Meet John, Who Spreads Joy and Disability Awareness at Music Festivals

Koi
Jan 11
3 min read

John, otherwise known as Mr. Mushroom Man, spreads joy and disability awareness simply by being his amazing self at music festivals. He has a fun and eye-catching mushroom costume that can be seen from across a field, and is always excited to make friends. I asked John a few questions about his journey to become Mr. Mushroom Man, and how he spreads joy to others.

When did you become Mr. Mushroom Man, and what is your goal with your social media?

During the COVID lockdown I started making my Cardboard Art for my wheelchair. We were all so sad, but whenever I blasted my music through my MiniRig speakers and rode around the city sidewalks in my ArtChair, I found it made me and everyone else happy.

Back then, I was better known as the guy who danced with his cardboard creations. Robots, cabanas and eventually a MUSHROOM. My first Instagram profile I started is @DancesWithCardboard. I recognized whenever I was riding the Mushroom ArtChair people would be yelling “Mr. Mushroom or Mushroom Man” which is why I started the Instagram account @MrMushroomMan__ I thought it would be easier for people to find me with that name. My goal or message has always been simple - L O V E

At this moment, I don’t have any other social media. If you check out my Instagram page, you see that almost all of my content is from the people who:

Find me
Snap some photos and videos
TAG me and share the memories with me. Then I can repost via Stories and Reels I create. So please keep sharing your photos and videos with me!

What does PLUR mean to you?

Love - Patience - Kindness - Compassion - Hope

It’s a great reminder of how important it is to treat others and myself with: PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect)

What is your favorite music festival(s) and why?

My favorite is EDC Las Vegas and Orlando. My first EDC was Las Vegas 2021, and I was hooked on Insomniac Events and EDC from that moment. Insomniac Events and EDC Orlando reached out to me before EDC Orlando 2022 and asked if they could do a video with me. Here is the link to their video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_88LxvX0c/

What are the pros and cons of going to a rave solo?

Pros: Making new friends at raves. Meeting up with old friends. No conflict with what stages and artists to see. I don’t get lost or lose my crew when I go solo.

Cons: I don’t get to share special moments with people I care about. I don’t have backup in case I have a problem physically or mechanically, or if I’m being harassed. Transportation and lodging costs are higher when going solo.

Are there any projects you’re working on that you want folks to know about?

Currently, my wife is making her own Cardboard Creation to ride atop her wheelchair. It looks to me like an Ice Dragon. She’s doing an amazing job and her Dragon will be rolling at Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and Nocturnal Wonderland in 2026.

Do you have any advice for folks with disabilities who want to start going to music festivals?

Be ready for:

The best time of your life.
People being super friendly and welcoming.
Bring Kandi or art/things you can share with others : PLUR
Get on Instagram and communicate with people going to the festival. Whenever EDC Las Vegas shares a story or video on Instagram I will make comments. I’ve made friends I meetup with at the festival.

See you out there!

As someone who works at music festivals, as well as having an invisible disability that affects how I interact with raves, I am intimately aware of how overwhelming a music festival can be. They are crowded, loud, flashy, sometimes smelly spaces. But they can also be a transformational experience and become your new favorite home away from home. Insomniac, in particular, has robust services for ADA accommodations. You can contact them ahead of time to ask questions about your needs, or visit the ADA tent at the festival to help get you squared away.

Follow John on his Instagram accounts, @danceswithcardboard and @mrmushroomman!