The recently re-designed Waterfront Park in San Diego was the venue for this year’s first ever CRSSD Fest, a two-day event featuring dance, electronic, and underground music. The 21-and-up festival was a fresh, much-needed surprise for San Diego’s tame concert scene.  Both San Diego’s ideal location and weather amplified the CRSSD Fest experience. Its sunny skies and proximity to Downtown and the marina provided CRSSD Fest with ample scenery. Within the festival, there was plenty of space to frolic and enjoy the music – which was loaded with impressive, high-caliber performances.

A notable performance by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem got the crowd dancing with an all vinyl DJ set. The first night closed with an exceptional set by Empire of the Sun, an Australian electronic duo known for their vibrant stage theatrics. Their costumes were even more elaborate on stage than in their videos thanks to CRSSD Fest’s impressive lighting and production. Other memorable sets were performed by Hot Natured, Kaytranada, Harvard Bass, Odesza, Lee K, and Chromeo. Even between these awesome sets, CRSSD did not resort to a generic dance playlist. Instead, it featured live DJ sets and fun crowd interactions to keep everyone amped up.

Each of the three well-spaced stages helped create their own unique atmosphere depending on what you prefer to listen to and do – dance, lounge around the fountain, mingle, or people watch. The diversity of the crowd did not disappoint. CRSSD definitely catered to a variety of festival goers – including the freaks you’d want to meet and the music-loving hooligans dressed in their festival best.

CRSSD Fest brought the view, the music, the people, and the food. Without a doubt, the festival made San Diegans proud, incorporating food from various local joints – including one of North Park’s favorite eateries, Soda and Swine. Representing San Diego’s brewing culture, CRSSD Fest had a lot of beers to choose from. Whether you’re a casual drinker or on the highest echelon of beer snobbery, CRSSD had your liquor fancies covered.

KSDT enjoyed coming out to this FNGRS CRSSD and Goldenvoice-promoted festival and looks forward to this becoming an annual San Diego event.