Saxsquatch turns San Diegans into party animals

Whenever Saxsquatch comes to town, you know you’re in for a wild night. There’s only one show where you can see a 7-foot-tall saxophone-wielding Bigfoot bring down the house with his mad deejay skills — all while wearing reflector sunglasses.

In preparation for such an event, I got as furry as possible.

Over-the-boot fuzzy blue leg-warmers. Furry headband. Neon crop top and a ton of glitter. I was ready to rave on a Thursday night. Entering the Belly Up in San Diego’s upscale Solana Beach neighborhood made me realize everyone else was on the same page — we came to get weird. The majority of the crowd consisted of elder Millennials like myself, wearing meerkat or elephant onesies, fisherman bucket hats, or rubber chickens belts. Someone was rocking A Christmas Story pajamas in April. You get the idea.

Up first on the Party Animal Tour was Insomniac artist Phocust. Lucky for him, the median age of the place was 45, meaning that — shortly after doors opened at 8pm — the place was packed. Some attendees even brought light-up, festival-style totems to not lose their crew; it was that crazy. Phocust dropped one bass track after the other, including his new single “Blow Up” (fittingly describing the energy inside the Belly Up when he did). By the time it was set change, the everyone in the house was having a great time.

It was then time for the main man-imal himself.

The Belly Up already has an elevated stage, so having a 7′ beast come out is like witnessing a giant in action. Going right into the tour’s namesake, “Party Rock Animal”, Saxsquatch hyped the crowd asking for us to repeat “I’m a party animal” over and over. The rage was now engaged. Layering live saxophone over his electro/house beats, Saxsquatch is one artist that keeps the vibe going — never slowing down for a second. There was even a girlsquatch who came out for his cover of “Hot to Go”, with the two miming “H-O-T-T-O-G-O” like it was the new “YMCA”!

We danced in bubbles, we cheered at lasers, we yelled like bashees. Before we knew it, it was time to go back to the real world (dang it). Till next time, Saxsquatch! WE BELIEVE!!

Photography by Kristy Rose

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