Concert Report: Porter Robinson (Addition Financial Arena)

By in Concerts

Located on the campus of the University of Central Florida, Addition Arena is home to UCF’s basketball teams as well as a concert venue.
Originally named UCF Arena, it became CFE Arena in 2013 before becoming Addition Financial Arena in 2019 when the credit unit changed its name. We’ve seen lots of great events out here including Lady Gaga (USA) in 2010, DJ Benny Benassi (I) in 2012, DJ duo The Chainsmokers (USA) in 2016 and DJ Martin Garrix (F) in 2017.
But we haven’t been back out here since 2018 when Odesza (USA) put on an absolutely amazing performance on that stage down there. We were hoping for something similar last night.
Because after an 8 year hiatus, Porter Robinson (USA) was back playing Orlando.
Porter Robinson has created a huge catalog of hits over the past decade+, many of them getting some play last night.
The floor was packed wall-to-wall. Surrounding stadium seats had a large crowd too but there were some empties so this was not sold out.
Porter was wearing a white oversized tee-shirt, black baggy pants and black Converse hightops.
His current tour is called “Smile!: D” and includes a lot of the lyrics being played on the display behind him and his band.
This guy is super-talented. Favorites “Shelter” and “Language” got played, at least parts of them.
The crowd was getting into it.
Often singing vocals with him.
Porter Robinson is a huge Japanese anime fan and you’ll see elements of it in some of his music videos. And that huge good luck kitty on stage with him.
Many of his songs at times have electronic (EDM) hints to the them but otherwise he’s definitely on the Indiepop side of music.
The stage and its lighting is simplistic but effective in showcasing him and the band.
Doing one song from the upper deck of the set.
And another from the side of the upper deck.
Packed down on the floor!
Mandatory lighter cell phone-lights song.
Confetti explosion!
We were kind of hoping for more of a DJ set like when he played at EDC-Orlando in 2013 and 2016 but his entire show last night was a guitar set with him singing the vocals. He delivered what the crowd wanted though and a good time was had by all.