The 2023 concert series opened on Sunday, May 14th, at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, with a spectacular light and music performance by French electronic music group M83. The venue provided a fantastic setting for the concert, nestled among the vineyards of Paso Robles, California. The natural acoustics and open-air amphitheater added a layer of magic to the evening. The weather was nearly perfect, with doors opening during a warm sunny afternoon and fans arriving early to enjoy the extensive food and beverage choices, including prize-winning wines from the surrounding vineyards.
The show began with a short thirty-minute opening sunset session by electronic music maven Jeremiah Chiu, a community organizer, graphic designer, artist, and educator. The smiling synthesist performed using a keyboard attached to a small open suitcase with a device resembling a miniature version of Keith Emerson's massive Moog synthesizer. Chiu served up genuine electronic music in the vein of John Cage, the genre's godfather. The crowd responded enthusiastically to pulsating rhythms as the sun set, bathing the large crowd in an orange glow. The set ended fittingly with a cover of Kraftwerk.
After a 30-minute intermission, the twilight gave way to a crystal-clear star-filled night sky, and a large crowd swarmed the front of the stage in anticipation of the late-night set by M83. The six-piece French ensemble emerged in an explosion of massive backlighting and a cacophony of sound. Playing much of the time as silhouettes in front of the enormous light show, the band blended seamlessly into a tremendous orchestral powerhouse that sounded like a French version of Radiohead. M83, led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Anthony Gonzalez, took the stage to thunderous applause. From the moment they began playing, it was evident that M83 had a deep connection with their music. The band's intricate melodies, soaring synths, and ethereal vocals filled the amphitheater, creating an otherworldly experience. The crowd was completely immersed in the music, swaying and dancing to the infectious beats.
The band performed a 20-song marathon main set before ending with a three-song encore, stretching the performance into a two-hour late-night visual and acoustic marvel. One of the night's highlights was when M83 performed their popular hit "Midnight City” during the encore. The crowd erupted with excitement as the iconic synth intro began, and the band delivered a breathtaking song rendition. The combination of pulsating rhythms, anthemic melodies, and Anthony Gonzalez's powerful vocals created an electric atmosphere sweeping the entire venue.
M83 didn't solely rely on their well-known tracks; they also showcased their talent for crafting atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally charged ballads. Songs like "Wait" and the finale "Outro" showcased the band's ability to create a sense of grandeur and take the audience on an emotional musical roller coaster.
The multimedia production accompanying the music was nothing short of spectacular. The lighting design, projections, and stage effects perfectly complemented the music, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
M83's energy never waned throughout the concert, and the six members performed passionately. The band members displayed exceptional musicianship, effortlessly transitioning between instruments and creating a cohesive sonic tapestry. The combination of their mesmerizing music, captivating visuals, and enchanting venue created a night that will be etched in the memory of every attendee. M83's ability to transport the audience to a dreamlike realm is a testament to their talent and artistry. It was an exciting opening night for the beginning of the most ambitious concert season for the Vina Robles Amphitheatre.
