Electric Forest 2018 Weekend One: Recap & Photos

Words & Images by: Tim McGuire

Electric Forest – Weekend One :: 06.22-24.18
Double JJ Ranch :: Rothbury, MI

The 8th annual Electric Forest music festival commenced this weekend at Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury Michigan bringing together a wide array of electronic, jam, roots, soul and visual artists.

Opening the first day, Colorado’s SunSquabi debuted some fresh funky new material. Another early act to take the stage was Too Many Zooz, who packed the Carousel Club for an energetic start to the day. Speaking of energetic, Andy Frasco and the U.N. brought the heat while members of the band jumped around stage swapping instruments throughout.

The first performance of the Everyone Orchestra featured The String Cheese Incident’s Michael Travis on drums, The Werks guitarist Chris Houser, The Nth Power’s Nate Edgar on bass and Nick Cassarino on guitar, saxophonist Leo P and trumpeter Matt Doe of Too Many Zooz, multi-instrumentalist Asher Fulero of Emancipator Ensemble and producer Justin Jay. The crowd got into the collaborative action, chanting along with the band conducted by Matt Butler.

On day two, Mike Love got things going with his roots rock reggae vibes. Xavier Rudd and his band played a number of his classics including “Messages.” The second Everyone Orchestra performance brought together Umphrey’s McGee keyboardist Joel Cummins, Trey Anastasio Band vocalist/trombonist Natalie Cressman, BIG Something guitarist Jesse Hensley, The Werks drummer Rob Chafin, keyboardist Cory Henry, the Shook Twins and SunSquabi’s bassist Joshua Fairman. The crowd turned out in force and belted some soulful melodies along with the band.

Thundercat explored his “Tron Song” and “A Fan’s Mail (Tron Song II)” and dedicated his tune “Friend Zone” to all the video games fans in attendance. The String Cheese Incident’s Friday SoundLab set saw GRiZ join in for a Herbie Hancock cover. Everyone Orchestra’s Matt Butler guided the band into “Funk In A” and had the crowd saying “YES,” while Shook Twins came onstage to lead a cover of the classic Eurythmics song “Sweet Dreams.”

Later, GRiZ showcased his live band and gave gratitude to all the friends in the audience. During the set, GRiZ recited new lyrics to the crowd noting how he’s “Racing towards home, warmly touched by the sun / But never do I see myself as just one / I am only what I make to become.” The set closed with a thunderous rendition of The Isley Brothers’ “Shout.”

The third day saw Natalie Cressman and her band offer a selection of new ballads during their daytime set. Mysterious fairy riddles and hidden drop boxes continued to perplex the more adventurous and a large crowd investigated the Hanger’s Pawn Shop and Time Travel Agency. This year the event established the new Brainery stage with interactive workshops and massive lions overlooking the campers.

Other acts taking the various stages around the forest on Saturday included Turkuaz, Chromeo, The Dip and the headliner Bassnectar who showed off numerous styles and pulsating rhythms.

The final day of the first weekend of this year’s EF included a heavy performance by Manic Focus who ended their set with a standout rendition of “Hey Jude.” Minneapolis instrumental funk band PHO had the audience bouncing along to their well-received set. Sunday’s action also saw impressive performances by Aqueous, Sinkane, Boogie T and others.

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