What you need to know from Ultra Music Festival Day 3
Weekend 1 of Ultra Music Festival has come and gone, and Bayfront Park is now patiently waiting for attendees to return for the festival’s second weekend. Sunday was the most overcast day of the weekend, but that didn’t stop fans from packing the park to the brim with energetic spirits. Weekend 1 sold out late in the afternoon, and with an absolutely stacked lineup it was clear that Sunday was the most popular day of the weekend. Krewella kicked off the afternoon, Eric Prydz packed out the Mega Structure for his afternoon set and Toolroom Knights took over the UMF Radio stage. Major Lazer supplied the Live Stage its biggest party of the weekend, Zedd took to the Main Stage for one of the biggest sets of his life, and Maya Jane Coles delivered her usual sizzling goodness. Mark Knight, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, and Claude VonStroke closed out the final day of the weekend.
Krewella displayed powerful showmanship at their Live Stage afternoon set
Rain Man, Yasmine, and Jahan filled out the Live Stage more than most other afternoon sets that took place at the Klipsch Amphitheatre and it was clear from the very start the trio was ready to bring the party to Sunday. The girls alternated on vocals and Rain Man operated the decks for the most part. They treated fans to an unnamed new track as well as many of their most popular songs like “Alive” and the Candyland remix of “Can’t Control Myself.”
Eric Prydz filled Mega Structure to the brim with progressive house and techno flair
Sunday was a big day in the Mega Structure for progressive house, with David Guetta, Tiesto, Calvin Harris, and Avicii all taking the stage, but none was quite as purely joyous as Eric Prydz. He alternated between his signature Pryda sound, looping twinkling melodies and sweeping builds with bass and some of his darker productions under his Cirez D moniker. If you’re attending Weekend Two, be sure to catch him both at the Main Stage and as Cirez D for Carl Cox & Friends.
Despite sparse attendance, Toolroom Knights stage packed a tech house punch
With so much going on at festivals like Ultra, it’s easy overlook some of the smaller side stages. Mark Knight’s Toolroom Knights party brand took over the UMF Radio stage on Sunday and although attendance was on the lighter side, the DJs played like it was a slice of Ibiza. Pirupa, Prok & Fitch, Mihalis Safras, Friendly Fires, and Butch heated up the afternoon and Sander Kleinenberg and Mark Knight ended the festival with very memorable sets. It was a treat to see such big names in such an intimate settings.
Major Lazer brought Live Stage’s largest party of the weekend
The sun was going down for Major Lazer’s set, but that seemed to just heat up the party even more. Diplo and crew, complete with giant inflatable “M” “L,” got the crowd rowdier than most with their famous party-starters like “Original Don,” “Jah No Partial,” “Hold The Line,” and even some Harlem shaking. When Jillionaire and Walshy Fire convinced about half the crowd to remove their shirts and wave them around their heads, it was pretty much the epitome of a ridiculous festival set.
Following up on Deadmau5 pranks, Zedd delivered full-on main stage set
Zedd already made quite a stir at Ultra Weekend 1 with his Deadmau5 prank, but on Day 3 he took to the Main Stage on his own for one of the biggest sets of his career thus far. Midset he reflected on the changes he’s seen in just one year, moving from an early set to sunset Main Stage set and packing out the crowd. “Clarity” was not only a highlight in Zedd’s set, but also for the festival as a whole. His set was not confined to just material from his new album — he played older tracks like “Shave It,” “Slam The Door,” and “The Legend of Zelda” as well.
Maya Jane Coles heats up Bayfront’s Surface Stage
The Bayfront Stage, tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of the Main Stage, played host to top notch techno and deep house talent this weekend and Maya Jane Cole’s set, directly after another notable lady of techno (Magda), was a clear highlight of the day. Her style is simple, riveting, and classic — a soulful blend of deeper house styles with her signature percussion tricks. She made sure to include tracks from Hypercolour label friends, her own new EP, and recent collaboration with Little Boots and Simian Mobile Disco.
Categories: Music