We took a visit on a beautiful Memorial Day weekend to Chillicothe Illinois for Summer Camp Music Festival. There’s so much to experience at a festival and this one was no different. Past acts included the likes of Big Grizmatik, STS9, Bassnectar and Excision. The lineup this year included legendary electronic acts like Pretty Lights, Zeds Dead and Gramatik.
This past weekend experienced a massive storm that flooded almost all of the campsites. You can read about the lightning that struck the festival here. However, Scampers did not let a little mud in the sun ruin their weekend.
I have to give my respects to SoDown for throwing down an amazing set on the day of the pre-party. He really set the tempo for the rest of the festival after a last minute schedule change. This DJ covered some superb bass music, gave a shout out to Manic Focus, and tore the vibe tent down with a super sonic sax solo.
The duo of DC and Hooks, better known as Zeds Dead, made a killer set at the Moonshine Stage. It could not have started out any better for headlining artists. They showcased their newest album by playing ‘Me No Care’ and ‘Frontlines’. Rezz brought her house-y tunes over to the vibe tent for another incredible set. This gal can play. I highly recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to see her. Zeds Dead made a return to the stage later in the night as the special guests of the Dead Beats Friday night after-party.
Derek Vincent Smith, or Pretty Lights, made this festival worth the trip. Personally, I have been skeptical of his performances after seeing him two times before in New Jersey and Sydney, Australia. After seeing this show, there’s no doubt in my mind that he is one of the most talented artists in the industry. He threw out all of the classic hits and more in a phenomenal live set. There’s no questioning why he was placed on the Sunshine Stage, the same stage that Umphrey’s McGee calls home. The setting lined up perfectly with this set too. After movies show how perfect the sunset was after a downpour the day before. Later in the night, he played a 3 hour long exclusive after party set that blew the minds of the crowd even more. His biggest events are yet to come with a continuation of his episodic series.
In my experience, it wouldn’t be a good scamp without John “Jmac” McCarten, Borahm Lee and Adam Deitch. I’m talking about Break Science and Manic Focus. The artists are better known for their group collaboration of Manic Science. These guys always play for Scamp and they have too much love to give for this festival. Although Manic Science was not on the lineup, they made sure they all played together during Break Science’s set. Make your way to these funk lords as well. They bring the jams together for a funky good time.
Gramatik was saved for the last night and like the other performances, he killed it up on stage. He changed up his music from the last time I saw him around New Year’s Eve and he even dropped a remix produced by Herobust. After seeing GRiZ hanging out with Herobust on Holy Ship and hearing this new remix with Gramatik, I can tell that Herobust is collaborating with some funky music.
As a second visit to this amazing festival in the past three years, I can tell you that nothing has changed. The people are hospitable and as friendly as ever. I have yet to see a bad set in the two years I attended and I encourage all folks to take a trip out to Illinois for one of the best weekends of your life.
