As soon as I walked into The Shrine Expo Hall, I knew it was going to be a fun concert to attend. How did I know so fast? Because I was instantly greeted by a thick cloud of humid air from the thriving crowd watching M.I.A. perform which immediately alerted me that everyone was dancing.

The British performer was so enthusiastic as she was jumping all over the stage, with her dancers and hype men, obviously having the time of her life. It was great to see an artist that was so energetic because that only caused the crowd to go ever crazier and wanting more, giving the term "Thirsty Thursday" an entirely new meaning.

As the Ultra lineup was slowly being announced this year, I saw M.I.A. pop up I was certainly confused but made it a point to check her out at the festival. She was definitely entertaining but I only stayed for a couple of songs and did not entirely grasp how she fit into an EDM lineup. But this show answered all of my questions within the first few minutes.

Not only was the stage lit up with multiple props and signs but her light show was incredible and easily filled the entire room. Furthermore, the biggest exposure I had ever really gotten of M.I.A. was her stoner-favorite “Paper Planes” that was featured in "Pineapple Express." Because of this, I expected a show that I would be grooving and bobbing to with the other attendees but a large portion of the show was actually heavily influenced by EDM with high-energy tempos and body rattling bass. However, due to the Shrine’s acoustic issues, this caused the singer’s voice to be drowned out.

Throughout the performance, I was looking around to see that everyone was dancing and having a the time of their lives but often times would stop as a wave of confusion would sweep across their faces. It was obvious that the crowd could not understand what the singer was saying during the night because of the venue’s reverberation problems. But the mark of a true performer is what he or she can do with what is given and M.I.A. made sure to deliver. She did not let up once during her hour and half long set and she finished strong with her recent hit “Live Fast, Die Young.” 

I will definitely be catching her again but this time I will be looking for another venue as I imagine most of the attendees will be too.

Reach Staff Reporter Marc Sessa here.