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Favorite This100 photos from Summer Set 2015 that will make you wish you were there

Published: August 24, 2015

Photos by: Derek Rickert (Spectral Productions)

Story by: John Verwey

Summer Set Music and Camping Festival threw down yet another massive weekend of music earlier this month. This year bringing in close to 20,000 attendees a day, this 150-acre amphitheater in in the little town of Somerset, Wisconsin was once again bombarded with freaks. The scorching mid-August heat was in full effect for the first two days. With temperatures reaching the upper 90s, campers were thankful the music didn't start till 3:00 p.m as people downed water bottles and hung out in blow up pools.

In its fourth consecutive year, React Presents and SIMShows treated us with one of the most diverse lineups to date. Offering everything from dance music to hip-hop to jamtronica, every stage had something intriguing to see. Adding a new stage to the mix, the Meadow Stage was filled with strictly live performances. Placed perfectly between the Grove stage and the main stage this new addition was constantly flocked by people throughout the weekend. Artists such as Purity Ring, Thievery Corporation, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Railroad Earth and Boombox all threw down hefty sets on this new stage.

Magnificent shows from Lotus and Bassnectar on Friday were the perfect way to start the weekend. Lotus returned for the first time since 2012 and Bassnectar made it two in a row. They both put on a deep and melodic style set. Fighting off the heat on Saturday, Tycho blew The Grove stage away with a live performance like I've never seen before. Big Gigantic returning for their fourth consecutive year, made it seem like it is becoming their festival. Packing out the main stage, the live sax and drum combination was in full force as they closed out night two. Canceling multiple shows and evacuating on Sunday due to storms, we waited for the word on reopening. Finally back in action, fans stampeded The Grove stage screaming for Zeds Dead. The heavy synth duo played in a slight rain shower as fans cheered with excitement waiting for their next move.

Each year React, is stepping their game up and learning something from the previous years, whether it's bringing bigger and better talent or using highly recognized shops to attract a huge crowd. With such a diverse lineup of genres, its always a challenge to pick who to see at some points. On one stage you could see Odesza or on another you could see Purity Ring. Having some conflicting time slots, this reporter was running back and fourth to put together a list of our favorite sets from the weekend. We're excited to see what React will be bringing to the table in year five. Enjoy some shots captured of our favorite acts over this hot and sweaty weekend.


Tags: BreaksDeep HouseDrum and BassDubstepGlitchHip HopHouseLivetronicaTrap