EDM Identity
  • News
  • Music
    • Exclusive Mixes
    • Playlists
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Interviews
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
EDM Identity
  • News
  • Music
    • Exclusive Mixes
    • Playlists
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Interviews
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
EDM Identity
No Result
View All Result

Anjunabeats San Jose 2017 || Event Review

Tamlyn Koga by Tamlyn Koga
June 4, 2017
in Event Reviews, Events

Bay Area Anjuna fans were counting down the days and the nights till Anjunabeats San Jose touched down at the City National Civic on Friday, May 12.


Typically the San Francisco Bay Area doesn’t get many trance events, with the exception of a few one-offs hosted by Trance Family SF and Phoria Events, and of course Dreamstate SF. So it came as no surprise to me that the trance filled Anjunabeats San Jose tour stop sold out days before the event. The event selling out is a testament to San Francisco’s trance community growing and how fiercely loyal trance fans are to their genre.

To further prove this point, we were one of the few lucky cities other than Los Angeles and New York in the US that has received Insomniac’s designated trance-only event Dreamstate. Now that I’ve set the stage, I can go into the event itself and my overall experience.

Entry into the venue was fairly painless as security lines and ticket checkers were working diligently to get all attendees inside. The 21+ ID check was located to the right of the auditorium and the staff there was able to quickly wristband those interested in drinking for the night. However, I would rate the overall layout of the venue itself somewhat poor, as there was only one bar, which was located upstairs away from the music.

The problem arose went you actually wanted to grab a drink, because you had to leave the stage area and miss out on an entire set, if not more.

Here is what I mean. If you wanted to grab a drink, you would have to go to the “sky” bar and wait at least 20 minutes to be served by one of the four bartenders working. Not exactly the best situation considering from the “sky” bar you are completely unable to hear or see the stage. To top it all off you can’t leave until you finish your drink, which made getting a drink more of an annoyance than anything. Although this may be unavoidable due to San Jose’s liquor laws, it’s just a flaw of the venue itself and something to consider if you plan on drinking at an event hosted there.

On the bright side, City National Civic is equipped with plenty of bathrooms and a large outdoor smoking area where they provide free water. There are also lots of places to get a good view of the stage due to the many seats lining the balcony and walls of the venue. Even though the event was sold out, I still found that there was still ample space to dance without being squished or trapped behind taller attendees. Short girl problems I know, but it’s something I enjoy at events.

Lineup-wise, the artists I was looking forward to the most were Ilan Bluestone and Mat Zo, as he was billed for a special Anjunabeats Classics Set.

Although I’ve already seen Ilan Bluestone around three or four times, I still love his sets and the energy he exudes as he plays. His set at Anjunabeats San Jose was no different, especially when he went b2b with Adam Bayer and played the Above & Beyond songs that hit you right in the feels. Since everyone is waiting for that “Blue Sky Action” and “A Thing Called Love” in their life. Mat Zo brought it all together mixing in his originals like “Hurricane,” “Easy,” along with other Anjunabeats staples.

Even though I initially went for those two particular artists, I ended up falling in love with Jason Ross. I had only briefly listened to his music prior to the event, but after seeing him that night I became an instant fan. Listen to his track with Seven Lions and Paul Meany, “Higher Love“, and his future edit of “Atlas”, I promise you won’t regret it. Other notable mentions, of course, go to Sunny Lax and Spencer Brown for keeping the vibe alive during their sets too.

Overall, annoyances with the bar situation aside, Anjunabeats San Jose was a solid trance event. I look forward to seeing how Anjuna continues to grow and evolve, and can’t wait for them to return to the Bay Area. Hope to see you all at ABGT 250!


Get updates about Anjunabeats San Jose on Social Media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Featured Photo Credit: Arman Salari

ShareTweetShareShare
Tamlyn Koga

Tamlyn Koga

Apart from being the creative director of EDMID, Tamlyn has previously worked as a talent buyer and marketing manager for a local events company. She has been actively involved in the EDM community since the early 2000s and has attended everything from small club events to massives. Through EDMID she hopes to positively influence the way you view EDM and introduce you to different aspects of the genre and the culture that comes with it.

MORE ON EDMIDENTITY

Project GLOW Pulse Stage 2024
Events

Five Artists You Can’t Miss at Project GLOW 2025

by Jaclyn Sersland
May 16, 2025
Breakaway Music Festival 2023
Events

Breakaway Atlanta Set Times, Maps, and Essential Information

by John Cameron
May 15, 2025
Palm Tree Music Festival
Festival News

Palm Tree Music Festival to Touch Down in St. Tropez for European Debut

by Sheila Lim
May 15, 2025
Chase & Status
Events

Relentless Beats and Aftershock Announce Rare Chase & Status Set in Phoenix

by David Medina
May 15, 2025
Making Time ∞ 2025 Lineup Announced: Here’s All 126 Headliners
Festival News

Making Time ∞ 2025 Lineup Announced: Here’s All 126 Headliners

by John Cameron
May 14, 2025
Next Post
Quinn Aebi

ID Spotlight || Quinn Aebi

FOLLOW US

Facebook Instagram TikTok Twitter Soundcloud Youtube
EDM Identity

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

  • About
  • Contact
  • Team
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility

Cleantalk Pixel
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Music
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Festival Tips
  • Interviews
  • Shop

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.