If the fabled Sasquatch monster was anywhere near central Washington this past weekend, you can bet he wasn’t too happy about all the fur. Heat was the word at this year’s Sasquatch! Music Festival, sparking a summer kind of party that the Pacific Northwest can usually only dream of.
Passion Pit’s energetic set drew a large crowd early on day one, using the cheery “Make Light” as the perfect opening to a weekend of sun. The unrelenting heat became so overwhelming that a stretch of cloud cover gained a burst of applause from fatigued fans during DeVotchKa’s main stage stint. Later, Animal Collective opened with the appropriate “Summertime Clothes,” and the Decemberists fittingly brought a bit of winter to the day, allowing the heat to subside just in time for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ It’s Blitz-heavy set. The softer tracks acted as a perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, casting a backlight on Karen O’s glowing neon outfit. By nightfall, the Kings of Leon were cooing worn out rockers, leaving those with enough energy to check out Crystal Castles in the dance tent. Alice Glass and Ethan Kath chose to remain hidden behind the mist and shadows, emerging only enough times to confirm that they were still on stage.
The Sasquatch community started adapting to the heat by day two. Self-appointed misters relieved the overheated with blasts of water to the face, and most mosh pits were doused with spiraling water bottles. Those who were hydrated enough to brave the main pit were treated to a sonic masterpiece from TV on the Radio, who threw down a powerful set that seemingly stirred up wind and dust in its wake. Exhausted, sore, and burnt, those who remained in the pit were subjected to elbow smashing and foot stomping during Nine Inch Nails’ extended set. “Too fucked up to care anymore,” screamed Trent Reznor in “Somewhat Damaged,” perfectly summing up the outlook many devoted fans assumed. Reznor chose to save hits such as “Head like a Hole” for nightfall, when the smoke and lights had their most dramatic effect. Nine Inch Nails gave way to a reunited Jane’s Addiction, who welcomed back bassist Eric Avery by opening with the haunting bass riff from “Three Days.” Those who were unimpressed by the glitz and glamour chose to venture to the dance tent, where Deadmau5 made some of the best beats of the festival. 
By day three, only the devoted remained. The day started early with Black Moth Super Rainbow performing on the Wookie! Stage, confusing weary campers with bizarre videos of decaying fruit and a seemingly pissed off upside down mouth (somehow, it went well with the music). Over on the main stage, Santigold offered up advice for all aspiring musicians in the crowd. “Do not eat Burger King before a show,” she said, laughing. “Let’s see what happens; let’s see if I throw up.” Thankfully the stage was left puke-free, allowing for Gogol Bordello to perform a lively set that inspired gypsy dancing amongst the mob. Fleet Foxes countered by laying out a relaxing performance, setting the perfect atmosphere for those who chose to soak in the final rays of the long-weekend sun. Girl Talk conquered the smaller Wookie! Stage, inviting crowds of people to jam by his side to his unique mash-ups. After the set, those who stuck around were “blitzed out” by Explosions in the Sky’s sonic set, while those who ventured to the Dance Tent grooved to the beats of Chromeo. The festival was finalized by Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, who blasted the crowd with supreme guitar licks and Harper’s soaring vocals.
Sasquatch 2009 is over, seemingly melting away faster than the ice in our coolers. So what will this year’s festval be remembered for? The unrelenting heat; the throngs of Canadians, whose random bouts of patriotism resulted in spontaneous “O Canada’s” on more than one occasion; the dust; the hangovers; the reported “mangina” during King Khan’s set; and yes, unfortunately, the ever-humid “Honey Buckets.” Those who are dejected to see Sasquatch 2009 end should be thankful for plumbing, air conditioning, and the fact that the countdown for Sasquatch 2010 has officially begun.
Photos by TraCataldo and RealLowVibe.
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