Orion Music + More: Our picks (and pics) from Detroit

Whopperjaw headed to Detroit for Orion Music and More. The two-day outdoor music and lifestyle fest launched in New Jersey in 2012, but moved to Michigan for its second year. While (thankfully) not overcrowded, initial reports indicate attendance effectively doubled with the Midwest move, leaving fans wondering if Belle Isle will become a permanent home for the signature Metallica event.

From its expansive park setting to a DJ dance tent, Orion took a lot of organizational cues from sister sonic celebration Lollapalooza.  The lineup was cohesive enough to keep the crowd engaged but eclectic enough to keep things interesting, ranging from alt rockers Silversun Pickups to gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello. Other favorite musical moments of the weekend included the surprise appearance by Metallica (billed as Dehaan), the recently reunited performance by Rocket from the Crypt and the sunny Saturday afternoon stylings of Dead Sara. Headliners the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica did not disappoint with their strong day-closing shows. The biggest downer? A last-minute no-show announcement for Joy Formidable due to “travel” issues.

Metallica was super accessible throughout the weekend, introducing acts and sharing their passions—from James Hetfield’s love of custom cars to Kirk Hammett’s collection of vintage horror memorabilia—with diehard fans.

With the exception of an inefficient school bus transportation system that shuttled passengers from downtown Detroit and created lines of somewhat impatient fest-goers that wrapped around a city block, there’s not much we’d change for year three.

Check out this slideshow of a handful of Orion pics. For the complete two-day photo tour of our travels, click here.

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