CRSSD kicked off an incredible festival season for 2018. The three-year old music gathering showcased a variety of talent, from electronic bands like Gorgon City and Bonobo to tech house producers like Sasha and Mark Knight. Located in San Diego’s Waterfront Park, the festival drew about 15,000 attendees per day. This is definitely one of California’s smaller music festivals, however the size was completely refreshing. The three stages were conveniently close to one another so you could easily bop around from stage to stage. Melodic house and live sets were held at the main stage Ocean View, but if you wanted something a little darker and deeper, City Steps was the place to go. The Palms brought the Dirtybird vibes featuring artists likes Shiba San and Kyle Watson. The stage also embraced a tropical, jungle essence with vine-laced towers and colorful sun umbrellas. From the music, the festive décor, to the flowing water fountain – there was something that could draw you in whichever way you turned.

I was really impressed by the wide selection of beers and food vendors that were brought out for the weekend. There were almost 15 different beers including IPA, craft, lager, you name it. The festival also had plenty of vegan options from the Impossible Burger to tasty Indian cuisines; it was a delight. Now back to the music.

SNBRN electrified the dance floor with his vibrating beats and consistent grooves. He dropped crowd favorites like his track with Strange Club called, “Melrose” and Jax Jones’ “House Work”. Kaleena Zanders joined SNBRN for most of his set as an invigorating live performer and MC that injected pure energy into the crowd. I was ecstatic to hear them perform “California” together live.

Foreign Family Collective producer, Jai Wolf enchanted the crowd with his majestic set that hit right before sunset. The New York based artist performed hit singles like his remix of “Feels” by Kiiara, his original “Starlight”, and tracks from his latest EP Kindred Spirits. The Wolf stepped up his visuals with vibrant images reflecting pink, purple and orange colors which embraced the sunset scenery. Jai Wolf closed his set at the Ocean View stage with the unforgettable “Indian Summer;” leaving the crowd with pure bliss and happiness.

Billy Kenny lit up the Palms Stage with some House, Techno, UK Garage and his own mix of random jaunty tracks. He even mixed in Ginuwine’s “Pony” for a hot second. Kenny played whatever he wanted and it worked. The British producer and Dirtybird recording artist is known for his light-hearted, bassy songs that are intertwined with bizarre thuds, swishes and echoes that will make you smile and endlessly groove. A perfect example is Billy Kenny’s recent Seahorses EP that was released under his own production imprint, This Ain’t Bristol. Kenny is definitely an artist to hear live the next chance you get!

This is only a taste of the talented and eclectic artists that performed on March 3 & 4 2018. Check out the stacked line-up here. The performers were not the only ones that brought the good vibes; the crowd produced positive and liberating energy the entire weekend that further enlightened the mood and overall experience. CRSSD’s seventh edition was an impactful take away that we’ll all keep with us forever. If you missed out, I’d definitely consider CRSSD’s Fall event this September 2018. Peep ticket details below.

Tickets: CRSSD Festival 9/29/18

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