[EVENT REVIEW] KASKADE ENCHANTS CERMAK HALL, CHICAGO WITH ETHEREAL BEATS

Ally Leomporra | November 25, 2023

Hailing from the home of house music, 52-year-old Kaskade has managed to remain one of the most influential electronic music producers since the early 2000s. Over the years, he has consistently evolved with the ever-growing EDM landscape, staying relevant while also embracing new sounds.

His distinctive sound utilizes lush melodies and ethereal vocals to create emotionally resonant and uplifting music, instilling feelings of euphoria.

On the electrifying night of November 17, Kaskade graced his hometown of Chicago for a special performance at Cermak Hall, a smaller adjacent venue of Radius.

The audience was immediately fired up when Lipless took the stage and played an astonishing three-hour set. He treated the audience to his unique mixes of popular DJs like Dom Dolla and John Summit.

The highlight of his performance was undoubtedly his beautiful rendition of “Strangers,” a moment that resonated with the crowd, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

As the anticipation built, Kaskade graced the stage at 1 AM, wearing none other than a Chicago Bulls T-shirt. The opening notes of “Brighter,” his recent collaboration with Emmit Fenn, echoed throughout Cermak Hall, creating an ethereal atmosphere that was angelic on the ears.

Throughout his set, Kaskade masterfully navigated a diverse selection of music, staying true to his signature sound while occasionally sprinkling in tracks from other artists.

He played his timeless classics like “Disarm You,” “Fire in Your New Shoes,” and “Angel On My Shoulder,” which captivated the crowd with their angelic vocals and celestial allure.

In a heartwarming moment, Kaskade took the mic and said, “It's good to be home,” sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.

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Following some of his classics, Kaskade combined infectious beats with the iconic Fleetwood Mac's “Dreams,” which had the audience dancing and singing along.

He also played FISHER's “Atmosphere,” seamlessly leading into his own hit, also called “Atmosphere.” It is no surprise that Fred Again..'s “Marea,” also made an appearance, as it is one of the hottest electronic tracks right now.

Surprisingly absent were fan-favorites from his Kx5 album with Deadmau5, “I Remember” and “Sacrifice,” but the crowd was elated when Kaskade delivered his current chart-topper, “Escape,” prompting a collective sing-along through Cermak Hall.

Simple, yet effective, visuals evolved throughout the night. The screen was mostly dark at the start of the set, making the pink lasers that circled throughout the venue pop. As the night progressed, the visuals intensified.

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Kaskade's figure was skillfully projected on a trippy, glitching screen behind him that moved along to the beats. Toward the end of the set, visuals featured red fireworks, a mesmerizing iris, and waves of red ocean, captivating the crowd's senses.

Kaskade's progressive house combined with unique atmospheric elements continues to reign supreme, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his musical journey. The world is indeed Kaskade's oyster, and we are excited to see what comes next.

Photos courtesy of Ally Leomporra.