Unfortunately the lineup we posted yesterday turned out to be a fake. Mysteryland USA has released their official phase 1 lineup today.
Check out the real phase 1 lineup of Mysterylamd USA 2016 below
Since SFX Entertainment acquired React Presents in early 2014, we have been promised bigger and better production in this year’s edition of Spring Awakening Music Festival. Expectations were high, but in my opinion React not only hit the mark, but exceeded some of my expectations.
Though the Festival layout was the same as years’ past with a Main Stage, The Equinox Stage (acting as a second main stage), and 2 additional stages; they all experienced significant upgrades.
The Phoenix Stage located near the North entrance of the festival, transformed from a small, hot, and sweaty tent to become a much larger open air structure with air flow. A LED wall in front and in back of the DJ booth were set up making the notoriously overlooked stage feel like more up to par with the rest of the festival.
The Equinox Stage looked the same, but it grew in size and gained more lights and an outline of LEDs around each display screen.
The Equinox Stage
The second tent closer the South entrance into the stadium now called The Hanger was replaced by what I can best describe is a smaller “mega structure”. The elevated stage had a wall of zigzagging LED strips climbing from behind it, up to the ceiling, and over the crowd along the ceiling of the structure. It was the perfect stage to be curated by different artists and EDM genres all weekend long; and easily my favorite stage this year.
The Main Stage towered on the North end of Soldier Field with massive beams forming triangles branching off from the centered DJ booth. The biggest upgrades to the Main Stage were the additional of 3 speaker towers behind the sound tent. This allowed for much deeper bass and eliminated the crowd’s complaints about the main stage not being loud enough in the back of the crowd from last year. However it did bring out the stupid in people as several people were caught climbing the towers for their 15 minutes of internet fame.
Spring Awakening always showcases the most popular artists in EDM and this year was no exception, as Jack U made their Midwest debut on Saturday night. When Jack U came on thousands frantically rushed the main stage by climbing over seats, jumping down to the field and avoiding security trying to keep things organized. Flosstradamus performed that same night which contributed to the rowdiest and largest crowd of the festival weekend, and quite possibly the largest crowd I have ever witnessed at any Spring Awakening.
Jack U Crowd
No matter what your opinion of React or Spring Awakening is, you have to admit that this is our premier EDM festival and it puts Chicago on the map nationwide. We are privileged to live in a city with such a vibrant EDM scene and Spring Awakening weekend is always a weekend everyone circles on their calendars.
>>> To check out all of our pictures from Spring Awakening just follow this link. <<<
See you next year.
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By living in Chicago you can expect a snowstorm to hit at least once a year during the winter months. This year was no different, but on March 7 we were hit with a different type of snowstorm, The Snowstorm Music and Arts Festival. The cold temperatures were still there but instead of snow plows, we had a lineup of high energy and soulful artists, and instead of snow we had a sea of thousands of people dressed in white from head to toe.
Since Congress Theater closed down, the Chicago EDM scene has been limited to using two venues for shows that are not 21+, The Aragon Ballroom and Concord Music Hall. When Above and Beyond used Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom for their tour stop it seemed to have opened the doors of opportunity for this to become a regularly used venue. Just two weeks later, The Gathering Group (Snowstorm Fest Organizers) turned this iconic venue into something it’s never been before. With two levels of attractions, two stages, 11 artists, several bars and VIP “Igloos” (pictured on the left); Snowstorm Fest was something unseen before by Chicago.
The festival didn’t start off well since guests were not allowed in till a little after 6:30 PM (30 minutes late), causing a few artists to play to a small crowd or empty room. Figgy, who opened things up in the Chill Lounge on the second floor, played to a mostly empty room. Even when his set was over at 7 PM and ASTR started things up on the Main Stage, ASTR played for only a few dozen people. This was unfortunate as Figgy had a very soulful RnB infused set that would get people moving. ASTR’s front woman Zoe has a great voice, with great range, it’s a shame more people didn’t get a chance to see her and Adam perform.
>>>Read our interview with Figgy HERE<<<
A few hours in Snowstorm Fest came to life. As festival patrons filled both stage areas and the VIP balcony you can see things come together. People stood in line to take pictures in a photo booth, walked between both stages to check local and out of town artists. Performers from the Redmoon Theater showed up around the festival to give Confetti Gun Salutes, Pour Champagne from elaborate contraptions (pictured below) and to take pictures with festival attendees.
The Chill Lounge played as a host to local talent throughout most of the night. Win & Woo definitely turned it up a notch after Kody Madro finished up. Their set filled with original tracks and remixes which showcased their unique sound very well. Not to mention that it’s always refreshing to see artist enjoy themselves when they’re performing. If you haven’t checked them out yet you definitely should. The night continued with Louis the Child, who’s energy was infections and unmatched by anyone all night. These high-schoolers brought the ruckus and a nice following of fans.
>>> Read our interview with Win&Woo HERE<<<
Moby closed out the festival to an almost entirely packed main room. As expected, he brought some heavy hitting tunes as well as some classic hits. Seeing Moby several times over the last few years, I expected nothing less. He continues to be one of my favorites, as he never ceases to dominate each stage he performs on. To be honest I was very surprised he was named headliner of the first year festival, but I’m so glad he was.
Snowstorm Fest was not perfect from an organizational point of view, as to be expected by a first time event of this size. But with its great vision, perfectly selected artists, a very responsive crowd and room to grow in the venue it’s definitely something to look forward to next year. For the price ($25-$100) this festival was a steal, Moby alone could sell out the main room. Adding the open bar for VIP ticket holders was a great plus and a great value. That being said, Festival season in Chicago kicks off officially in March now, and that makes it easy to get through our harsh winters. Here’s to a bigger and better Snowstorm Fest in 2016. Hope to see all of you there!!
>>>>View the Full Snowstorm Music and Arts Festival Gallery HERE<<<<