As a self proclaimed Rock & Roll enthusiast and lover of the oldies, I will admit I was skeptical about covering a mainly EDM music festival. The repetitive mixes of the same top 40 songs and the obnoxiously overpowering bass, I would have much rathered spent the weekend at home with my cat. The only saving grace for me was Ice Cube and the fact that photographically, I knew these shows would be heavenly. I decided to bite my tongue and suck it up and I ended up having almost as much fun as the attendees.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNow

Starting off the main stage was local favourite Sleepy Tom, who had visited Kelowna not too long ago at nightlife venue Sapphire. Though he may not have been the biggest name of the line up, Sleepy Tom had some die hard fans. The festival goers raced into the concert bowl as soon as the gates opened and began to get down.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw/KelownaNowSleepy Tom

To my pleasant surprise, Sleepy Tom had a few tricks up his sleeves for those of us who love the classics, throwing in the 1983 chart topper "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by the Eurythmics into one of his foot stomping mixes. He even added some rock influence by mixing in "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, giving it a unique sound that even brought a smile to my face.

 Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowSleepy Tom

EDM  duo Vinai also sampled some music from different genres, creating some interesting mash ups with the combination of thrash metal and dubstep.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowVinai

The DJ's knew how to work the crowd musically, but it was tricky for them to really interact as they were behind the tables, aside from EDM duo Swede Dreams, that is. Though their set consisted of what seemed like the usual upbeat mash-ups and mixes, they gave the attendees a show to remember. Their set was complete with a creative and artistic light show, which seemed to have the crowd in a trance.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowSwede Dreams 

Occasionally, one of the two would step out from behind the turntables to hype up the crowd, at times even dancing on the speakers.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowSwede Dreams

Rapper Kid Ink worked the stage from every angle. With sex appeal reminiscent of an 80's rockstar, he made all the ladies squeal and feel faint with the wink of an eye or point of a finger. 

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowKid Ink

Even I couldn't resist swooning whilst photographing the tatted-up rap sensation as he threw up the classic "Rock On" hand gesture. Being the only other rapper at the event, it was a no brainer that he would be the ideal artist to amp everyone up for Ice Cube.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowRock On Kid Ink, Rock On.

If you love classic rock like me, then you probably love classic rap as well, and Ice Cube is as rock and roll as rappers come. He and the rest of the members of N.W.A were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (How metal is that?!).  It was safe to say that I was more than excited to watch his performance, and it appears I was not the only one.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowIce Cube

Swarms of people of all ages flooded into the concert bowl to watch the rap pioneer/superstar perform. During his hour and a half set, Ice Cube transported the crowd through time, playing some of his greatest songs from the past 30 some odd years. From the early days of N.W.A .with the famed 1988 song, Straight Outta Compton, all way to 2008 and newer.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowIce Cube's Crowd

Though he played almost all of his top tracks he respectfully decided against one of his most iconic hits, F*** The Police, due to the recent tragedy that has taken place in Dallas, Texas. The crowd erupted in cheers as Ice Cube announced that "we like the good ones". #Respect.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowIce Cube

Having been in the industry for over 30 years, Ice Cube brought with him the showmanship that many artists from past decades exuded, making him a true performer. It was quite refreshing for, in my opinion, showmanship seems to be a quality that has unfortunately been lacking in many artists today.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowIce Cube

Throughout his set, Ice Cube constantly interacted with the crowd asking them if they were having a good time and leading them in many chants, bringing the energy level to a whole new high. Ice Cube was already a unique choice for this festival as he is not a an EDM artist, but his enthusiastic, humble, and gracious attitude truly set him apart.

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNowIce Cube

No matter who was playing, the amount of positive energy and excitement exuded by the crowd was infectious. Non-stop dancing, cheering, and laughter was shown from beginning to end.Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNow

Even without the face melting guitar solos, blood curdling high notes, and heading banging, I'm happy I attented. It opened my eyes to the world of EDM and the affect the music has on both the artists and listeners. All music lovers have similar qualities, even if their music preference doesn't. Though I probably won't be adding an EDM playlist to Spotify anytime soon, I do believe that the style of music makes Center of Gravity worth attending!

Photo Credit: Savannah Bagshaw / KelownaNow

To see an updated galley of this rad festival, click here!