ILLENIUM Memorial Day Weekend at the Gorge

It was already opening weekend for the Gorge Amphitheater, and we were so excited to head over to Eastern Washington to get our Memorial Weekend party started. After two previous successful weekends ILLENIUM was returning to kick off the music season at one of the most breathtaking venues in the country. The third year in a row would be just as packed as the previous ones with this one having his special guest be Kaskade. Nicholas Miller‘s growing popularity skyrocketed even more with the release of his eponymous record ILLENIUM last year and his concerts are another level. Walking around and just looking at all the different merch people had on is something to enjoy and see. His famous logo around the Phoenix really stands out and the visuals incorporated into his music is an ongoing saga cleverly crafted.

We noticed the high winds on our way to the Gorge but didn’t think much about it until we got to the venue and were told that the event was paused due to the winds for safety concerns. After a short delay the music returned and there was time for people to make up their sets. Day 1 included sets from Kream, Blanke, Hvdes, Fairlane, and Cinema Kid before the anticipated stars of the night took the floor.

We were so stoked to catch Kaskade after ten years which is so hard to say. We can’t believe we saw him back at USC 12 opening for the legendary Prodigy at WAMU theater and then for his set at the intimate Showbox Market in 2009. It feels like such a different time, and we were looking to hear some old dance classics along with his new music. Kaskade’s collaboration with Deadmau5 as Kx5 produced one of our favorite records last year. They are coming to Vancouver July 6th for Fvded in the Park Festival and that is an event you don’t want to miss if you like dance music!

Kaskade started the set with the dreamy Kx5 hit, “Escape,” and the wind felt like a soft touch on our face as we heard the airy vocals by Hayla. His hour set included many songs that just kept us moving and realizing just how much we really like Kaskade. We danced as the night settled in and the music became louder through the gorge. Highlights were Morten’s “Good God,” “Eat Sleep,” “Alive” and the iconic “I Remember,” that brought us back right to the beginning and the reason we fell in love with his sound.

After an amazing set by Kaskade it was time for the main headliner to take the stage and we were ready. The intro video began, and some audio played along with it and then there were a few snips of his songs that we all love as ILLENIUM took the stage and welcomed everyone. Fireworks lit up the sky and pyro warmed the stage as “Starfall,” played on. Then he brought it down with a sing along of Halsey‘s “Without Me.” Highlights included “Takeaway,” “All That Really Matters,” “Story of My Life,” “Crawl Outta Love,” an emotional “With All My Heart,” that was accompanied by his violinist at the end that added so much to the sound. We enjoyed it every time she came out and played for us.

ILLENIUM went on to play a remix of Taylor Swift‘s “Anti-Hero” as we all looked at each other and admitted, ‘It’s me, Hi! I’m the problem it’s me!’ as he continued with his track with Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker, “Eyes Wide Shut.” There were so many great moments, and the dancing did not stop for a second. This is an event that is worth coming to every year because it’s different every time and the production and show is something unique. ILLENIUM plays different sets every night and he makes sure it’s crafted perfectly each time. This time around he had some special guests including Said the Sky who people were excited to see. As the night came to an end and the echoes of “Love Me A Little,” played on the show ended with fireworks in the sky and the promise of another great set completed.

The second day brought much better weather and more music from Two Friends, Ghengar, Level Up, BIJOU, Midnight Kids, and Paws. ILLENIUM finished the two-day festival changing his set up for night two but still mixing a good amount of his collaborations and remixes. We already can’t wait to return for the next one!