My picks for Spring Awakening 2017

Spring Awakening Music Festival has evolved over the past few years, bringing in people from all over the world to experience what Chicagoans have grown to love and look forward to each summer. Spring Awakening is slated for Friday, June 9th to Sunday, June 11th. Marking its second year in Addams/Medill Park, the EDM-focused festival offers several branded stages and several DJs, producers and electronic artists from around the globe.

This year’s killer lineup includes acts from Armin van Buuren to Diplo, Lane 8 to Afrojack, Thomas Jack to Audien and many more! Besides the main stage acts, curated stages from Trance Arena, to deep house record label Anjunadeep, Bass Kitchen, Body Language, Sunday School and Dancing Astronaut confirm that every side of electronic music is well represented for everyone.

With so many acts who do you go see? There’s definitely someone for everyone to dance to but here are my top picks to get your mind thinking.

My top pick for Friday is Armin van Buuren. He’s a trance legend and my all-time favorite DJ. It’s always interesting to see him play because I often wonder if he’ll play a classic trance set, or go the mainstream route. Let’s hope for a classic one but regardless, you know how it is when you see your favorite DJ perform. Just magical and to top that, it was just announced, he is the special guest for Saturday at the Trance Arena as well!!! Back to back days with Armin! My next pick for Friday would be Sander van Doorn. I’ve never seen him and been disappointed that’s for sure. He has always had me at awe with his amazing sets and kept me dancing the entire time. He has great tracks such as “Not Alone”, “Gold Skies” with Martin Garrix and DVBBS featuring Aleesia, and “Nothing Inside”. His  progressive house/tech trance transitions will keep you dancing and excited during his set. If you’re looking to get groovy to some tropical house tunes, Thomas Jack is your go to guy. As of recently however, he has taken a big step away from his signature beachside sound and a dive deeper into the world of house music. Will he bring on the deep house or the sunshine for his Spring Awakening set?

Saturday is the big day for me and has my favorite lineup by far. You shall find me bouncing back and forth from the Trance Arena to the Anjunadeep Stage. There are several great names to see Saturday, Zhu, Robin Schulz, Yotto and Excision. One person to check out in you’re into trance is Chicago Trance DJ Ratanjit Gupta. Talk about feels when performing and being a Chi town resident, I’m sure he has some great surprises up his sleeve!

Sundays headliners for me consists of Duke Dumont, Martin Garrix, Griz and Head Hunterz. Last time I saw Headhunterz I was stomping around to his hardstyle beats but since then, he has stepped away from that genre so it will be interesting to see his new style.

Like I mentioned before, there is a stage for everyone so either way you won’t be disappointed. The wonderful thing about festivals is you get the chance to discover new music. Step away from your norm and check out someone you would have never seen. Who knows, you may just find a new favorite!

To check out the Spring Awakening after parties, check out the link here to purchase your after party tickets.