Get ready for some infectious beats as the 樱桃视频Electronic Music Festival takes over nearly every music venue in town. Epiphany Events presents the first annual festival dedicated to the genre, and local organizer Marnie Green has gone all out. From Wednesday (Nov. 21) to Saturday (Nov. 24) five separate venues host everything for the electronic junkie from record spinning and breakdancing to fire spinning and go-go dancing.
"It's something I've been wanting to do for quite some time because there are a lot of DJs in town, and some really good DJs," said Green. "I wanted to put something together that celebrates the music and the culture surrounding electronic music."
Those who link electronic music with young hedonism should know the music and dance enthusiasts have matured. A social consciousness underlies the festival with all the profits generated from the $10 tickets or $25 festival bracelets going to the 樱桃视频Food Bank.
"As the DJs are getting older so are the people going to the show," said Green. "It's not just this rave scene with pigtails and popsicles anymore. It's not about psychedelic drugs, it's about the music and the culture and the dancing."
Green said the scene is bustling in town - of the 50 DJs participating, only about two are from outside the area. And just like every other segment of society, more scenesters are making their way to Squamish.
The headlining performer of the festival, Mat the Alien, is one such newcomer. The DJ has made his name in electronic scenes as nearby as Vancouver and Whistler, and as far away as Las Vegas and parts of England. He's recently made a home here with his wife.
The free kick-off at the Grizzly Bar and Grill attempts to bring awareness to local need by collecting non-perishable food items while featuring DJ Evolve and DJ Riddim Fernandez. Spectators are also encouraged to bring the food items to all festival venues.
On Thursday (Nov. 22) at the Cliffside Pub, caged go-go dancers will move to beats by DJ Danny, DJ Rat Houdini and DJ Bunny Magician while artists paint on canvasses made of recycled material.
On Friday (Nov. 23) the Watershed Grill is the place to be for a riverside fire-spinning show and featuring DJ Andrea and J-Prime.A workshop at the Adventure Centre Saturday, Nov. 24 allows experienced and aspiring DJs a chance to exchange techniques, and get to know each other outside the typical hectic club environment.Finally, Mat the Alien caps off the festival on Saturday at C Level where locals can also enter a breakdancing competition, watch caged go-go dancers, and move to DJ Yama, General Electric and DJ Craig.
Tickets are available at each of the venues and the all-venue bracelet is available at Trinity Romance on Second Ave.
