Behold the dawn of the Cascade Equinox Festival—a epic new celebration of music, unity, and nature in the heart of Redmond, Oregon. Brought to life by seasoned festival organizations, Gem & Jam, and 4 Peaks Presents, this cross-genre camping festival sprawls across the breathtaking, 340-acre expanse of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
With plenty of accommodation options available, you can tailor your festival journey just the way you like it. Whether it’s the comfort of an off-site hotel package or the intimacy of on-site camping, the Cascade Equinox Festival has got you covered. For those seeking a closer communion with nature, choose from basic camping spots, car camping, or bring your RV to one of the designated areas.
For those desiring an added touch of luxury, the Alpenglow Campground presents a platter of indulgences. Revel in a suite of private amenities including parking, daily yoga and meditation sessions, a private bar, and a charging station to keep you connected. There’s even a daily happy hour and a shaded community lounge with a fire pit—the ideal backdrop for festival tales under the starlit sky.
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The Cascade Equinox Festival brings to you a musical feast that’s as varied as the stunning landscape. From shining a spotlight on local talent on a dedicated stage to hosting world-renowned acts such as Pretty Lights—coming out of a five-year hiatus—the sonic spectrum here is eclectic and electrifying. Electro, jam, funk, soul, bluegrass—all under one room.
But the fun doesn’t stop at music. Taste the region’s finest beers and wines, marvel at interactive art installations, unwind at the healing sanctuary, or get lost in a world of carnival rides, culinary commons, and vendor marketplaces. Scheduled for September 22-24, 2023, the Cascade Equinox Festival offers a medley of memories just waiting to be made. Don’t miss this grand musical spectacle—it promises to leave an unforgettable echo in your heart.
To celebrate the upcoming festival experience, we’ve highlighted 8 artists you simply must-see to escape FOMO and have the full-blown experience that Cascade Equinox Festival has to offer.
Pretty Lights
Pretty Lights is a captivating musical project renowned for its mesmerizing blend of electronic sounds, evocative samples, modular synthesizers, and live musicianship. With intricate sonic tapestries and breathtaking light shows, Pretty Lights transports audiences to cosmic realms, effortlessly weaving together the past and future into a vibrant present moment.
After a compelling five-year hiatus, Pretty Lights has returned with a groundbreaking inter-dimensional soundship spacesystem. This extraordinary vessel is powered by frequencies and designed to facilitate improvisational and expressive performances, collaborating with fellow industry experts across various musical and visual mediums. The live show network enables the real-time exchange of data and control signals, creating an interconnected space for boundless experimentation and limitless creativity.
Drawing inspiration from a fusion of dubtronic, hiphop, techno, futurepast, and soul influences, Pretty Lights delivers a truly unique audiovisual experience. Spectrally driven light shows, non-timecoded fully generative visual systems, and interconnected data networks unite his team across mediums, unveiling an abundance of new live music and transcendent moments.
Regarding the upcoming shows, Derek Vincent Smith, the visionary behind Pretty Lights, shares, “This tour is an exploration of the boundless creativity that flourishes when the vibes are elevated and the energies harmonize. Over the past five years, I have immersed myself in experimentation, recharging, and collaborating with the exceptional individuals who will accompany me on these shows. Together, we have cultivated a crew and a performance where even the sky cannot limit our ambitions. Pretty Lights feels revitalized and ready to be shared with our devoted fans.”
Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey with Pretty Lights, where music, visuals, and collective energy converge to create an awe-inspiring experience that transcends boundaries and ignites the imagination.
Frameworks
British electronic producer Frameworks, also known as Matthew Brewer, has earned acclaim for his captivating productions that absolutely satisfy music lovers, particularly those with a penchant for lush blossoming strings, pulsating basslines, and haunting vocals. Throughout his career, Matthew has embraced a philosophy of continual growth, constantly expanding his ideas and evolving his production style. His collaborations with esteemed artists such as JP Cooper from Island Records and Jono McCleery from Ninja Tune serve as a testament to his impressive body of work.
With a keen ear for warm and emotive melodies, Frameworks weaves intricate sonic tapestries that draw listeners into a world of sonic exploration. His compositions effortlessly blend organic elements with electronic textures, creating a sonic landscape that is both immersive and evocative. The interplay between delicate strings, pulsating basslines, and ethereal vocals showcases his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a unique sonic atmosphere.
Of The Trees
Portland, Maine-raised, Colorado-based talent Of The Trees, led by the talented Tyler Coombs, has become a prominent figure in the realm of electronic music. With a deep-rooted passion for creating captivating audio-visual journeys, Coombs has garnered widespread recognition for his unique brand of organic bass music. While his musical journey spans over a decade, it was in 2015 that he truly caught the attention of the electronic world.
The sonic landscapes crafted by Of The Trees encompass a diverse range of styles, spanning from dubstep to glitch hop. Within his extensive catalog, Coombs seamlessly integrates expansive chords, sweeping synth stabs, and an abundance of 808 percussion. The result is a beautiful fusion of sounds that moves listeners and commands their attention.
However, it is through his remarkable audiovisual performances that Of The Trees truly shines. Pushing the boundaries of live electronic music, Coombs meticulously plans each element of his sets with unwavering intention, precision, and expertise. The result is an immersive experience that goes beyond the auditory realm, captivating and seducing the senses of those fortunate enough to witness it.
With an unwavering dedication to his craft and an unyielding passion for pushing creative boundaries, Of The Trees has established himself as an artist at the forefront of the electronic music scene. Through his innovative approach to sound and captivating live performances, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying his position as a true trailblazer in the world of organic bass music.
LP Giobbi (Dead House Set)
Elevating the dance music scene with her extraordinary talent, LP Giobbi is a multi-faceted artist who is swiftly ascending to superstar status. With over 102 million streams across platforms and acclaimed titles such as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador and Spotify RADAR’s Artist to Watch, she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
LP Giobbi burst onto the scene in 2018, captivating audiences with her distinctive “one-woman jam band” DJ sets. Her performances are a seamless blend of decks, live piano, and sampling, creating an exhilarating fusion of sounds. From renowned festivals like Coachella, EDC, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Tomorrowland, Electric Forest, to prestigious venues such as Fabric in London, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, and Amnesia and Ushuaïa in Ibiza, she has graced stages worldwide, leaving an indelible impression.
Sharing stages with legendary artists like Pete Tong, Fatboy Slim, Diplo, Mochakk, DJ Tennis, Dead & Co, and Sofi Tukker, LP Giobbi has proven her ability to command the spotlight alongside icons of the industry. Her remarkable performances have garnered widespread recognition, earning her a nomination for Breakthrough Producer in DJ Mag’s Best of North America Awards. Additionally, she was featured on the cover of Spotify’s Best of Electronic Music 2022, solidifying her status as an influential artist in the genre.
Beyond her musical prowess, LP Giobbi is committed to making a meaningful impact. She is determined to challenge the industry’s gender imbalance, actively working to change the statistic that only 2% of producers are women. Through her nonprofit organization FEMME HOUSE, she has provided invaluable opportunities to thousands of female and gender-expansive individuals. Her initiatives include production workshops, online courses, and scholarship programs specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC creators.
LP Giobbi unveiled her highly anticipated debut album, “Light Places,” on May 12, 2023, under Ninja Tune’s Counter Records. In January 2023, she showcased her remarkable talent through an official remix of Jerry Garcia’s 1972 solo debut, “Garcia,” masterfully reimagining the entire album.
With her unmatched talent, unyielding passion, and commitment to empowering others, LP Giobbi is undeniably a rising star who continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.
Maddy O’Neal
Maddy O’Neal’s music is a harmonious blend of genres, showcasing a captivating fusion of soundscapes. With a rich tapestry of textures and atmospheric elements, her compositions reflect her roots in funk and soul, seamlessly intertwined with a bed of powerful low-end frequencies. This unique sonic environment serves as a foundation for her exploration of future bass and synth design. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Maddy draws inspiration from the electro-soul scene, infusing her productions with a distinct flavor that sets her apart in the bass community.
As a self-taught producer and DJ, Maddy’s artistic expression is a product of her wildly creative upbringing. Her soulful melodic overtones, driven basslines, and glitched-out hip-hop grooves shape her musical identity. In her live performances, she showcases her original compositions, utilizing drum pads and weaving together an epic narrative that encompasses everything from grimey bangers to shimmering mid-tempo vocal bass tracks and infectious disco-infused head-nodders. With an unstoppable momentum, Maddy has toured extensively across the country for the past five years, delivering over 90 shows annually and spreading her infectious energy from one stage to the next.
Maddy’s discography boasts impressive achievements, including hits like “Zest Please,” a collaboration with the iconic Clozee that garnered over 2 million Spotify plays in just one year. With four EPs, a remarkable sophomore LP titled “Ricochet” in 2022, followed by two volumes of remix albums, she continues to expand her repertoire, leaving fans worldwide eagerly awaiting her next release.
Having graced the stages of esteemed festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Lost Lands, Electric Forest, Envision, Summer Camp, North Coast, and Red Rocks (x3), Maddy O’Neal has solidified her place as a sought-after performer. Supporting renowned artists like Clozee, Pretty Lights, GRiZ, Big Gigantic, Liquid Stranger, The Floozies, Opiuo, Wreckno, STS9, Manic Focus, and many others, she has amassed an impressive touring resume.
As the summer approaches, Maddy O’Neal is set to deliver notable performances at renowned festivals including Bonnaroo, Cascade, SSBD, Sonic Bloom, and more. Her captivating fusion of beautifully dirty funky bass music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an enduring impact on the hearts and souls of listeners everywhere.
Manic Focus
Manic Focus is the electronic music brainchild of John “JmaC” McCarten, a Denver-based producer renowned for his dynamic sound spanning funk, soul, and hip-hop. With a unique and raucous style that transcends genres, Manic Focus combines soulful blues with hard-hitting bass, creating a distinct vibe that is entirely his own.
Originally from the Twin Cities, JmaC’s musical journey began with classical piano lessons in his formative years, laying the foundation for his future in beat production. As a teenager, his passion for hip-hop grew, drawing inspiration from influential artists such as Atmosphere, Brother Ali, and MF Doom. JmaC started producing hip-hop music using Logic software during high school, crafting beats for his friends to rap over. Later on, he transitioned into electronic music, melding his love for hip-hop with electronic sound design and future bass influences.
Over the past decade, JmaC has released many full-length albums, each showcasing a new evolution in sound and approach. Since then, JmaC has released many singles and several EPs, collaborating with artists such as Break Science, Mersiv, SoDown, K+Lab, ProbCause, and Marvel Years. Additionally, McCarten has contributed official remixes for renowned artists like Louis the Child, Zeds Dead, Pretty Lights, GRiZ, The Floozies, Umphrey’s McGee, PLS&TY, Lettuce, and Minnesota.
Manic Focus has graced the stages of notable festivals including Lollapalooza, Hulaween, North Coast Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Camp Bisco, Wakaan Festival, and Summer Camp Music Festival, delivering unforgettable live performances.
With his distinctive fusion of soul, funk, and rowdy electronic music, Manic Focus continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through his relentless dedication to his craft and life events, he solidifies his position as an influential force in the electronic music landscape.
Tara Brooks
Within the delicate balance between dark and light, surreal and sublime, graceful and powerful, Tara Brooks has discovered her truly unique sound. Whether in the intimate confines of a club, the electric atmosphere of a packed festival, the depths of a dark warehouse, or a sunrise Burning Man set, cerebral, her experimental sounds transport audiences into an altered state, track by track, leaving them with an insatiable craving for more.
Born and raised in Southern California, Tara’s love affair with music began at an early age, growing up in a home where the warm melodies of old records filled the air. Music flows through her veins, with her mother playing piano and singing, and her English father fond of the guitar. From indie rock to classic tunes, ’90s rock to hip-hop, and everything in between, Tara developed a deep appreciation for diverse genres. However, it was within the underground dance scene of Los Angeles that she discovered her true calling. Drawn to the power of the music and the loving vibe of the community, Tara knew she had found her place.
Starting as a DJ, Tara’s passion for self-expression led her to delve into producing her own music. Her ethos is rooted in the desire to help and heal others through sound, taking them on experimental and innovative journeys while utilizing her passion and gifts. Tara embarked on a production path, learning from friends and fearlessly experimenting. Over the years, her hard work, risk-taking, and dedication resulted in a wide range of unique sounds and styles. In the studio, she brings her original perspective to life, constructing an incredibly diverse infrastructure that spans from psychedelic soulful house to groovy acid techno and everything in between. With a focus on the delicate interplay of euphoric highs and dynamic lows, Tara’s signature sound blends trippy, dance-inducing drums with lush melodies and enchanting atmospherics. The result is an unforgettable and unmistakably Tara Brooks experience, boasting a familiar yet futuristic vibe.
Tara’s ascent from the underground to performing at respected parties has been steady. She has graced renowned events such as The BPM Festival, The Cityfox Experience in NYC and LA, Stereo in Montreal, Rakastella in Miami, Desert Hearts, Coachella, SXM, Lightning in a Bottle, Public Works in SF, Sound in LA, Space in Miami, Ultra Music Festival, WMC, Flash in DC, Kater Blau and Sisyphos in Berlin, Watergate in Berlin, OK Cool in Detroit, Rainbow Serpent Festival in Melbourne, Return to Rio in Sydney, Output in NYC, Wynwood Factory, Electric Pickle, and Do Not Sit on the Furniture in Miami, among others.
Tara’s sets are a rich tapestry that covers a wide spectrum of moods and soundscapes. They serve as an emotional expression of a modern and futuristic fusion of genres, going beyond conventional boundaries and connecting with the audience in a personal and emotive way. Her style mirrors Tara as a person – emotional, sensitive, and ablaze with passion. With her captivating presence and visionary approach to music, Tara Brooks continues to leave an indelible mark, bridging souls through her evocative and captivating sonic journeys.
Phyphr
Phyphr is a rising force in the music scene, breathing life into audiences’ hearts with his electro-soul stylings and unique approach to funky, electronic songwriting. Through the seamless fusion of live guitar playing and electronic production, he creates a vibrant mix of instrumentation and original vocals that leave a lasting impact.
Originally hailing from the east coast and now calling Denver home, Phyphr embodies the vibrant electronic sound of the Mile High City. His undeniable talent has led him to share the stage with acclaimed acts such as The Floozies, Daily Bread, Manic Focus, SoDown, and Maddy O’Neal, among others. These experiences have allowed him to showcase his electrifying sound to enthusiastic audiences.
Phyphr’s music has resonated with fans and earned him notable festival appearances at Summer Camp, Kosmic Kingdom, Hulaween, Gem & Jam, Dreamscape, and Sonic Bloom. His captivating performances have solidified his place within the music scene, and he has become a staple name on dance press outlet RiverBeats Dance, where his fans nominated him for Breakout Artist of the Year in 2020.
As anticipation builds, Phyphr gears up for the release of his highly anticipated debut album, “Catalyst.” This genre-hopping, full-length LP is a testament to his versatility and creativity. The album is filled with raucous beats, textural grooves, and unforgettable hooks that showcase his ability to craft infectious melodies. “Catalyst” features exciting collaborations with esteemed acts such as Manic Focus, Jason Leech, Kanika Moore of Doom Flamingo, and Kaptain, adding further depth and dimension to the project.
Phyphr’s boundless energy and gripping style are propelling him forward as an artist to watch. He continues to make waves in the music industry. As he embarks on his musical journey, Phyphr’s dynamic talent promises to leave a lasting impression, resonating with audiences and earning him a well-deserved place among fans and industry heads alike.
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The inaugural Cascade Equinox Festival is more than just a music event—it’s a transformative encounter harmoniously intertwining nature, community, and diverse music genres. From the picturesque landscapes of Deschutes County Fairgrounds to the symphony of local and global acts, it creates an immersive universe of sensory delights. With enriching experiences, from luxurious camping to engaging workshops and tastings, it’s a strong example to the power of music and community. During this magical encounter between September 22-24, 2023, festival-goers will carry home an indelible melody of memories—a melody that’s sure to call them back for an encore.
