DeLuna D2!

Deluna day 2 had a more eclectic blend of artists. Not knowing where to begin, I just kinda wandered around. Such good luck because I came across up and coming Pensacola-area band, The Real Hooks. I didn’t know much about them and was stoked when I ran into 2/3 of them later in the day for an interview - Raleigh was at a her high school band competition – HA! Can't wait to see more of them - it's inevitable!

Another band that took me by surprise was Saints of Valory. I didn’t know about them at first but they pulled me – along with a bunch of others – in. I was constantly overhearing people say, “Hey, did you hear those Saints of Valory guys!? They were really good!” This convo was taking place between concert goers, vendors, and even in the media lounge!

The Joy Formidable. They’re doing it right. Ritzy Bryan (lead vocals, guitar) is a firecracker. She was like a jolt of caffeine and can seriously shred on the guitar! Check out her muscles in the pics! Those arms don’t come from a gym routine! This was only their 2^nd show on a beach (the BEST beach at that!) and they killed it. Definitely one to watch right here!

Next up was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Joan was celebrating her 54^th birthday this day and I’m sure her gift was looking at the crowd and thinking – I’m more badass than kids ½ my age! Band of Horses toned it down with really chill initial songs though they escalated into a true festivus. Got everyone in the mood to have, as our one friend so eloquently stated, their “Foo-ginity taken!”

Are you serious Foo Fighters? Way to put on a show! Memories of these guys popping Mentos in cheesy videos were distant memories from the show they put on at DeLuna. Ending their 18 month tour, they really showed the world why they’re such legends. Following Foo Fighters with Paper Diamond  was hilarious because that’s when people started to really get weird – LED hoola hoops, horse face masks, the little mermaid, and Poseidon just to name a few. Great end to #delunafest2012 day 2 – just ask the kids on stage at Diplo’s show!


Photo Credits: Thanh Nguyen and Maria Jose Florez

21 Hours of Dance: Highlights from Spring Awakening

A sea of neon swarmed onto Soldier Field this past weekend for Spring Awakening, a festival solely dedicated to electronic dance music. The venue witnessed more color than the usual blue and orange clad Bears fans, to say the least. Attendees displayed their excitement with vibrant fishnets, perky tutus, glitter, and every neon hue of the rainbow imaginable. Their ensembles were intricately assembled to fit the vibe of this electronic world that has become the newest trend in music.

These excited, high-powered fans ranged from tweens to baby boomers. Each day consisted of 10.5 hours of music emanating from four different stages. The energy stayed high through the wee hours and fans did not cease to head bob aggressively. Grooving was optional.

From Saturday morning to Sunday night, every DJ that performed had a distinct sound and stage presence. LoBOUNCE’s enthusiasm had him singing along to his own mixes while Gun Love sampled one of my favorites, M83’s Midnight City. Porn and Chicken had a vivacious entourage on stage dancing wildly. And by the end of Saturday, Skrillex’s light beams emerged during a patch of rain as he DJ-ed from a futuristic spacecraft structure.

On Sunday, the NERVO duo performed to a packed tent with fans trying to squish in for a glimpse of the lovely and spunky twin sisters. Datsik went old school Snoop Dogg when he cleverly mixed Gin and Juice (pun intended) and Diplo’s set immediately followed changing the mood with tribal accents by throwing in some Major Lazer tracks. The night ended with Dutch DJ Afrojack playing his catchy hit songs while the crowd simultaneously fist pumped and sang along.

The production of the fest ran smoothly with the fastest set changes I have ever seen and a sufficient amount of security scattered throughout festival grounds. The weekend lived up to its potential and fully satisfied its passionate crowd.  

Photo Credit: Thank you so much to the wonderful Sam Callahan for taking amazing photos this weekend. You are extremely talented and we are so grateful for your contribution! 


Special thanks to Mike Musto for all your help as well!

Diplo - "Express Yourself"

It is eighty degrees.  I am in an air-conditioned coffee shop on March 14th. MARCH 14 AND IT IS EIGHTY DEGREES IN CHICAGO. There is a flower in my hair. I might be sunburned.
I just want to dance like this everywhere.  Happy Wednesday!