From what I remember, this was one of the most enjoyable nights out where tons of people, lights, stages, performers, fireworks, open bars and music were involved. Now, let me qualify the 'from what I remember' part of this statement. Unlike last year where I went to various stages to listen to different artists perform, this year, I was basically stationed at the main stage for most of the show, only leaving once to go check out The Crystal Method.

For what it's worth, this is the second year in a row that I have left the Electric Daisy Carnival, saying that the promoters and coordinators need to pat themselves on the back for an outstanding event. Everything was laid out well and you truly felt like you were part of just this large party. The only setbacks I would say would be the VIP bathroom situation (stepping in what you think is a puddle is never fun) and the fact that they actually had to shut down the main stage for what seemed like eternity because of some malfunction on stage -- when you have 1000s of party revelers in your crowd, you don't EVAR want to stop the flow of beats.

The Electric Daisy Carnival was a 2-day event taking place this past Friday and Saturday at the LA Coliseum/Sports Arena area of Downtown Los Angeles. There was a group of four who went because we were celebrating (well turns out we were celebrating) my buddy getting himself a new job. We decided to hit up the Saturday show, VIP style! With that stress off his back he wanted to get out and fully have fun... which he did... til I had to hold him up on the way to his car, take off his shoes when he got home and made sure he slept well. Ended up missing Paul Van Dyk because of it, but my friend's health and well-being comes first folks.

When we arrived, getting our tickets was quite easy. They had a booth setup where they swiped your credit card and gave you your tickets. Smartly, they setup the VIP entrance right next to the VIP will-call. Once inside you had to go to one more table to get a wristband for alcohol. From there we headed straight to the VIP area. Let me tell you, unlike Monster Massive, The EDC does their VIP area fantastic. There were plush couches, free photography, open bar and a great view of the main stage as performers lit up the nights. When we arrived we managed to catch the latter half of Kaskade's [zune.net] main stage set. Kaskade is one of my favorite house music artists so getting to hear some of his stuff was great.

Now, it's at this point, I couldn't tell you who was playing the main stage anymore. My friends and I made the mistake of not picking up a schedule anywhere so we didn't know who was playing what when. However, it did help that I managed to run into Jessica (Zahn, from the Zune team) and her friends. They had setup shop in this one corner of the arena, so we made ourselves home there and hung out with them. Much like last year, being around those guys made the experience that much more fun. These were a group of people who knew their music, knew their artists and were there to have fun and hear beats -- unlike some people I saw there who seemed to only be there so they could say they were there (ya know what I mean?)

Thanks to Jessica, I was able to check out The Crystal Method [zune.net] live. What had happened was that a voice came over the loudspeaker at the main stage and said that 'Due to circumstances they had to put the main stage on hiatus while they fix some issues'. To make up for the lost sound, some of us went to see Crystal Method's set. Now I hadn't really heard them live and I have to tell you, it was rocking! These two men were on the stage giving everyone an awesome show. Now unfortunately, while we were at the Crystal Method performance, they managed to get the sound working again at the main stage. To make up for everyone's lost them they launched their special fireworks show. From where I was standing it looked very good -- not Disneyland "Dreams" good, but good nonetheless.

Like I said, unfortunately, I didn't get to stay for the Paul Van Dyk finale -- as my buddy realized that having 4 drinks with every bar trip can come back to haunt you, so I made sure that he got home safe and sound. However, I will say that for the time I was there the Electric Daisy really did themselves, the participants and party people proud -- outside of that one crazy 'technical difficulties' glitch.

It was also interesting that right before this whole event started, they announced that their doing a third event this year. The first one took place in Colorado, the second one was in Los Angeles and their newest one, in August, will take place in Puerto Rico (yeah, I want to go too!). If you ever get a chance to attend this event -- and if you're a fan of electronic, I suggest you do! -- then know a couple of things: 1) Get VIP tickets. Yeah, they're a little  more expensive, but you'll thank yourself later, 2) Be wary of the bathrooms. Men, you sure know how to make something visually appear unsanitary, don't you!?, 3) Pace your trips to the bar. Yes, it's an open bar, but you do want to outlast the show don't you? and finally have fun (but that probably goes without saying).

I'm pretty sure that I'll do this event again next year. For two solid years I've gotten a solid show. When I think about Monster Massive back in October of last year, I'm starting to think that Insomniac (the folks who do EDC) need to speak with the coordinators of Monster Massive and let them know how it's done.

Kudos to the Electric Daisy Carnival for a job well done!