Since the inception of Spring Scream, other promoters have been riding Jimi Moe and Wade Davis’ coattails and throwing their own massive parties in Kenting during the Tomb Sweeping holiday. Some events blow up and everyone has an amazing weekend, others fizzle and the investors lose their shirts. Even though this is a shorter weekend, there is still an overabundance of amusement for the masses. Partygoers should be aware that last year there was plenty of promotion for Fat Joe and GZA from the Wu-Tang Clan, but when it came time for their performance neither of them showed up. All artist and band schedules are subject to change at the last minute.
The biggest non-Spring Scream event in the dirty south is the 48 Hour ReNu Hipstival, with Evil Nine, LA Riots, Aquasky, Felix Cartal, Atomic Hooligan, Rogue Element and Anderson Noise, as well as local favorites Go Chic, DJ Mykal (林哲儀), Freaky Squeaker and the Swank DJs, Gareth Jones and Matty D. In a phone interview, Matty D said that this is the place to be over the weekend. “The ReNu festival has seven international DJs, a huge sound system, wicked stage and amazing VJs. These guys are the hottest producers in the nu-disco and indie dance-rock scene.”
The Spring Wave Music Festival 2009 goes with popular Taiwanese bands during the day at one site and electronic artists late-night at another. Headlined by Taiwanese rock ’n’ roll luminaries Wu Bai and China Blue, Spring Wave also boasts former Spring Scream mainstays Mayday (五月天), popular indie-folk act Sodagreen (蘇打綠), as well as many others.
When the sun goes down, the electronic beats get turned up at Spring Wave. Andy Moor, who wears number 18 in the world on his DJ uniform, is one of the most influential DJs and producers in the dance music industry today. Opening up for Moor will be Yahel, an Israeli progressive trance DJ who tours the globe all year round. Two of the most creative local producers round out this underrated bill, DJ SL and Blueman. SL will be performing with Lo Tanghsuan (羅堂軒) who is a master of the erhu, sometimes known as the “Chinese violin.” Blueman’s time behind the ones and twos is packed with guest appearances because he will incorporate Dizzy Butterfly, Maria Ozawa in Sofa Shakedown (小澤瑪麗亞), as well as Unfamiliar Friends Party into his creative set.
48 Hour ReNu Hipstival (NT$1,000 entry fee) is at Hengchun Airport (恆春機場).
Spring Wave Music Festival — Rock and Roll (NT$1,300 entry fee) is at Maobitou Park (貓鼻頭公園).
Spring Wave Music Festival — Electronic (NT$1,300 entry fee) is at Hengchun Airport.
On the Net: To view a comprehensive interactive map of Spring Scream weekend parties (Chinese only), go to www.uukt.idv.tw/spring-map.htm
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