Being suddenly immersed in a world we had never experienced before, it’s no wonder Layna and I were feeling overwhelmed to saythe least during our first 12 hours at Camp Bisco 11. However, it wasn’t long before we were beyond thrilled to be there. With an estimated crowd of over 25,000 people, and the ever-present thumping of speakers, Camp Bisco is comparable to an enormous three day rave. In fact, many of the performances were presented as such.
During the day, Camp Bisco had a kind of Woodstock feel to it. A lot of people simply laid out in the shade with beer, food, or bongs and listened to whoever was playing at the nearest stage. I mean, it was really too hot to do much of anything else, but everyone was having a good time – even when it was upwards of 90 degrees in the sun. As the sun set, lights were lit, and parties were started. This is when the feel of Bisco went from one of a chill music festival to an all-night rave.
At both main stages, huge speakers and innumerable lights turned every artist’s performance into something to be experienced rather than something to be seen or heard. When you’re in an enormous crowd, in the middle of the night, with bass vibrating in your bones and laser lights burning colors into your retinas, it’s hard not to feel like you’re having a life changing experience.
On Friday night, Layna and I watched Amon Tobin’s set as we chilled at Spritual Haze: Hookah Café’s tent and we were able to glean the musical opinions of many Bisco attendees. A Jeff of Pennsylvania said that seeing Emancipator in the B.I.G. Tent was a beautiful experience. “I just wanted to cry tears of joy, man”. What was awesome about the B.I.G. Tent was that it brought out that kind of emotion in everyone by bringing everything – the lights, the crowd, the music, etc –into one tent. It compressed every show into a rave that blew everyone’s mind.
Speaking of blowing minds, I think the lasting impressionthat Camp Bisco left on Layna and I was the incredible amount of friendliness we encountered. Everyone there, from the staff to the festival attendees, was incredibly nice. Those camping by us were happy to share anything with us.Almost all of the people working at Bisco, both event staff and vendors, were helpful, friendly, and courteous.
Despite things like crazy temperatures, sleeping on theground, and inhaling more dust and smoke than oxygen, Camp Bisco more thanlived up to its hype. The shows were phenomenal, the various Bisco events wereoutstanding, and everyone there was a party and a half. I sincerely doubtanyone could regret going to Camp Bisco.