Photo by Chris Lazzarro, Freedom Film LLC
Brooklyn may have reached sweltering temperatures of over 100 degrees last Saturday, but organizers and attendees of the second annual Elements Music and Arts Festival managed to keep their cool. This year’s event was an expanded version of the 2015 debut, featuring four larger stages, more fanfare and an impressive lineup of heavy hitting artists.
The Earth Stage was consistently packed as artists like Melbourne-based Glitch Hop producer OPIUO, deep house diva Mija and trap man Ghastly unleashed even more heat on the sopping crowd. The renowned Desert Hearts Crew dominated the Fire Stage for most of the day, while house staples from Claptone to Blondish kept it steamy at the Air and Water Stages. When it was time to cool down, guests could seek shelter in dark coves and shaded structures, or they could seek refuge in the firing line of the ample on-site hoses and water stations. Aerialists, circus performers, fire breathers (God bless you crazy souls) and costumed dancers brought unparalleled energy and added a one-of-a-kind flair to the visually spectacular event. While the Earth Stage experienced some sound issues throughout the day, most of the flaws had subsided by the time the party reached its peak. Gramatik’s live headlining set was thrilling as always, as the Brooklyn-based producer brought the funk and selections from his newest album, Epigram (which you can download for free via his website HERE), with the help of his always jammin’ guitarist.
Photo by Tony Colasurdo, Tony Colasurdo Photography
The excellent turnout, despite the extreme weather conditions, was a reminder of how BangOnNYC has permeated New York’s underground music scene. Taking place at a location that is not easily accessible, and occurring on a day when conditions were less then desirable, the celebrated event series still managed to throw a top-notch party that had people raving more about the production than their pit stains.
Photo by Tod Seelie
BangOnNYC still has two major parties in the works for 2016. Their annual Warehouse of Horrors event will return to Brooklyn over Halloween weekend, and fans will also have a chance to ring in the New Year with an over the top end of year celebration. Learn more by visiting their official website, HERE.