Dirtybird Campout: Now We Understand What Everyone Was Talking About [Event Review]

Photo Cred: Juliana Bernstein / Get Tiny

Oh, I wish I was in the land of Campout,
Old times there are not forgotten.
Look away, look away, look away Dirty Bird!

It’s been a little over five days since we left Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California for the 2nd annual Dirtybird Campout, and not to beat a dead horse, but it truly is one of the most welcoming and warmest festivals that we have attended. From the endless games, crafts, yoga, campground clubs, and all of those dirty afternoon, sunset, nighttime, early morning, and sunrise sets. Sleep you say? Nay I say!

Friends

Photo Cred: Juliana Bernstein / Get Tiny

This year’s attendance was up by 1/3, so much that they needed to move the campground to another location to the east of the park. An endless array of circus tents, giant bird’s nests, pyramids of lights, and beyond, you could walk around from tent to tent listening to your neighbors spinning the best mix of house, techno, and tech house, and everyone was welcome. Every, single, person was welcomed with hugs, drinks, and endless dance parties. And that was only the campground.

Photo Cred: Watchara Phomicinda

Inside of the festival grounds/oak canyon park you could be hanging out in the tree fort grooving with your friends on branches above the crowd, sharing a laugh listening to the Fungineers “…cause rainbows are fuckin awesome..” at The Sit Commune on Sunday morning, or playing with your color team (purple for lyfe!) on the Games Field with water balloon tosses, potato sack races, kickball, and so many others, it was one big family of friends, and it felt amazing to be at home.

Sets

When you have almost every artist from the record label that you love and more all performing throughout the weekend with zero overlaps, come on. Yes, zero overlaps. Every artist had the entire dedicated attendees fanbase to dance and jive to from 11am/12pm -> 6/7am every single day. What other three day music event do you know that does that? Exactly, zero. With a non-Dirtybird Reggie Watts headlining on Sunday night and with sets from Blontron & Waspy and a few others that aren’t tech house, but bring something just as special and unique, they brought everything that we wanted and more.

Photo Cred: Watchara Phomicinda

Some of our favorite standout sets from The Birdhouse included Shiba San’s french-infused vibes on Friday night, the Big Bird Claude’s award-worthy headlining set Saturday night, or Justin Martin’s progressive set that started off like a paper airplane and transformed into a jumbo jet of sound, it was a stage that had us waking up extra early and not wanting to miss a single dirty drop. But it didn’t stop there. At night, The Game Fields were filled with birds to come and see that Late Night Lodge glow weird and bright with Bill Kenny who’s unique style was clearly noted, creating enough stank face that would make Marilyn Manson jealous, to Barclay Crenshaw exhibiting his hip-hop skills as the sun almost began to rise on Monday morning, sleep was the last thing on your mind. We could go on forever with something amazing to say about each and every artist that performed. We all need to pray that these sets get released, and fast, because winter is coming, and we need something to keep us moving and grooving to stay warm.

Photo Cred: Juliana Bernstein / Get Tiny

Location

One of the things that we have experienced with the Dirtybird BBQ series, and had heard about with last year’s inaugural Dirtybird Campout was that location really is a huge factor with the importance that it brings to the vibe, and this was 110% true. Oak Canyon Park brought a beautiful backdrop of rolling brown and green hills, sunsets to die for, and a lush green wonderland for you to explore, but also be right in the thick of things during every set or activity that you were taking part in no matter what the activity. Shade, got it. Grabbing a beer at the tree fort, and then climbing up into the tree to dance on your own branch, no doubt. Chilling on funky furniture or laying in the lawn while watching a magic show, hell yeah.

Photo Cred: Get Tiny

You always had somewhere to take a break from the sun, get your tan on, or just relax and find your own private spot. There was never a moment where you were being crushed like Ultra, or being wind-burnt by the sandstorms of Coachella. Great job by the Dirtybird and Do LaB teams for really making us feel at home.

Closing

If you’re feeling really bummed out that you weren’t able to make it this year, the aftermovie that was released today and shown below isn’t going to help, however it will ensure that combined with what was said above that you won’t miss out next year. Thanks to Dirtybird, Do LaB, and Infectious PR for giving us the privilege to cover this year, and we look forward for more amazing events from all three to come.

And last but not least, check out the Tribes documentary that was premiered about the beginnings of Dirtybird on Friday night to get the full feel of why Dirtybird is so special.

Connect with Dirtybird Campout:
https://www.facebook.com/dirtybirdcampout
https://twitter.com/dirtybirdcamp
https://www.instagram.com/dirtybirdcamp
https://soundcloud.com/dirtybirdrecords
http://dirtybirdcampout.com

P.S. Of course GET REAL played when Green Velvet came out for his set. 

P.S.S. Yes, somebody did bring a giant inflatable ball and hamster-wheeled it across The Pond dressed up as either a rabbit, gerbil, or some other four legged creature. 

P.S.S.S. We were also very sad that J.Phlip was unable to play on Saturday night, but Paranoid London and Justin Martin’s extended sets were fantastic. 

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