When Tipper announced he’d be retiring in 2025, I made the decision to catch as many of his showcases as I am able before his ultimate exit. I’m not the only one. His fandom is composed of vibrant, vivacious, and votive supporters. Each of us who celebrates and identifies with Tipper’s standard of excellence resolved to bear witness to his one-of-a-kind performances as often as possible. This is the story of my wonderful experience enjoying three days of Tipper at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, AL. Bear Swiftly, with me the Electro Scribe, as I recount the magic and majesty of one of my all-time favorite artist’s specially curated event alongside a family of friends just as enthralled with Tipper as myself. Load up the minivan, we’ve already embarked for Alabama!
On August 29, 2024, I set out from McHenry, IL destined for Alabama. Joining me were fellow Tipperites Cody, Tay Tay, Bubba, my guy Ty, Maxwell, and Colin. As well, Abby and Sweets made their way from Minnesota to meet up and caravan with us. We’d rendezvous with the remainder of our Tipper Fam at an Airbnb about a fifteen-minute drive from the Orion Amphitheater. Destiny, Sam, Zac, and Brandon would fill out the rest of our contingent.
Our group departed near 6am to retrieve two from Chicago beginning a twelve-hour drive towards our home away from home in Toney, AL. Before departure, Sweets referred to our collective in terms of an “armada.” I loved this idea. The word armada originated in the mid 16th century from Spanish, armata, feminine past participle of Latin amare, ‘to arm’. An armada is a fleet of warships tasked with defensive and offensive obligations. With that fact in mind, I will verbalize we’re a peaceful group, although we do look out for our own. Before this story concludes, I will contribute to you what I have named our benevolent armada.
Our Airbnb was pretty friggin’ sweet. With thirteen of us total, we required ample space to host our collective. This Airbnb featured seven bedrooms that would each house two of us, except for Colin. He got his own room. As fate would have it, my roommate was Maxwell. This, I always consider a resounding victory. Maxwell is a stalwart companion. Sleeping quarters were adorned with tasteful furniture and artwork. Each room had access to a bathroom via seperate entryways, although a couple of the rooms featured their very own private lavatories. A spacious living room and open floor plan connected to the dining room. As well, a full kitchen offered any and all amenities one could want for cooking and preparing food. The Airbnb also offered appliances for washing clothes should we have needed it.
Furthermore, the exterior region boasted a sizeable yard featuring a dilapidated basketball court. I would perform each of my daily planks in this area. All of this created a lovely little home away from home for us all. We had all gotten the sense that at one point in its history this building served as a church, or a motel, due to its sizeable and unique layout. I’d find out later, after purchasing the property report for $1 on a whim (curiosity, I had questions), this structure once served as a United Methodist Children’s Home. Hmmm, that makes sense. Constructed in 1980, it was now our base of operations for our armada of Tipper obsessed souls.
For the most part over the course of these three days, the weather was excellent. The sun shined on us for day 1, although it rained early on throughout days 2 and 3. This mattered little to me. I’ll still get down in the pouring rain, happily. Pluviophile! Thankfully for others, this wouldn’t be the case. Storm clouds and lightning strikes in the distance that appeared threatening tapered off, and neither of day 2 or 3’s performance would be adversely affected by precipitation. Personally, I enjoyed exploring the grounds beforehand with a gentle pitter patter wetting myself and the Earth about. Rain soothes and water washes away stress.
Heck, if you’ve ever seen me getting down, you know that by the end of the night, I look like I’ve just come in from a deluge. Sweaty Bear, am I a nightmare? Never. Passionate and intense, yet also gentle and considerate. Much like mother nature, I balance sunny and rainy dispositions. A combination of darkness and light, each of the various parts of my personality has a purpose and a role. The same can be said of yours.
Our armada made its way to the Orion Amphitheater daily around 4pm. Cody and Tay Tay have a longstanding relationship with Tipper’s collective and provided harm reduction training to venue staff over each of the three days. This is something they, as well as myself, believe in firmly. Knowing how to handle a situation before it arises prepares one to act accordingly, and calmly. At times, some folks go a little hard in the paint at concerts and events. We’ve all been there. These are spaces we let loose within. It’s reassuring to know there are trained members of the crowd and staff keeping an eye out for those in distress. A community that takes care of its members is a healthy and thriving community.
When Cody and Tay Tay went to do their daily training with the staff, the rest of us checked out the plethora of vendors set-up in the lot adjacent to the amphitheater. Merchants of all types showed and sold their wares to eager consumers. What better way to commemorate an amazing experience than with a memento mirroring memories and moments? For the most part, I didn’t see anything that really spoke to me. I have a unique sense of fashion and style, to say the least, and I like to wear items that are unabashedly a reflection of my own personality. This brought me to Ethereal Fibers, and reconnecting with my vending neighbor from Secret Dreams.
Cat, the owner of Ethereal Fibers, envisioned and created a one-of-a-kind item that instantly caught my attention. Most of her creations represent similarily. She fashioned a sweatshirt emblazoned with patches and customized sleeves, limited to ten pieces. There was nothing else like it on lot. Many will tell you, Tipper is one of the original renegades, and the construction of her vision reflected that fact. A spaceman driving a mean machine with Funktion-One speakers extended above. Dave, back in the day, used to roll up to festivals and play his own sets. His car’s sound system, at the time, boasted more strength and volume than that of many festivals! Apparently, some festivals didn’t like this so much, and banned him. Their loss. I find this tid-bit of Tipper’s history to be fantastic, brazenly unique, and significant of himself and what he stands for. You should have just booked him, bro! Several unique patches finish the look of the front assembly. Both sleeves are modified to incorporate a Triple Entente of Tipper inspired accoutrements.
We’ll speak more on this phenomenal piece at a later time, which I did pull the trigger on adding to my collection. I’ll be picking it up at ‘Big Fam Festival’ the first week of October where Ethereal Fibers will be vending. Furthermore, I’m happy to report Cat has accepted my invitation to share the story of her inspiration behind putting this awesome piece together. Undoubtedly, we’ll speak on other topics as well like what drives her, motivations behind forming Ethereal Fibers, and I know I’d like to gain insight into her business, how she stays organized and on task, and some of her best practices for vending at events across the country. You can expect a unique story dedicated to her and Ethereal Fibers sometime in the weeks after ‘Big Fam Fest.’
With my choice of memorabilia shared, situated, and stated, back to the Orion Amphitheater. Once gates to the courtyard opened, a lovely outside arena welcomed patrons before the venue officially opened gates near 6pm. Food trucks waited readily to serve hungry souls. Nearby, a couple of strikingly designed monuments drew my attention. How an artist uses space in crafting installations demonstrates tremendous forethought. One of these installation appeared merely as half-a-head and two hands holding a couple of trees, almost like the grass was instead a bog or a swamp and the person, or creature, was pulling itself up and rising from within its depths. Sitting adjacent, and not far away, were two other pieces forming the illusion of a beautiful woman basking possibly in the sun, a tub, or shallow area of water. At night, when lighting came to life, both installations exhibited different aspects illuminated within the darkness.
Once the venue opened their doors, Tipper heads of all dress, shapes, and sizes rushed to claim various portions of the stands. The Orion takes inspiration from classical Greek and Roman amphitheaters, and boasts a capacity of 8,000 attendees. However, for this event, Tipper and his team limited ticket sales to 7,500. Plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy themselves. There were two admission types: pit and bowl. The bowl granted access to stands featuring benches in a 180 degree half circle, akin stadium style seating. Not a bad view anywhere in the house. The pit was a large central space in front the stage, perfect for getting down. Those with pit admission could freely access the bowl, but not vice versa.
Plenty of stations to access beverages and food could be found throughout the different levels of the venue. Plus, free water stations! Glorious. The Orion Amphitheater ensured food and beverage provisions of many different types were available for patrons, and even offered an application for having them delivered to patrons wherever they sat. You bring my food and drink to me? Nice, next level, baby!!!
Visual dynamics were provided by a cadre of exceptionally talented visionaries. They were a huge part of this weekend, and I want to ensure their talent and contributions are respected as they supported the musical performers greatly. Excuse my pronunciation if I butcher any of these, I will do my best to sound them out phonetically. Datagrama Visuals, Julius Horsthuis, the legendary Johnathan Singer, Cullen Hassal, The Void, Tenorless, and Oneirogen. Verily, each of these entities are fabled in their own way. If you were to hear the stories of where they started versus where they now stand, you’d know my words ring true.
Throughout the three days, these remarkable VJs designed and displayed visual sequences just as awe-inspiring as the music it accompanied. A great deal of work went into projection mapping the venue, and it was an incredible spectacle to behold. Seeing the entire stage and the walls adjacent illuminated with scintillating depictions served a powerful indication towards the hard work and dedication these creative souls, along with production and staff members, constantly puts forth. It is a memory that will not soon fade, if ever at all.
For Day 1’s festivities, uptempo night, my crew and I settled to the left of where the projectors sat. It was a cool little spot overlooking the pit. This is where we’d be getting down to Crawdad Sniper, Copycatt, and Resonant Language before Tipper’s beats balled out. Daily entertainment started at 7pm promptly.
Each of the artists preambling Tipper followed suit in aligning their presentations with what the days expectation would be. Uptempto connotates musical displays frought with energy and flare. Perfect! I gotta say, Crawdad Sniper has quickly become an artist I look forward to catching. His sound design is baller and bangin’! Bro be wildin’ out in the studio. You Crawdad Snipin’, yet, bruv? I know I certainly am, especially when “Find Out” and “Oxford Goblin” play, two of my absolute favorites from his exceptional and growing arsenal of tunes, both of which he dropped during his set. Nice!!! I’ll plank to that, and I already have. Settin’ records, baby! At the time of this publishing, Crawdad Sniper has released a brand new EP, Mellifluous. Check it out, and enjoy “Clam…” and “Ice Cold Cigarrettes”. Day 1 also included a touching tribute to a place that has spawned much amazing music and talent. Alabama’s very own, Muscle Shoals.
When Tipper plays uptempo, high energetic pulsations surge throughout the crowd. His extensive catalog is on full display as he drops signature tracks alongside unreleased ID’s. Literally, the guy never plays the same set twice, and you never know what you might hear for the first, or tenth time. The highlight of my weekend occurred when Tipper dropped my all time favorite track of his, “Off-Kilter”, and scratched it live! He could do that every single performance, and I would never grow weary of it. Hearing one of your favorite artists play one of your favorite tracks is a special moment. Inside, I was truly touched. I felt blessed by this happening, and I’m sure other did too! Surrounded by friends and beautiful faces, a wave of memories cascaded forth. All that I’ve been through, the ups and the downs, and how in the end it always kind of works out for the best.
Day 2 was scheduled as downtempo. However, if you know anything about Tipper, his downtempo sets still pack plenty of punch. Some would even contend his downtempo presentations fashion more energy than his uptempo sets. That’s a conversation I’m happy to entertain, but each style of play he offers has its own set of characteristics and qualities. Personally, I whole-heartedly appreciate Tipper’s versatility and uniqueness when it comes to how he builds his tracks. There are none like him, although he’s spawned an entire wave of producers from within his quadrant, and his influence creates more fantasts daily.
For day 2, my armada moved into a section of the bleachers behind the platform harboring projectors. This decision to be more front and center granted us an unimpeded view of the entire stage much improving our viewing experience compared to the day before. We could now enjoy the full-breadth of projection mapped visuals.
This day’s exceptional and spirited performances came from the likes of Bandito Jones, Saturna, and Rhizomorphic before Tipper dropped another lively set. Earlier in the day, I completed my daily plank to a Rhizomorphic track titled, “Enoki”. Rhizomorphic’s set felt like a guided meditation through self. Much as of late, I find myself reflecting on where my journey has taken me. The spaces I’ve explored, people I’ve met, lives I’ve touched along the way, as well as the lessons I’ve learned throughout. I’m happy to report, I’m still actively learning to this day. An eager and engaged mind keeps a body looking and feeling young.
Day 3 was our ambient night. Tipper selects a movie to play alongside his music and folks are encouraged to relax. Some even bring blankets and pillows. “Get comfortable, stay a while, and listen.” That doesn’t mean people don’t still get up and dance. When the music hits just right, the body grooves. My group settled very nearly the same spot we did for day 2.
For tonight’s experience, I let my mind drift in and out of consciousness. (Yawn)… Sleepy Bear. Those daily planks in the Alabama heat really took it out me. Truthfully, though, a remembrance reel played for many of those whose lives have ended too early. One of my buddies, Kevin Franke, was featured during this segment. I was not expecting it, and a wave of emotions crashed in on me. Sadness and pain, but also happiness for our friendship and thankfulness that he has not been forgotten by others besides myself. Loss is a part of life, and it reminds me to be grateful for what I have as well the time I’m fortunate to spend with ones I love.
Throughout tonight’s reflection, myself and many others sat teary-eyed from the beauty we absorbed. Poignant messages delivered amidst music and accompanied by gorgeous visuals. It’s par for the course for a Tipper and Friends event. Let the water works flow, my friends. It is a special experience to take all this in. There is nothing quite like how Tipper curates his events. Twoleggedzoo, with Oneirogen supplying visuals, served as this night’s preface to Tipper. This duo presented a peaceful set that touched each and every one in attendance. Tipper followed and serenaded our souls for the remainder of the night, bringing the three days to a close, a fitting send off as most of us would depart Alabama and return to our lives the following day.
At this point, I’d like to extend shoutouts to a few favored folks. Firstly, Cassandra and Johnathan. I met these wonderful souls at Rendezvous this past year. They stopped by the Cerebral Concepts booth that I was vending at and instantly our energies recognized and respected each other. I’ve kept in contact with Cassie and Johnathan throughout this year and we made plans to connect throughout the three days. It was absolutely precious to be in their company again.
If you read my Renedezvous write-up, you’ll recall my interview with Cassie and Johnathan, and that Cassie practices something called “girlfriend glow-ups.” Before their relationship really took off, Johnathan dressed mainly in dark colors. Cassie stated, “he always looked uncomfortable”, and thereby she, “risked it for the brisket”, refining his wardrobe with colorful and comfortable clothing choices for her beautiful boyfriend to wear. Not gonna lie, she’s killing it, and so is Johnathan. He always looks so dapper and relaxed when I see him. Nicely done, Cassie. Unexpectedly, she took it upon herself to make a contribution to my own assortment of apparel and presented me with an awesome lobster emblazoned button-down. WHOA!!! Hoo-hoo, thanks girl. A gift from a friend who thinks well of you is quite the blessing to receive. Thanks Cassie and Johnathan. This shirt and our friendship fits me quite well.
On day 2, I happened to see a friend from back home, Josh. He’s the owner and operator of Suburban Sound Syndicate, an organization that assembles talent and technology to throw shows throughout the Chicagoland area, especially in suburban locations. I did some promo and coverage for one of his events, Syndicate Sound Sessions 005, an exceptional concert to be part of. On this night, as I was scanning the scene before me, I looked to my right and saw him ascending the steps into the stands. Thus, I hustled over to greet him and we exchanged pleasantries and well-wishes. It’s always a cool feeling seeing friends from back home when you’re traveling across the country. What’s that saying, “It’s a small world after all”? Josh and Suburban Sound Syndicate are making some big moves that I will excitedly share with you when the time is right.
Once again, I’m shouting out my Cerebral Concepts homies and their friends. There’s a lot of love between our camps. Because of the distance between us, Illinois to Pennsylvania, I don’t get enough opportunities to spend time with Michael and the company he keeps outside of festivals, and that is something we’re set to rectify going forward. Trey and Gordie were in his company for this trip, a couple of artistic standouts whom I adore and enjoy spending time around. Check this out: Michael challenged me to write him a haiku. Once I had the formula down, I was off to the races. A haiku is 3 lines and 17 syllables (5-7-5) as described to me by Gordie’s erstwhile compatriot, Hannah. With this knowledge intact, personal words of intention poured forth from my heart. Here’s one that I wrote for Trey. If you’re not familiar with the art installation he created for Secret Dreams, of which I term it, ‘The Well’, just you wait. You’ll be hearing and seeing more about it in the future.
“Have you seen the well // take extra good care of it // It is our future.”
Finally, I caught up with Brandon of Datagrama Visuals. He was a vending neighbor of mine at Rendezvous this past year, and a fellow sock enthusiast to boot. I congratulated him on the spetacular visual display his team put forth on night 1, and he invited me to stop by the booth for a pair of socks. Not only that, he asked for my input on new sock designs! That’s like a dream come true for me! I get to be part of the design process for a new pair of socks? Hell yeah, I feel like I’m winning!!! If you’re not yet following Datagrama Visuals, you need to get on it. These folks are next level, as is their standard of excellence. Their socks are comfy, their visuals eye-catching, and their vibrations friendly and welcoming.
In my opinion, Tipper is an artist of such individuality, his influence stretches further than most probably realize. Tipper’s conduct, demeanor, musical productions, and presentation have made him a legend within electronic and glitch-hop realms, inspiring creativity in many ways that is not just limited to music. Personally, this blog, website, and my own writings wouldn’t be what they are without his impact long ago. From the first moment I witnessed his performing at Red Rocks nearly a decade ago, my own creative vespers have found their way out of me, in multiple mediums. I’m definitely a bit “Off-Kilter”, I wouldn’t have it any other way, and I’m continually evolving. If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from the many times I’ve witnessed Tipper, it’s to embrace being, and doing, different. That’s what makes us fantastic. Be proud of yourself for who you are and celebrate what makes you phenomenal.
I’m thrilled I got to experience three days of Tipper in Alabama with a dozen sweet and nurturing souls beside myself. Plus the multitudes of Tipperites who made their way from states across the country, and several countries across the globe. I thank the grace of God for how my story continues to unfold, and those who have been close to me and lending support throughout. Call it good fortune, but friends who care and let you know you are loved are more than just friends. They’re a type of extended family, and I loved every moment with my Tipper enthused “Planking, Wook-Wrangling, ‘Bama Fama’ Armada.” A man of my word, that is the title our armada deserves. Bear Swiftly, the Electro Scribe, signing off. Sayonara all you Samurai.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
