WAKARUSA 2011 Reviewed

 

An estimated 22,000 men, women, and children were in attendance during the 4-day festival, which featured nearly 18 hours+ of music per day. Atop a mountain, next to a river, 2 stages in the woods, 2 in tents, 1 main, 130+ artists, Waka '11.. Lets do it!

 

Cutting right to the chase, the Wakarusa highlights are as follows..

 

 EOTO. My new favorite band! Their Revival Tent performance was stellar with drummer Jason Hann's synthesized vocals layered over their signature dance beats creating a uniquely fun experience. They performed a total of three sets, one on Thursday, and two Sunday, one of which was "with Friends", where they brought the drummer from Beats Antique on stage along with a very incredible bongo player for one hell of a jam sesh. I still thought their first set Sunday night, ( without their friends) was one of the best of the weekend. Eoto, where great musicians meet dubstep. 

STS9. The Revival Tent was shaking as the livetronica five-some pulled off what was easily one of the most high-energy shows of the weekend. The tent probably had three times as many people as could fit with people squishing in to catch a glimpse of the band and famous lighting designer Saxton Waller's displays. This was my virgin STS9 show, I now see where all those crazy Sound Tribe fans have been raving about all this time.

Big Gigantic. Another top notch performance in the Revival Tent, Big Gigantic delivered a perfect balance of heavier dub induced beats with smoother electro funk dominated by the supurb sax skills of Dominic Lalli. This show BETTER be on main stage next year, or I'm going to do something crazy. 

My Morning Jacket. Just as good as their high energy Hang Out set. A bit out of place with the rest of the line-up. I also only saw half their set, as I was coming back from DJs ANA SIA's set at the Satellite stage in the woods, ( by far the coolest stage).

Ghostland Observatory. Can somebody say BADASSS LIGHT SHOW! Jebus! It was incredible. Their electrified dance beats combined with the best light show since Thomas Edison in 1880, equated a dance party that went nearly till sunrise.

 

 

The Revival Dance Tent- Too packed. They had so many high-caliber acts in their, ( Big G, Eoto, Lotus..) that should have been Mainstage. You really had to get their early to get a good spot. And c'mon who would'nt want to be outside, with more space, and see the same show?

 

Youngins– Lots of young peoples in the crowd, blatantly focused on partiing the hardest, rather than dancing or seeing the music. Its all about balance people.

 

Weather– It was hawt as a mofo. High 90's each day, very humid. H20 H20 H20 H20!! BUt sun sure is better than a weekend of rain, so it was all good. ( No, its not AllGood, its Wakarusa silly)

 

 

 

Relax-ity. The security was laid back all weekend which was a nice change of pace from the heavy-handed, intrusive security some festivals employ.

Fire Poi – Is very cool! I spun my first fire this weekend. It will surely not be my last. 

We had a great overal atmosphere, very laid back, open, and happy to be alive, which made this years Wakarusa one of the best festivals I have ever attended. 

More to come…