Dance shows new strengths at Carnival

While the annual Electric Daisy Carnival offers a world-class array of DJs and some of the best in local underground hip-hop every year, the festival is more than a concert. Living up to the last word of its title, this year’s event, held for the second consecutive year at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino, featured rides, fair games and even a circus troupe.

In that atmosphere, the music might be expected simply to serve as a teen-movie soundtrack for a youthful crowd that appeared to number in the neighborhood of 8,000 to 10,000. But Saturday’s lineup, spread over five official stages and one makeshift stage, offered a trove of musical finds as well as some signs of hope for a dance scene that’s felt stagnant of late.

Supporting the argument that the most vibrant genre in dance is drum-and-bass was the UK’s DJ Bailey, whose 75-minute set infused a variety of styles, and even some vocal toasting from his MCs, into his melodic and frenetically paced beats.

England was also represented by DJ Chrisbo, who delivered an extended set heavy on good old-fashioned techno beats. Synth-heavy and quirky at times, the straight-ahead techno sound made for a refreshing change of pace from all of the specialized sub-sections of dance at the other stages.

Among the other standout sets were Uberzone’s high-energy blend of breakbeats and percussive drumming on the turntable; Miguel Migs’ eclectic mix of jazz, disco (a la late-’70s Earth, Wind, & Fire) and soulful house and L.A. progressive hero DJ Dan, who delivers a crowd-pleasing set at every event.

Also notable were the warm house-meets-techno grooves of Sacramento’s Simply Jeff and the expansive trance of L.A. favorite Christopher Lawrence, who stepped into the closing spot on the main stage when popular British DJ Lisa Lashes, who was scheduled to headline, was unable to make it, apparently because of visa problems.

Hip-hop was a crowd-pleaser, with local crew the Visionaries’ positive message going over well earlier in the evening. Hip-hop headliners the Living Legends closed that stage on a high note with their celebratory party beats and unique flows.