Music lovers Connect in Besant

The 12th annual Connect outdoor electronic music festival may not have been as big as Woodstock, but Besant Park sure looked a lot like Max Yasgur's dairy farm on the weekend.
About 1,000 people attended the four-day event, travelling from as far away as Ontario and Nova Scotia to hear some of the most prominent house, trance and techno DJs from North America and Europe.
"Thing are going really well," Craig Sisk, stage manager and resident Connect performer said Saturday between sets.
"We had a bit of rain (Friday) night, but it didn't deter anyone. They just kept right on dancing."
More rain Monday didn't dampen the spirits of festival-goers, who relished in the downpour while enjoying shows by beatboxer Kid Beyond and DJGreg Eversoul.
Besides a few raindrops, the only other problem at the festival was an incorrect sound system delivered to the event Friday, delaying performances that night by about two hours.
"We got what we needed and it all worked out," said Sisk. "The DJs just played shorter sets and I don't really think anyone noticed."
Regina's Melissa Dunlop, who attended Connect with friends, said putting up with rain and the occasional delay was worth it for the chance to hear live performances by legendary DJs Mr. C, Deadmau5, Czech and Jereme Oliver.
"It was pretty freakin' awesome," she said. "This is the first outdoor event I've been to and I loved every minute of it."
Music on the main stage and a smaller, more intimate second stage, started everyday around noon and continued until 7 a.m. the next morning.
Those attending the festival usually retired to tents around 8 a.m., often sleeping until late afternoon, then waking, showering and grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading back out to dance the night away.
Tents were arranged in small villages, some decorated with Christmas lights and streamers, others equipped with their own turntables and sound systems.
"You meet a lot of people here, that's for sure," said Dunlop. "It's just a really awesome weekend."
As for the performers themselves, Sisk said most have been attending Connect - on and off - since it began in 1995.
He said they like the positive atmosphere and seeing what's new on the electronic music scene.
"There's definitely a wide range of music," he said. "We focus on bringing in quality people who have a really great sound."

Lacey Sheppy can be reached
at 691-1258.


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