2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

The third annual Sacramento Electronic Music Festival swarmed into Harlow’s and the Momo Lounge this weekend.

From Thursday to Saturday, tremendous pulsating music attracted an overwhelming crowd to Midtown. Three nights of great music brought over three dozen premier entertainers to the stages.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

The festival had been in the works for months, and the promoters worked feverishly to bring a great lineup of electronic artists for each evening. Co-creators Adam Saake and Clay Nutting brought together great talent to perform this year.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

Although Thursday night’s crowd started off small, it grew quite rapidly as the evening progressed. Doors to the venue opened at 7 p.m. and performers took the stage at 8.

Host A.V. introduced each performer at the main stage and kept the audience entertained. A.V. also brought gifts, in the form of T-shirts, that he tossed into the audience.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

After outgrowing the previous Townhouse venue, the move to the current site was made seamlessly. The main Harlow’s stage brought several acts to perform for an over-21 crowd. Other performers and DJs played on the second floor of Momo's Lounge and in Harlow’s back patio.

I missed a couple of the early performances on Thursday night but was fortunate enough to arrive as the Paper Pistols took the stage. They performed on the main stage with a flock of fans gathered around. Their upbeat instrumentals and astounding beats kept fans in the front moving their heads in rhythm.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

Several performers, including Paper Pistols, returned from last year. Drummer and sound specialist extraordinaire Ira Skinner’s work did not end after the Paper Pistols left the stage but continued throughout the weekend as he offered technical sound support for all artists.

The show went off without a glitch, or at least none that I noticed. As one entertainer was finishing up their act, another was already setting up their computers and instruments. The efficiency of moving from one entertainer to the next was amazing. Each evening’s lineup moved with astonishing precision and allowed audiences to enjoy a thorough experience of rhythmic beats and striking visuals.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

Moving from one stage to the next also gave guests the opportunity to socialize, dance and enjoy electronica that suited their taste. The Harlow’s and Momo Lounge bars were busy throughout the festival, and security staff must be praised for a job well done.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

The exposure given to electronic music has grown over the past few years in Sacramento. SEMF continues to grow and soon may rival similar festivals in L.A. and San Francisco. SEMF should also be commended for promoting the Sacramento music scene and local talent.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

About the only disappointing thing was the last-minute cancellation by Death Grips, who announced they would be dropping out of their current tour to focus on completing their next album.

Although Death Grips cancelled, the many acts more than made up for their absence.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

Saturday night’s show was packed with little room to move from one stage to the next. Music oved many to any available dance floor.

“I came to see Dusty Brown, and I’m floored by the music being played,” said Erika Towers, who attended Thursday night. “I was standing next to this giant speaker upstairs, and it literally moved me. I stood in front of it and as the bass got louder and louder, my whole body moved forward and the feeling hasn’t stopped.”

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

Indeed the sound system allowed fans not only to hear the music but feel it. The upbeat, thumping, throbbing, pulsating and at times overwhelming sounds made for a great sensory experience. Lighting and other visuals also enhanced the experience.

With so many performers each evening, there was something for everyone. I was able to enjoy several of my favorites, such as Jon Wayne, Dibiase, B. Bravo and Starship Connection, Little Foxes and DJ Whores.

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)

SEMF delivered on the vision “to continue to foster a supportive music community while attracting world-class talent to Sacramento, not just at the annual festival, but throughout the year.” For the past three years, SEMF has brought quality music to Sacramento. Continued fan support can generate a greater following for these entertainers as well as for SEMF. 

2012 Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (Image by: David Alvarez)