Trance took over the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino over Thanksgiving weekend for the 2nd annual Dreamstate SoCal.
This year, Insomniac Events‘ Dreamstate was expanded from one to four stages. This resulted in the largest trance festival in North America. More than 60 artists from all over the world played to the crowds over two nights at Dreamstate SoCal.
While it was nice having the entire grounds of the NOS Event Center for the festival, it did lose some of the vibe that made the first Dreamstate so fun. We were all inside one giant hangar together last year sharing each beat. It really felt magical celebrating trance as a giant family. This year, I felt the vibe was lost a bit because the festival was so big. HOWEVER, when you immersed yourself at the front of a stage you could still feel and experience some magical moments AND those loving trance family vibes.
The Dream Stage was the “main stage” this year. The giant megastructure spanned 188 feet wide by 260 feet long. It featured nearly 1000 video tiles, 20 lasers, over 800 LED-lit fixtures and aerialists flying above the crowd. The “Dream” stage was also home to the Dream VIP deck. The VIP area was along the left side of the stage and featured a lounge with seating, kandi making station, hot chocolate bar, food trucks, private bar and bathrooms. It was the perfect spot to take a break away from the action. You could also get a great view of main stage from the private viewing area. It is totally worth it to splurge on a VIP ticket … trust me. My favorite set of the weekend at the Dream Stage was ATB. He threw down some classic tracks including his legendary song Till I Come. He worked up the crowd into euphoria. It was amazing.
The Vision Stage was located in the back hangar. It featured a brilliant array of colorful triangular designs and blasting CO2 jets. Futuristic dancers and LED-lit performers graced the stage as well. Some of my favorite sets here include Jorn Van Deynhoven, Simon Patterson and Standerwick. It was also nice to be inside the hangar as it kept you warm from the cold temperatures outside.
The rain and cold on Saturday didn’t dampen the party at all. I would say Dreamstate SoCal went off without a hitch as it made it’s mark as the largest trance massive in the United States. Coupled with Insomniac’s theatrical performers and immersive attention to detail, there was no doubt the event was a sure success and sign of exciting things to come for the Dreamstate brand.
The next Dreamstate destination will be in Mexico City on December 3 at Expo Santa Fe. Tickets are available here. Dreamstate also takes flight in San Francisco and London next year. You won’t want to miss these shows.
Insomniac invites you and your fam back to the NOS Events Center to ring in the New Year at their expanded two-night celebration, Countdown NYE. Visit CountdownNYE.com for more information on the lineup and remaining tickets.
Finally, thanks to Insomniac for having us out. We’ll see you soon!
-Jared
