*ALL photos and text by Belle Castillo, IG: @verybelle_
This was the first ever Swanfest, held in Anaheim, CA hosted by Dance Gavin Dance and their wonderful teams. Fans from all over the world traveled to see this show.
A lineup of 16 bands with Periphery and Dance Gavin Dance headlining the 2 staged event. My personal experience was much different than the experience of a regular fan. The media compound was air conditioned, freshly stocked with water, snacks, and areas to charge up our equipment if needed. I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to shoot SwanFest for Teal Cheese.
While it was my first time shooting at a festival, it was an experience to remember. I met so many other photographers. All of them so talented and skilled, and much more prepared than myself but they were all so supportive and very sweet. Charley and her freshly picked sidekick were so sweet and offered so much guidance. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.
As this was the first of many more to come for SwanFest, there is a lot of room to grow. I am not to sure that they anticipated the massive turnout in fans. The event seemed a little disorganized but problems seemed to be handled rather well.
Admittedly, a few bands did exceed personal expectations. Don Broco was a band I had never heard before and my oh my, do they know how to work a crowd and put on an amazing performance. Covet was also incredible. It was my first time seeing them and the energy was so alive. Every single one of them kept passionate smiles across their faces. It was truly beautiful.
The real star of the day was Sergio Medina. Playing 3 sets with Sianvar to start, Royal Coda, and finally with Eidola.
He has perhaps one of the most energetic stage presences I have ever seen. Consistently animated throughout all 3 performances. Of course a lot of artists performed with more than one band, including Andrew Wells (Eidola and Dance Gavin Dance), Donovan Melero (Sianvar, Hail the Sun), Tim Feerick (Wolf & Bear and Dance Gavin Dance) Joseph Arrington (Sianvar and Royal Coda) and finally Will Swan (Sianvar and Dance Gavin Dance). Everyone put forth so much effort to perform for their fans and it definitely showed. It was such an incredible experience. I look forward to see what next year’s SwanFest has in store for us.
Listen to our SwanFest playlist below: