San Diego’s known for its alternative rock scene. This year, owners Ernie Hahn and Paul Thornton have decided to revamp the music scene with Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival. Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival is taking place in none other than Seaport Village and surrounding areas. With 7 musical stages and 100+ bands playing at the first ever Wonderfront, it definitely attracted local people as well as out of state and country.
On today’s agenda, we had bands and singers from every genre. Acts today included, Bad Suns, CNCO, Duckworth, and headliners, Miguel, Don Omar, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, and STS9. Kicking off the first annual Wonderfront festival, Bad Suns were the first act to play while doors opened. Because it was opening day and bright early, unfortunately, Bad Suns did not have a big amount of people in the crowd. Although, they had about four people who woke up early just to be barricade! All the energy radiated from those specific four people who were the loudest! Starting the set with Away We Go, this iconic Los Angeles band sang all kinds of top hit songs such as Daft Pretty Boys, Heartbreaker, and Cardiac Arrest. Bad Suns energy was through the roof. They sang their hearts out and had an overall amazing time performing for San Diego locals.
On to the Univision stage where most of the latin performers were performing, Ximena Sariñana was next to perform! As it got closer to her performances, all kinds of people started to arrive to see her set! Sariñana’s stage setup was the absolute cutest! Filled with balloons and all kinds of blow-up toys, she definitely related to the theme of being by the beach! As Sariñana started, she began her set with her hit single from her newest album ¿Dónde Bailarán las Niñas? , Si Tu Te Vas . The crowd instantly began to sing all with her and completely lit up the venue. Other songs she performed from her latest album was Lo Bailado and Cobarde. Her fans were an absolute pleasure to watch sing back to her. She was the most giggliest person up on stage and her presence was like no other. As she closed her set, she ended with Mis Sentimientos featuring Los Angeles Azules. Both Mexico City residents came out with a duet song, Mis Sentimientos . As she closed her set with this song, everyone standing began to dance Cumbia! Her performance was phenomenal and the crowd was equally energetic as her!
As Sariñana came off stage, the crowd began to make it’s exist, expect for everyone who was prepared to see one of Mexico’s biggest spanish boy bands, CNCO! All of the GA area began to fill with crazed and excited girls! CNCO is the latest latin boy band sensation! Getting their careers started on La Banda , they have since grew an immense amount of fanatics. Minutes before the boy band hit the stage, the crowd began to chant their name, making them come out a bit early. CNCO hit the stage and started their set with Hey DJ! The songs they performed were from all of their three different albums, Primera Cita, CNCO, and Que Quienes Somos. All top hits were performed such as Reggeton Lento and De Cero. The crowd is what makes or breaks the energy of an artist! The crowd definitely made CNCO’s energy unbelievable. The stage presence these boys hold is insane and highly recommend to see this latin boy band live!
As you switch stages at Wonderfront, you hear different genres! I decided to head to the KUSI stage and photograph Aminé. To start, the photo pit was absolutely full. Never have I dealt with such a crowded photo pit but the experience was worth it! The crowd was absolutely filled all the way to the back of the general admission pit. The anticipation for Aminé was more than what I had expected. Crazed fans on the barricade began to chant for Aminé has his set was delayed by 15 minutes. The crowd was more than ready to see Aminé himself perform! His DJ began to hype the crowd up by making everyone chant for Aminé. As he walked out, the crowd went absolutely ballistic. He began his set with YELLOW. As his set went along, Aminé hit the crowd with nostalgia. He sang his top throwback songs such as REDMERCEDES, Caroline, and Heebiejeebes! I have never seen any performer pump a crowd up and end in such awe, than Aminé!
One of the headlining acts for Friday was none other than Don Omar. Don Omar is known for paving the way towards Reggaeton music! Hailing from Puerto Rico, Don Omar is considered to be one of the first few to make history with Reggaeton music! Although Don Omar had his latest album The Last Album out, he only sang throwback hits that everyone wanted to hear! Nostalgia was definitely present in the room. The crowd was absolutely more than ready to receive El Rey of Reggaeton music. Most of his songs he performed were from the infamous Meet The Orphans album released in 2010. He sang songs such as Hasta Abajo, Taboo, Huerfano De Amor, and ending with one of the most iconic songs in Reggaeton music, Danza Kuduro. The crowd sure had the time of their lives. Everyone dancing and having an absolute blast with Don Omar. By far, the most loudest crowd was for Don Omar. His set was very entertaining.
Friday was definitely full of many amazing acts. Although I didn’t not get to catch everyone, Wonderfront made history with just the first day! The next two days are going to be insane!
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