Forbidden Kingdom Music Festival is back in town this weekend and we were out at the Central Florida Fairgrounds yesterday for Day 1. Presented by Insomniac, they pretty much have large music festivals down to a science. At the entry, there are three stations to keep the lines moving. First there was the ID check.Followed by the Ticket Scan station. Since this is an all-wristband festival, it involved placing the mini-RFID within the wristband over the scanning machine. If only TSA could move this quickly.And finally the Security Search station where bags are checked and you get patted down. The guy that patted me down did such a thorough job that I got in line a second time.The past couple years at FKMF the main stage has been in a tent-like structure but this year it’s out in the open. It’s also the largest stage they’ve used at Forbidden Kingdom to date. It’s nothing like they give us at Electric Daisy Carnival every November but it has a lot of effects not typically seen here. For the festival, this was called the “Forbidden Realm” stage.It’s immediately adjacent the festival entrance so we came here first. The opener DJ Bella Renae (USA) was on. Please understand this festival is all about Dubstep, Heavy Bass and Riddim.First time seeing this Phoenix-based DJ.Even at this early hour, she had those heads banging!The second stage of music is home to numerous concerts throughout the year under the name Orlando Amphitheater. We saw Above & Beyond (GB) here a few months ago. For this festival it goes by the name “Mystic Garden”. DJ duo Crumb Pit (GB) was playing during our visit.A Dubstep set to be sure but with a bit more of an EDM vibe to it.First time seeing them as well. This festival seems to have been done on the cheap this year with fewer of the huge names we’re used to. For instance, Deadmau5 (CDN) played at FKMF last year.Despite the hot sun, the duo had the early crowd bouncing.The third stage of music was called the “Crystal Spire” stage but during non-festival events goes by the name of Orlando Warehouse. It’s indoors, it’s air conditioned, what’s not to like?The opener DJ Kade Findley (USA) was still on during our visit.Just a handful here at this early hour.Back in the day we used to call these electrical outlets but I believe the kids today call them charging stations. This is the only place at the Festival that you can find them and recharge your phone for free.The fourth music stage has typically been under this huge metal awning.This year it was being used as a vendor village.Instead, the fourth stage this year is out in the open adjacent that awning. It was the largest crowd we ran into as we circled the stages but it was also getting later as more people flowed onto the festival grounds. This one is called the “Dragon Lair” stage.DJ Gardella (USA)Super animated!Was able to catch the final few minutes of his set.Great thing about music festivals with DJ’s is that when one ends, the next one begins. Can’t do that with bands because they need at least 20 minutes between sets to switch-out equipment as we saw at Okeechobee Music Festival last month.And taking over immediately, DJ A Hundred Drums (USA).She got noticed a few years ago when she toured with DJ Rezz (CDN). Although she stuck with the Dubstep script, there were elements of EDM and Hip Hop in her set.People always ask whether it’s worth the extra money to buy VIP versus GA tickets. Well, over on the other side of this barrier is the GA area.While this is the VIP area. VIP will get crowded later too but never as crowded as GA.More important, this is the WC area for those that only paid for GA. Little ventilation, smelly and roasting in the hot sun.GA+ at this festival gets indoors with a real building. VIP typically gets air conditioned trailers that are maintained for cleanliness.Back at the Amphitheater, the crowd was beginning to build.For DJ Natty Lou (GB).Like everyone else so far, first time seeing her.Dance floor activity picking-up.We ran into numerous peeps at the festival. Some we knew but most were new.Thanks everyone for the poses.Adidas for the win.On the same stage, DJ [Ivey] (USA) up next.Was impressed by the number of female DJ’s in the lineup yesterday.But all of a sudden it began raining outside so we headed to the only indoor spot in the Warehouse. So did everyone else and it got crowded in there.In the darkness, we caught the final few minutes from DJ Twopercent (USA).Followed by DJ Abelation (USA).Dance floor stayed busy.And as the rain turned into drizzle, the room cleared-out a bit.We ventured out too, back to the main stage.A tent had been erected above the booth.DJ Mary Droppinz (USA)She had played a Heavy Bass set last month at Okeechobee.As you can see, the rain started-up again so at this juncture we departed the festival for our next event. Day 2 of Forbidden Kingdom begins today at 2PM but the event is sold out.No rain here. Located in Orlando’s Parramore district, we went to Broken Strings Brewery where they had an event that began at 7PM.But first we had to try to talk our way past the door hostess. Once inside, DJ Drizzy (USA) was in the booth.No Dubstep here! He was playing a mix of Breakbeats and also some EDM, Techno and Trance.The early crowd.At 8PM, DJ Phaze (USA).First time seeing this Springfield, MO based DJ. Playing some turn-of-the-century classic Dance songs such as “Never (Past Tense)”.Crowd was growing.DJ had the dance floor bouncing.We ran into numerous peeps at the club. Some were new but most we knew. Thanks everyone for your poses.In the 9PM shift, DJ Von Trapp (USA).Continuing with a classic Dance and Breaks vibe.We had to leave at this juncture for a third event but as you can see, a good time was had by all.Our last stop of the night was Iron Cow, located in Orlando’s Milk District.But first we had to try to talk our way past the door hostess. We walked into this.The opening DJ Kanipshun (USA) was still on when we arrived but was just finishing his set.Turning the controls over to…..DJ Lola B (USA)Playing an amazing House/Deep House set with lots of build-ups and drops.Dance floor got jammed.House music all night long.Bar was jammed too.We ran into numerous peeps at the club. Some were new but most we knew. Thanks everyone for your poses.And then suddenly and without warning, as midnight approached, there he was, the headliner…..DJ Miguel Migs (USA)And he went right into his brand of House & Deep House.Maybe some Disco House or Nu-Disco in there too.Dance floor was absolutely packed!House music all night long.A wonderful set had everyone grooving.1AM and no one was leaving just yet.Before he went on stage we showed him some pics we took of him back in 2013 at a nightclub in Bangkok. Amazingly, he not only specifically remembered the night but also the club’s name even though it was an event 13 years ago! You can see that article HERE.Last night in Orlando and everywhere we went, a good time was had by all.
You must be logged in to post a comment.