Welcome to the DJ Jungle

By conventional definition, a zoo is any establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals. At Randall's Island New York, on the weekend of Sept. 4 and 5, a different type of zoo was open to an even wilder animal.

Tens of thousands of people filled the Electric Zoo concert festival, and they were nothing like the average zoo animals held in captivity. Instead, the fences caging in each concert attendee were there to keep the excitement contained. The festivities were set up in four separate stages dressed in a jungle theme and vibrant flashing lights reflecting off lit mirrors.

The main stage was occupied with an enormous standing sea of fans feverishly engrossed in DJs' magical mixes that made hour-long sets last a lifetime in the memory for its viewers. Both days of the concert were embraced by perfect weather and a free-spirited vibe that can only be compared to the famous Woodstock festival of the '60s. While it was clear that drugs and alcohol played a small part in the electric feel of the atmosphere, the music alone made any spectator feel a high that no drug could deliver.

An eclectic group of youthful folks seeking good music dressed up in colorful and creative outfits that may only be found on the most elusive Halloween night. Fans dressed in neon glimmer and witty risqué costumes roamed around the festival's grounds socializing with one another during their time off from intense dancing.

The music can without a doubt be categorized as techno, but it was so broad and well distributed throughout the island that even a person with the slightest interest in techno music could find a stage or an artist to enjoy. There was something special about Electric Zoo — it had an ambiance that is not found at many concerts today. The only way to truly experience such a wonderful atmosphere is to go to the Zoo next year and experience it for yourself.