Rifflandia wrapped its very successful first week of programming on Saturday night, propelled to record attendance numbers with help from its new home base.
The new site, which borders Pembroke, Government, and Store streets, was used in a limited capacity last year but hosted the festival’s massive main stage for the first of two weekends of programming. The festival resumes Friday with The Park, the first of three days of events at Royal Athletic Park. Performers include Iggy Pop, Herbie Hancock, and Diplo.
It was next to impossible to take in all that Rifflandia had to offer. The atmosphere was akin to a carnival, with no shortage of activity on the ground and air. Art installations, and a popular geodesic dome dance tent accented by tech-heavy displays, were highlights. Organizers secured the groundbreaking services of Pixel Sky Animations, which decorated the sky above the mainstage with digital imagery from 180 drones on each of the three nights.
She was deceptively funny , and made several abrupt song changes during her set — usually a no-no in the DJ world. “Does anyone else here have ADHD?” she shouted, to a roar from the crowd. “You are my people!”