When you're getting ready to throw your first music festival in the heart of the city that raised you, it's important to make a big impression. But how big Is big? Try reaching out to 67,000 people during the height of the International Champions Cup final between Chelsea and Real Madrid, and that ought to do it.
These days, Life in Color is exactly that big. They've come a long way from those first Dayglow days six years ago, and now, they're bringing the first-ever Life in Color music festival to Sun Life Stadium December 27. Are you prepared?
See also: Review & Photos: Life in Color Festival, a Brilliant Blast Off in Miami
LIC took control of the field for a couple of special performances throughout the exciting championship game. After Chelsea and Real Madrid players finished warming up, the goals were cleared, and a big claw-like light structure was erected dead center of the green. A voice on the loudspeaker cautioned spectators to stay in their seats for a special announcement and performance warning that "the lights in the stadium will turn off."
At about 9 p.m., a countdown of ten seconds began, culminating in darkness sweeping over the whole stadium. Almost immediately, the stands came alive with the electric fireflies of camera phones flashing. A voice called out in the darkness as images of happy young people covered in paint flashed on the jumbo screen.
"Miami," the voice called. "In 2007, a phenomenon was born. It revolutionized dance music, created a new culture of music and life." It went on to brag about more than 400 sold-out shows in more than 200 cities, though, of course, that's only the beginning. They announced they'd be returning to Miami to "transform" that very stadium into the first-ever Life in Color music festival. The date of Friday, Dec. 27, was announced, following that tickets would be available Tuesday, Aug. 20.
DJ R3hab, an LIC favorite, came out and played a few songs in the light claw while light-suited robots and a few people on freaky stilts walked around. It seemed difficult for this handful of people to make a connection with the thousands so far above them, but the multitude of lights and fireworks seemed to do the trick.
Of course, there was no paint. You have to come out for the main attraction to get the good stuff.
Life in Color returned to the field again for a special half-time performance, similar to the last but featuring LIC resident performer David Solano. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the spectacle, and certainly they reached out to tons of potential ticket buyers.
Life in Color Festival. Friday, December 27. Sun Life Stadium, 2269 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens. Ages 16 and up. Visit lifeincolor.com.
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