As Freaky Deaky, draws near, I figured it would be a good time to share my Top 5 Must See Artists for this weekend. Please note my musical taste is not the same as yours, so don’t be mad if your favorite did not make the list.

5. Bassnesctar

OMG! I know, why isn’t the bass-god himself #1?!?!? Well that’s easy for me. After seeing Bassnectar 3 times (Electric Forest 2012,2015 / NorthCoast 2014) he never lived up to not only the HYPE (and boy there is hype) and to the quality of any of his actual albums. I love the last two albums he released but I never had the same feeling when seeing him perform.  If you’re not at Markus Schulz on Friday Night, I can guarantee you’ll be at Bassnectar. #Hype

4. Benny Benassi

The last time I saw Benny was on the first night of Spring Awakening 2012 when his set was cut short due to incoming rain and the fact that Skrillex still needed to take the stage. Quite easily his set was one of the best of the entire festival. With large arsenal of heavy hitting original tracks and years of songs to pull from his repertoire, Benny always brings it and makes himself relevant to any crowd. If you want a good show from an “old” DJ that will surprise you check out Benny on Saturday at the Big Top, unless you prefer to see Riff Raff of course.

3. Griz

Griz, Gramatik and Big Gigantic hit my ear drums roughly around the same time, but over the years Griz has stood out. Not too soft and not too had, Griz blends his sax play with funky beats to perfection. His sets always feel like a party and by the time it’s over you want more. You lose your perception of time as you dance and that’s exactly what you want to do in music.

2. Dubfire

As half of the Grammy Award winning duo Deep Dish, Dubfire has achieved quick success while perusing his own electronic journey focusing on dark techno. If you wear black, nothing but black and listen to techno, this one is a no brain-er. As the  set up man to Richie Hawtin at The Crypt (Underground Stage) on Sunday, you can expect an older calmer, but very enthusiastic crowd that knows their stuff.

1. Armin Van Buuren

Ever since Armin Van Buuren cancelled his Armin Intense tour stop at the United Center  last April (2014) due to the unfortunate passing of his father-in-law, Chicago’s Trance Family has been waiting on his return. React has been incorporating more Trance artists in their festivals this year with curated stages, shows  and of course the booking of Armin as a headliner; which definitely fills the Trance Family Hearts with love. If you were ever curious about trance or just want to see one of the longest tenured and top DJs