Dance Gavin Dance: Swanfest Kicks off Philly’s Spooky Season At The Skyline Stage

Philadelphia's iconic Skyline Stage buzzed with excitement on October 1st as it hosted the very first East Coast edition of Dance Gavin Dance's Swanfest. The day was stacked with a stellar lineup, with Dwellings, Body Thief, Within Destruction, Stolas, Rain City Drive, SiM, Set It Off, Saosin, Periphery, and Dance Gavin Dance closing the evening.

The day began with Dwellings kicking things off at 12:30. Their vibrant performance set the tone and pace for the day ahead. Up next, Body Thief carried forward the energy, treating the early birds to a memorable set. Within Destruction, all the way from Slovenia, showcased their distinct brand of metal, impressing everyone and ensuring that the tempo didn't drop.

Stolas and Rain City Drive followed suit, each adding their unique signature to the musical narrative of the day. The atmosphere took a dynamic turn when SiM from Japan graced the stage, marking their first-ever performance in Philadelphia. Their set added an international flair to Swanfest, proving that music truly knows no boundaries

Set It Off stepped up, delivering melodies that were both catchy and impactful. Lead Singer Cody Carson hopped into the crowd to perform their song Projector while the crowd holds him up. The anticipation reached its peak when Saosin took the stage. With their live appearances becoming a rarity, their set turned into a highlight of the day. The intensity in the crowd, reflected through mosh pits and enthusiastic crowd surfing, was clear evidence of Saosin's enduring appeal.

As evening approached, Periphery primed the audience for the festival's peak. Their signature progressive sound was a hit, and they ensured that the crowd was more than ready for the much-anticipated headliners.

At 8:45, the stars of the evening, Dance Gavin Dance, took center stage. The bond between the band and their fans was palpable, a testament to years of shared musical journeys. The atmosphere was one of pure celebration, with fans from all walks of life coming together, showcasing an eclectic mix of fashion that mirrored the diverse sounds of the festival. In a playful nod to the fest's name, inflatable swans floated amongst the sea of fans. These weren't just for show – fans took to them with glee, using them as rafts for crowd surfing. Laughter, cheers, and the shared thrill of live music filled the air, creating a night that was as much about community as it was about the music. By the time Dance Gavin Dance wrapped up their set at 10 pm, they'd given the East Coast a Swanfest to remember.

A special shoutout is in order for the behind-the-scenes heroes of Swanfest Philly. The production crew worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth transition between acts and to deliver an audio-visual experience that was top-notch. Their dedication made every performance shine. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Live Nation security team for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment throughout the festival. It's their vigilant efforts that let fans immerse themselves fully in the music. For those looking to follow the bands on their journey, connect with them on their respective social media platforms: Dance Gavin Dance, Periphery, Saosin, Set It Off, SiM, Rain City Drive, Stolas, Within Destruction, Body Thief, and Dwellings. The day's success was a collective effort, from the musicians on stage to the team working the magic behind it. Until next time, Swanfest!