend?
Yes, actually, there is someone—it’s funny you ask that. My good friend Ty Howard. We met at Tomorrowland in Belgium back in 2013, and he’s been a best friend ever since. He lives in Atlanta and wasn’t able to come this weekend, but he’s here in spirit. He’s the only one that’s missing from our PLUR crew.
What’s your secret to happiness?
These festivals, quite honestly. I feel like I never started living until I came to these festivals. I’ve met so many people and created the most amazing bonds because of the people I’ve met at these shows. The music just brings us all together. I’m honestly my happiest when I’m here at Beyond Wonderland or EDC or Nocturnal Wonderland, Escape… I’m at all of them. I’ve been raving since 2011, and it’s just where I’m the happiest. I’m so excited festival season is back; I’m so excited for everything Insomniac is doing this year.

Name: Jenny
Age: 23
Hometown: Azusa, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? First one.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? Pasquale, because I’ve never met him. He’s amazing; he’s the whole reason why I’m here. I’d love to hang out with him.
What’s your secret to happiness? Good friends and a good atmosphere. I love being around people who make me happy, so I think having positive people in my life makes me happy.

Name: Jade
Age: 24
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? First one.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? My best friend. We started raving together at EDC 2013, and we’ve been to every Insomniac event that we could ever since. She couldn’t get off work, ‘cause you know, priorities.
What’s your secret to happiness? Not letting people’s judgment of you determine your life. Just do things for you, like whatever makes you happy, because at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live your own life.

Name: Cory
Age: 24
Hometown: Leona Valley, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? Sixth.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? One of my coworkers, Brooke. She likes to think she can cut shapes. I want her to experience how beautiful and free you can be, and not be judged on how you’re dancing.
What’s your secret to happiness? Not money! Being motivated with yourself and being exactly where you want to be in life.

Name: Amber
Age: 21
Hometown: East Los Angeles, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? It’s my third!
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? My boyfriend. He’s with me at every event. I’m gonna have fun for him and me today.
What’s your secret to happiness? Staying optimistic!

Name: Ashley
Age: 28
Hometown: Hanford, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? First time.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? My best friend, Elena. She lives in Colorado; we are long-distance friends for most of our lives. She’s my best friend, and I love her.
What’s your secret to happiness? Laughing a lot.

Name: Berlin and Rodrigo
Age: 19 (both)
Hometown: Eastville, CA (Berlin), Corona, CA (Rodrigo)
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? Second time (both)
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend?
Berlin: My twin sister. She’s at home. She doesn’t rave. She’s my everything; she’s my soul mate. I just wish she could see how awesome the rave world is and get away from all the shitty things in life.
Rodrigo: No one, just myself.
What’s your secret to happiness?
Berlin: My secret to happiness is not giving a fuck what anybody thinks, and doing you. Whatever makes you happy, that’s all that matters.
Rodrigo: My secret to happiness is being whoever the fuck you want to be. Be happy, and be who you are.

Name: Rylee and Danielle
Age: 18 (both)
Hometown: Orange County, CA (both)
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland?
Rylee: Second time.
Danielle: Yes.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend?
Rylee: Jacquelyn Pavone, because she’s the tits. It’s her sister; she’s at home with the dogs.
Danielle: Probably my friend Savannah, because she’s just always fun to be at raves with.
What’s your secret to happiness?
Rylee: Having a good time!
Danielle: Having fun!

Name: Eddie
Age: 25
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? No, this will be my eighth Beyond.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? All my friends are here. Everyone who I need is here.
What’s your secret to happiness? Finding inner peace.

Name: Jared
Age: 25
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Is this your first Beyond Wonderland? This is my first time—I love it so far.
Who is one person you wish could have been here with you this weekend? All my best friends are here with me this weekend; these are the people that inspire me to follow my dreams.
What’s your secret to happiness? Following your dreams. My dream is to be a fashion designer.

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