As the sun set over the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, festival-goers at the 2023 Cascade Equinox Festival in Redmond, Oregon, eagerly embraced the promise of a weekend filled with magic. From September 22 to September 24, 2023, this cross-genre camping fest brought together music enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers for a weekend that would be etched in their memories forever.
Friday
The weekend kicked off with a sense of anticipation as festival-goers settled into their campgrounds, ready to embrace the magic that Cascade Equinox had in store. The festival’s relatively small size was a welcome change, making navigation a breeze and allowing attendees to pop in and out of performances with ease. It was an intimate and communal atmosphere, where making friends with fellow festival-goers became a cherished ritual, and the close-knit community vibe set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
Friday evening was all about immersing oneself in the festival vibes. The journey began in The Grove, a haven of craft beverages, artisan treasures, and good company, where making new friends and sharing stories of past adventures was the norm. As the sun set in the background, the Main Squeeze graced the stage, setting the tone with soulful grooves. Their performance was followed by the electrifying beats of Manic Focus, paving the way for Big Wild’s mesmerizing show.
Friday night at the Tilt Stage was an electrifying spectacle. Opiuo, the New Zealand-born electronic music maestro, took the stage and unleashed a set that left the audience in awe. His unique blend of glitch-hop, funk, and bass-heavy beats was a sonic journey like no other. The crowd couldn’t resist the infectious rhythms, transforming the warehouse dance floor into a sea of ecstatic movement. Opiuo’s performance was a masterclass in live electronic music production, seamlessly weaving together intricate soundscapes with live instruments and cutting-edge technology. The visuals, resembling a kaleidoscope of lights and projections, added an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
Saturday
Saturday brought a change in flavor to the festival. The Equinox Stage took the spotlight, with High Step Society taking the stage, and they were nothing short of a revelation. Their fusion of electro-swing and jazz-infused beats had the crowd swinging and swaying in a delightful juxtaposition of the old and the new. High Step Society’s performance was a joyful and infectious experience. The combination of vintage instruments like horns and clarinets with modern electronic elements created a sonic tapestry that was impossible to resist. The band’s energy was contagious, and the audience couldn’t help but get lost in the exuberant melodies and infectious rhythms.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on Saturday, Pretty Lights took the stage, delivering a mesmerizing performance with visuals, beats, and an electrifying atmosphere that the fans had hoped for. However, as the night went on, technical difficulties threw a wrench in the gears. Yet, the true artistry of an artist lies in their adaptability, and Pretty Lights navigated through the hiccups with charisma and flexibility, leaving the audience in awe.
Sunday
Sunday brought rain, making the festival grounds quieter as everyone wound down from the electrifying Saturday night. However, this change in weather created a different kind of magic. As the rain gently drizzled down on Sunday evening, Trevor Hall took the stage and delivered a performance that was nothing short of enchanting. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as the raindrops provided a soothing backdrop to his music.
Trevor Hall’s set was a masterclass in creating a relaxing, lush, and soothing atmosphere. His soulful acoustic melodies, combined with heartfelt lyrics, resonated with the audience, creating a sense of serenity amidst the rainy evening. The crowd, huddled under umbrellas and rain ponchos, swayed gently to the rhythm, as if the weather had become an integral part of the performance.
Trevor Hall’s music served as a soothing balm for the weary souls, bringing a sense of unity and tranquility to the festival-goers. It was a moment of respite, a chance to reflect, and a reminder of the power of music to heal and uplift.
As the festival drew to a close, the Cascade Equinox experience left its mark, not just for the music, but for the sense of community, adventure, and resilience that defined the weekend. Despite the challenges, the artists and the attendees came together to create a memorable and unforgettable inaugural edition. Cascade Equinox had arrived and carved its own space in the festival scene for years to come.
