ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 06/28/2003


REVIEW

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“The fun starts beneath the sun and you’ll see the stars before its’ done” is a phrase direct from this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) event guide and nothing could be further from the truth as this remarkable event showcased the magic and glitz that makes the Southern California electronica culture what it is. With some estimated 12,000 people having come out to EDC, the crowning of massive grandeur was again conceived by EDC as the attendance more than surpassed the previous year’s attendance. Before the gates opened into this electronic event of beats, lights, and smiles, a long line could be observed from within the venue. The venue of choice, and a favorite one at that, was that of the Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino. The venue perfectly complemented this year’s EDC with its ample buildings, spacious lots, grassy area overlooking a pond, and plenty of stands about. Even with the larger turnout than expected, production was for the most part able to handle the welcomed excess flow of attendees. All in all, this event was a smashing success.

A factor of the success could be attributed to the harmonious concurrence of the weather and atmosphere created by the event itself. Held on a clear and sunny summer day, Saturday, June 28, 2003 was transformed into a day of sublime smiles, ground lifting experiences, and delightful aural servings of musical beats. All throughout the day and night, there was a noticeable vibe of amiability and socialization on the grounds from the venue staff, production staff, artists, and the majority of the event goers themselves. While the year had progressed as lacking economic boom, there was no sign of recession at this event. With the receding sun at opening time racing for sunset on the horizon, it allowed for a comfortable environment as attendants were able to catch opening acts with sparse dancing grounds and even an act or two on the grassy area that hosted one of the stages. It is said that a little sunshine can brighten one’s day and what better way to do it than with open-air entertainment!

For those looking for physically uplifting entertainment, one could turn to the various carnival style rides on the premises. These were bona fide carnival rides complete with guardrails, color schemes, and friendly ride attendants all with an even sweeter twist; the rides were free all night long and packed with people. Such rides included the Super Slide, the Tornado, Force 10, the Cliff Hanger, the Yo-Yo, and the Orbiter. For those carnival lovers who detest that latest atmosphere of carnivals where only a handful of others are sharing that carnival ride experience, the carnival atmosphere alone of the rides at EDC would have made their night. When night fell, the lights of said rides were lit up; again adding to that carnival atmosphere. As a further bonus, while these lit rides began to spin and twirl, a massive glow stick dance like appearance was created for all to see.

With the carnival aspect of the event fully intact only the electronic portion remained to be filled. Or in the case of this night filled and topped off as the scheduled line up was top in its class. Starting off with the main room entitled, The Merry Go Round, this room ferried out progressive, trance, techno, breaks and house, with the likes of Christopher Lawrence, Dj Dan, Sandra Kollins, Micro, Donald Glaude, Simply Jeff, Mars, Thee-O and Josh David. Downs a way to another building, was the Bassrush Arena that withstood the concrete crushing beats of the Virus Tour featuring Ed Rush, Optical, MC Rymtime, the Planet of the Drums featuring Dieselboy, Dara, AK 1200, and MC J Messinian, along with Swift, Dj Rap, MC Armanni, Dj Tao, and Origin. Sharing this said room with no interference was the Fun House with turntable feats being peformed by Miguel Migs, Gene Farris, Garth, Greens Keepers, Jason Bently, Dj Lillyanne, Dj Reza, Trent Cantrelle, and Dj Lush. Over at the Confusin & Amusin Mirror Maze area, Z-Trip, Aceyalone, Supernatural, Planet Asia, Abstract Rude, Klever, Relm, Streak & Art of Wax were set to unload. Over in the Clown Alley, Omar Santana, headlined this area that was a sundry of music styles and taste. True to his music and people, Omar Santana was noticed chatting and posing for pictures with his fans throughout the event’s show hours at the H2OH Recordings booth. Kudos are in order for any celebrity that gives of their time to their followers.

Following the tradition of electronic festivals, EDC also came through in the area of staging. The cabinet upon cabinet of sound systems throughout the venue boldly told the tale of music much to the footwork's fancy of the ubiquitous dancers. Add the intelligent lighting that pierced the fog like a torpedo through water, and one was left with an awesome experience of auditory and visual nirvana. When one wasn’t dancing, one could find refuge in the spacious staging areas or surrounding chill zones while grabbing a quick carnival style bite from the concession stands, or an ice cold lemonade to put back the flame into the exhausted drained community.

The flame for EDC burned all night and very bright as time became paltry for thousands upon thousands of energetic minds and fully content hearts that were part of this marvellous show of sights, sounds, and smiles. The retreating sunshine yielded to the darkness, with the moon and stars(talent on stage, celestial objects in the sky) lighting up the stage and night sky allowing themselves to be seen and heard one more time. Time can stand still and yet pass us by without notice when one is having fun and entwined in an environment such as EDC. It is those times we cherish, long for, and live for. Well done EDC.

Don’t forget to visit WWW.ELECTRICDAISYCARNIVAL.COM

SEE YA NEXT TIME.


NOTE: THIS TEXT IS PROPERTY OF POZEST.COM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED