Experiencing dance music and all that its community has to offer this summer does not begin nor end on Ibiza. With destination festivals as this summer’s theme, Dancing Astronaut focuses in on Canada, our North American neighbor where party-goers can jet off to as an EDM haven. This weekend, Canada’s premier summer music festival will take place in Ottawa with Escapade Music Festival set to host celebrations for Canada Day, one of the country’s most famed holidays.

Dancing Astronaut will be on the ground reporting from Escapade’s holiday blowout, but before the party begins, glimpse into our picks for the festival weekend ahead.

Day One: Saturday, June 29th

Headliner: Above & Beyond

In the midst of their Wynn Las Vegas summer residency, Above & Beyond will escape the desert and head north to bring their big room trance to Ottawa. Fans will get a taste of the trio’s illustrious live performance reputation, a sampling of their latest Anjunabeats compilation, and a glimpse into their still-young Group Therapy movement.

Dancing Astronaut’s Pick: AN21 & Max Vangeli

No duo can kick off a holiday such as Canada Day in the manner that AN21 and Max can. Known as two of the most animated conductors to man the decks, the Size Records duo will have Escapade immediately shifted into high gear on its first day. Equipped with a revamped and remixed People of the Night, AN21 and Max are expected to tease unreleased music. Be ready to recognize takes on “H8RS” from Kryder & Tom Staar and “People of the Night” from Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman.

Keep an ear out for: Glow (Promise Land vs AN21 & Max Vangeli Remix)

Don’t Miss: Mark Knight

House maestro Mark Knight looks to show Canada why his Toolroom brand has garnered an unmatched respect across the pond and is picking up steam in the United States. Expanding his North American reign, Knight has a fully-loaded arsenal to offer, one that includes to recent Sander van Doorn collaboration along with latest solo effort, “Your Love.”

Day Two: Sunday, June 30th

Headliner: Steve Angello

While Angello brought his Size Matters affair to Montreal last month, Ottawa is in for a treat on day two of Escapade. Still dishing out Swedish House Mafia classics, Steve’s tech preferences should take a prominent role. In addition to beat-driven X releases, fans will get also a taste of future Size productions such as Tommy Trash’s “Monkey In Love” or Norman Doray’s “Trouble Maker.”

Dancing Astronaut’s pick: Krewella

Few acts in dance music find themselves riding as high as Krewella. While the trio’s critically acclaimed “Alive” has earned gold status to seal its position in pop-culture, the Canadian dance scene remains hyped for the Krew. Emerging as a festival favorite following their Ultra performances, Jahan, Yasmine, and Rain Man will bring their four-to-the-floor beats and reckless on-stage antics to the forefront of Canada Day celebrations. Be ready to recognize TJR’s bouncy, new versions of “Alive,” and Nicky Romero’s work in the Krew’s upcoming collaboration.

Keep an Ear Out For: Nicky Romero vs. Krewella – Legacy

Don’t Miss: Arty

With ample amounts of progressive house and dubstep to be found throughout the afternoon, don’t miss out on day two’s dose of trance. Arty will bring his much-adored progressive-trance aura to his Escapade outing, likely to have recent originals such as “Together We Are” and “When I See You” in tow along with the forthcoming “Grand Finale.”

Day Three: Monday, July 1st

Headliner: Tiësto

With the third installment of his Club Life compilation series circulating DJ sets and iTunes libraries worldwide, Tiësto will bring Stockholm to Canada with full-force. Fans in Ottawa will experience Dutch DJs all Canada Day long, and Tiësto will bring everything to the table with his performances. From brand new remixes and originals such as “I Love It” and “Take Me,” along with Musical Freedom hits like “Cango,” celebrations will end with a bang.

Dancing Astronaut’s pick: Quintino

Afrojack may have headlined Escapade’s 2012 festival, but a resilient member of his Jacked army will hold down the sound this weekend. Quintino has built an impressive international presence with his live sets and productions that embody the most energetic yet composed persona of electro-house. Looking to serve Ottawa with a top-notch set on Canada’s self-titled holiday, Quintino will leave no stone unturned for thrill seeking attendees of 118 York Street. Be ready to recognize his future Blasterjaxx collaboration, “Puzzle,” along with his work with another DJ set to spin Escapade, Alvaro.

Keep an Ear Out For: Quintino & Alvaro – World In Our Hands

Don’t Miss: Alvaro

Supporting fellow Dutch heavyweights and “United” collaborators Tiësto and Quintino in Canada Day celebrations at the historic Byward Market, Alvaro will look to take control of Ottawa on Monday. Ready to flaunt his frenetic capabilities, party-goers will be treated to a wide range of tracks that have landed on imprints from Hardwell’s Revealed to Laidback Luke’s MixMash.

Tags: escapade

Categories: Music