Childish Gambino to Host Joshua Tree Camping Experience to Coincide With New ‘PHAROS’ Album Release

Matt Matasci

Fans wondering when they’d get a taste of some new Childish Gambino AKA rapper-comedian Donald Glover just  got their answer: PHAROS. Glover’s mysterious announcement began with a tweet that linked to a free mobile app displaying a countdown that eventually reveals a site location near Joshua Tree. Then, it was finally announced that Childish Gambino will host a three-day event in the desert to coincide with the September release of his third album. “PHAROS,” was confirmed Aug. 24 on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Gambino promised the three day camping trip would not only include performances, but the construction of “this big place to perform it,” which he likened to an entire town.

Taking place on Sept. 2-4, PHAROS consists of five shows, two each Fri.-Sat. and one on Sunday. Pre-sale tickets were gone within minutes, so a late-night performance was added to each of the first two nights. Making these tickets even hotter is the fact that after dropping the free app, Glover announced through his Twitter account that these five shows would be his only performances in 2016.

Those who purchased tickets were given digital guidebooks that provide only the slightest insight into the meaning of PHAROS and what it will entail. The book consists of 12 slides that transition through a series of cryptic images and messages. The event’s website states that your smart phone will be integral to the experience and promises to provide charging stations at the venue while recommending attendees bring additional batteries; the event is open to all ages but the free overnight camping is restricted to 21 and over.

While not a lot known about what exactly will go down at PHAROS, there is no doubt that Glover will bring the same colorful enthusiasm that has made him such a popular actor and musician. For fans of Childish Gambino, this is also likely their only opportunity to see the musician perform his new work in a live setting this year.

Childish Gambino presents PHAROS in Joshua Tree on Sept. 2-4.. Purchase tickets by downloading the app here.