Electric Christmas 2018
Once again, Christmas arrived in Sacramento, CA, along with the highly anticipated Electric festival. The lineup this year featured an intriguing mix of artists, including Matt & Kim, Elle King, Sublime with Rome, and 30 Seconds to Mars. Notably, this marked the second year that Electric Christmas took place at the Golden 1 Center.
Matt & Kim burst onto the stage with an explosion of energy. Kim Schifino radiated enthusiasm, declaring to the crowd that this would be their final show of the year and they were determined to give it their all. Matt Johnson exuded a more serene presence but still had a great time. Kim displayed incredible passion while jamming on the drums, always wearing a smile on her face. Matt added to the excitement by showcasing his piano skills, even standing on one leg of his piano chair during their set. The stage crew added a unique touch by throwing inflatable manikins into the crowd, creating an interesting spectacle that the fans thoroughly enjoyed. The backdrop for Matt & Kim featured a massive screen displaying vivid visual effects and colors. They concluded their set with the beloved fan favorite, "Let's Go."
Following Matt & Kim, Elle King and her band took the stage. The crowd erupted in screams of excitement as Elle made her entrance. She kicked off her set with "Baby Outlaw" followed by "Ram Jam." Initially performing solo with her microphone, Elle later picked up her guitar, captivating the audience with her raw talent. Elle engaged with the crowd, discussing the importance of respect and living in the present moment, which garnered cheers from her fans. The manikins continued to fly through the air throughout Elle's performance, adding to the festive atmosphere. When Elle King and her band launched into "Ex's and Oh's," the crowd went wild, singing along to every word.
Up next was Sublime with Rome, who ignited the stage with their opening song, "Date Rape." The fans enthusiastically joined in, singing along to the familiar lyrics. Lead singer Rome Ramirez engaged with the crowd, inquiring if it was their first time attending a Sublime with Rome show, eliciting cheers from some fans. He then asked if anyone had seen them perform before, resulting in an overwhelming response of affirmative shouts. Sublime with Rome delivered a fantastic show, treating the crowd to their hits like "Wrong Way" and "Doin Time." They concluded their set with the iconic "Santeria," leaving the audience energized and primed for the headliner, 30 Seconds to Mars.
After a 15-minute delay, 30 Seconds to Mars finally took the stage, and the anticipation was well rewarded. Frontman Jared Leto emerged wearing sunglasses and kicked off the performance with "Walk on Water." Donning a pink robe, Leto's stage presence commanded attention, while his brother Shannin Leto dazzled on the drums. Throughout the show, 30 Seconds to Mars delivered an array of their hit songs, captivating the audience with their powerful performance. It was a delightful moment when Jared Leto inquired if the fans were familiar with their song "The Kill" before delivering a beautiful rendition, eventually removing his sunglasses. The stage crew added another dynamic element by tossing giant colorful balloon balls into the crowd during the set. As the show reached its climax, Jared invited the audience to join him on stage for the last few songs, prompting an eruption of excitement as fans raised their hands eagerly. 30 Seconds to Mars concluded the unforgettable night with "Closer to the Edge."
Electric Christmas proved to be an enjoyable evening, offering a diverse range of musical genres and showcasing the talents of remarkable artists. As we look ahead, we eagerly await what next year's festivities will bring!