The inaugural Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Chicago kicked off at the Chicagoland Speedway yesterday.
Over 20,000 fans assembled under the electric daisy to explore music spread across five stages that included performances by Kaskade, David Guetta, Morgan Page, Above & Beyond, Danny Avila, Gareth Emery, Feed Me, Martin Solveig, Headhunterz, and more.
The event also included theatrical performers, a surprise appearance by the Redbull Skydiving team as well as Insomniac’s signature interactive art installations, full-scale carnival rides and a stunning fireworks display to close the evening (video below).
Day one of the festival did bring some noise complaints from neighbors in the rural location.
Insomniac responded by lowering volumes on the stages by 33% and are planning to move the fireworks show to an earlier time to reduce late night noise.
“When Insomniac produces shows in suburban areas we are always sensitive to the needs of the local community,” read a statement released today by the production group.
Some festival attendees commented on the extreme volume levels, sharing reports of car alarms going off five miles away from the venue and bass resonating up to 15 miles away.
“I thought the volume was extremely loud all night,” said attendee Derek M. “[It was] probably he loudest I have ever heard at any festival, ever. I couldn’t get anywhere near the stages because [the sound] was mind-rattling.”
But some neighbors happily welcome the sounds of the weekend.
“I live a mile to the east of the race track [and] last night my house started rattling,” said local resident Dan O’Sullivan Sr. via Facebook. “I sat on my front porch in total awe soaking in the bass. I am 44 and I love the fact that EDC is here! Raise the volume tonight guys! Three days out of 365 ain’t gonna hurt anyone!”
Gates open for day two of EDC Chicago today at 5 p.m. The music continues until 4 a.m.
Snaps: EDC Chicago Day 1
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Erik Kabik/Retna
Photo by Life After Dusk
Photo by Life After Dusk
Photo by Life After Dusk
Photo by Life After Dusk
Video: Fireworks Display
Video by Derek M.
