M. Monteban A performance at last year’s 5 Days Off festival in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam thumps to an electronic beat as the 5 Days Off festival presents D.J.’s and live bands exploring all areas of electronic music, from March 2 to 6. Now in its 11th year, the festival (31-20-799-7271; www.5daysoff.nl) features the genre’s superstars alongside emerging artists and local favorites.
“We aim to carefully select artists and make interesting combinations so that in five days you get a taste of what’s ahead for the next year,” said Daan Spoek, director of the festival. “We attract artists from all over the world while at the same time promote Dutch artists and Dutch electronic sounds, from D.J. sets to live performances, and the big world that exists in between.”
Highlights this year include groovy pop from the Belgian brothers who make up 2 Many DJ’s, a combo of dub-step beats with a live funk-band from the Dutch hip-hop duo Zwart Licht, and an eclectic finale of Berlin-based artists curated by Modeselektor, a multi-genre electronic band.
Beyond the performances held at two of the city’s top music venues, Paradiso and Melkweg, the festival is collaborating with the Dutch Institute of Media Art to showcase multi-disciplinary art installations relevant to popular club culture. Don’t expect Woodstock-esque mud-soaked fields, though: 5 Days Off is a decidedly urban music festival with a stylish party vibe.
Individual event tickets (prices vary) and 5 Day passes (77 euros, about $105) can be purchased through the festival’s Web site.
