Recap: Bassnectar 4.20.12 @ The Liacouras Center

Over the last decade or so 4/20 has really garnered itself an impressive following, and for some reason - whether it was the general nature of the 'holiday' or the onset of spring - this year seemed bigger (and better) than ever! On a day jam-packed with concerts in the Philadelphia area, the largest offering was at Temple University's massive Liacouras center. The seating was arranged in a big U facing the stage, creating an amazing energy throughout the crowd that did not go unnoticed by Bassnectar himself (see video below)! Seeing Bassnectar in this kind of arena setting was an awesomely new experience, as every time before its been at a festival or smaller venue so I've never really gotten to see him shine quite like this. It also probably didn't hurt that this show was part of an album release tour promoting his newest work: VaVa Voom.... However, as he announced during the shown this was (somehow) the first ever Friday night Basscenter show they had done!

A-trak started it off, which felt a little odd since the last time I saw him was opening for Swedish House Mafia in New York City; however, he did a fine job getting the crowd riled up (doubly impressive considering the difference in genres). When Bassnectar did come on, he opened with Wildstyle Method to really kick things off right, but it was the lighting that stole my attention for the beginning portion of the night. Floor to ceiling, right stage to left, there was just a massive wall of light that pulled all sorts of tricks throughout the show. Musically, the highlight for me came when he did a crazy "Fu-Gee-La" remix which nearly ruined the mic on my camera from bass-tastic goodness. The all ages thing really didn't seem to be as much of a problem as many had worried about on ticketmaster and internet forums, and overall the crowd was remarkably friendly with people ducking out of the way of me filming and giving everyone enough space to dance and have a blast without all the overcrowding.... There were even people on stilts!

You really can't go wrong with Bassnectar. Everything this dude puts out has such an original quality to it, as it has throughout his entire career, and being able to see him STILL put on a show like this only speaks to his consistency as an artist and performer... not to mention he rages on stage harder than anyone except maybe Rusko and/or Infected Mushroom.

Come back soon mi amigo!