Tipper's Gorge Finale: Unforgettable Sunrise Set Shines Bright!

The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA, USA - The Tipper & Friends festival held recently at The Gorge was nothing short of a spectacular showcase of electronic music. Notably, this marked Tipper’s first time headlining such a large-scale event on the West Coast, paving the way for a celebration like no other. Music lovers from across the country gathered to enjoy hand-selected openers and visual artists, all handpicked to complement Tipper’s immersive performances. According to JamBase, attendees were treated to a truly captivating experience.

One standout feature of the festival was Tipper’s unique exemption from the venue’s noise ordinance, allowing him to perform an ambient sunrise set on Sunday morning. This special moment was highly anticipated, as it was his first such set since 2021, and crucially, it will be his last before he steps back from live performances in September 2023.

Festival Highlights

The weekend kicked off with an electric Friday night set, highlighted by the performances of the Japanese duo Herbalistek and Schmoop, the latter bolstered by striking visuals from Fractaled Visions. Tipper himself dazzled the crowd with a mix of old favorites and unreleased tracks, supported by the incredible visuals crafted by Android Jones and Glass Crane.

Saturday continued the momentum with a 90-minute downtempo Twilight Set from Tipper that offered a blend of unreleased material and modern classics. Not to be outdone, other performances that evening included exciting sets from Supersillyus, Somatoast, and Shpongle, with Shpongle treating fans to improvised renditions of their songs. And for those who needed a breather, a psychedelic movie night featuring surreal short films and the cult classic „Fantastic Planet“ was arranged after the Saturday musical festivities.

Logistical Details

Attendees seeking to soak up the festival’s atmosphere had access to the main stage hill, which remained open for Tipper’s sunrise set from 1-4:30am. Music kicked off every day, beginning Fridays at 7pm, while Sunday evening music concluded at midnight. Those planning to camp were met with excellent amenities, including free showers and general stores at the camping area. Notably, three-day passes, camping slots, and shuttle passes were available for purchase, with prices starting at $209 plus fees until January 10, escalating as the event approached.

Beyond the performances, festivalgoers could enjoy the comfort of various camping options, from tent camping to quieter RV setups, ensuring there’s something for everyone. As Emerald City EDM mentions, this festival offered flexibility, and even overflow camping options were provided to accommodate the influx. But of course, attendees were encouraged to be prepared for any weather variations, especially the heat and sun that can often surprise festival-goers.

Retirement on the Horizon

Looking ahead, Tipper’s retirement tour stop at The Gorge from July 4th to 6th serves as a significant moment for both the artist and his devoted fans. Tipper, a veteran of the electronic music scene from the UK, has captivated listeners since the late 1990s and has built a dedicated following. As he’ll be performing at The Gorge for the first time in nearly eight years, this event carries a sense of nostalgia and significance. His journey as an artist has also been characterized by a level of privacy that magnified the anticipation of his announcements, as highlighted by Dance Music NW.

With three distinct sets planned—an OG WACOM set on Friday, a Twilight set on Saturday, and the unparalleled ambient set on Sunday—fans are eager to cherish each moment. As Tipper transitions away from touring, both the festival and his performances at The Gorge stand as monumental final chapters in his storied career.

As we reflect on this unforgettable festival, let’s express gratitude for the organizers and performers who made it all possible. With every beat, a memory was created, and for those lucky enough to attend, the echoes of Tipper’s sound will resonate long after the sun has risen.