Over the last couple decades of electronic music’s development, one of the parts I have enjoyed the most is that lack of sentimentality that often plagues other forms of music.
Sure, this genre has seen it share of throwback acts come and go, often borrowing a hook or two to get the crowd going, but the advances being made in the tools used to create this music have resulted in a broadening of the genre to include many styles.
On the eve of the 4th annual City Lights Music Festival (formerly known as Electronic Dance Music Festival, or, EDMF) in Grand Rapids, the expansion of Grand Rapids' largest outdoor electronic music event is happening at every level, from the programming to the bennies being offered to attendees.
Originally built around the concept of a free festival, the addition of a small admission fee has enabled festival producer Shannon Williams to open his rolodex and invite a few of the good friends he has made over three decades of spinning music all over the world.
A big result of the early ticketing that City Lights put in place this year is a talent-rich, two-day event with globetrotting acts like Casey 3PM Clark, Dano, Darude, Detroit Muscle, DJ Icey, DJ Jenna Brown, Flipside, Godfather, Kalendr, Kenneth Thomas, Louis Dee & Bam Bam, Milk & Cookies, Mixin Marc, Revolvr, and Scooter & Lavelle.
The ability to invite this new crop of talent to our region is a chance for us to showcase not only our city, but also helps usher in a new chapter for the event that shows no sign of slowing down.
And lest you think that the local talent has been left off the ticket, look no further than the rest of the bill, which will include nearly 30 local acts participating on one of the two festival stages.
The seating, er… standing is general admission. Those who pony up the $35 for a VIP ticket can expect to be treated with style with access to a full-service bar and preferred viewing.
City Lights Music Festival is community-sponsored by Purple East, Todd Wenzel, A.K. Rikk’s, 104.5 WSNX, Stellafly, 25 Kitchen & Bar, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and the Humane Society of West Michigan.
Admission: $10-35.
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