Adult Swim Festival returned this past weekend and the experience was packed with many notable music highlights and entertainment. It was quite an improvement from last years’s parking lot experience, where this year’s event was held in Banc of California Stadium, giving attendees a more comfortable atmosphere while retaining the wackiness of exhibits, attractions and music. The alternating main stage made for quick set changes which made for non-stop entertainment.
Like a cartoon circus, there was stimulation overload so here are some highlights from B-Sides:
HIGH: HEALTH – the LA noise-rock trio KILLED their set. Their frenetic music definitely fits The Adult Swim vibe and their performance was equally apropos. The band’s chaotic energy was fun, manic and was definitely a highlight of the show. (For fans of Crystal Castles.)
HIGH: Captain Murphy – Flying Lotus’ rapper alter ego Captain Murphy was a great act to catch. Leaving behind the FlyLo visuals, Captain Murphy showed he is a musician’s musician. Captain Murphy knows how to have fun with a crowd and when he introduced MF Doom to the stage true Adult Swim fans pressed to the stage to get a rare glimpse of the Adult Swim staple. After about half a song, however, Cap demasked MF Doom to reveal Hannibal Buress. Gotcha b**ch! For fans of hip-hop, electronic music and cartoon people.
HIGH: 2 Chainz – 2 Chainz is an incredible rapper and musician and one could expect nothing less than an exceptional performance. The ASF audience went wild when 2 Chainz took the stage and things only got more exciting. Between his flow and huge visuals, 2 Chainz delivered big time. For fans of Rick Ross, Young Money and more than one but less than three chains.
HIGH: The Eric Andre Show Live – Eric Andre started by going nuts and throwing water and props into the crowd. The set was filled with crazy sketches and hilarious interviews with Adult Swim fixtures (like Robot Chicken and Family Guy star Seth Green). He closed the set by tucking his package in betwixt his legs and waddling around with another pantsless man. For fans of wacky and funny comedy and smooshed junk.
HIGH: Vince Staples – It’s Vince Staples, he’s AMAZING. For fans of Vince Staples and greatness.
LOW: Long lines – While long lines are inevitable at music fests, some of the lines at ASF could have been mitigated. Specifically, the line to the descend to the field from the upper concourse (where the food and some activations were located) was limited to a single entry point causing long lines to slowly make their way down. It was great to see the huge crowds interested in the artists performing but multiple entry points would have allowed for a more efficient way to handle the influx of people.
All in all, ASF has become a formidable festival. Not without growing pains, this year’s event has certainly become a really fun festival that we look forward to in the future.
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