The weather gods were smiling on us Saturday for Intro 2009. With those oft elusive blue skies stretching for miles and hot sun pouring down over scantily clad bodies, everything seemed perfect for some fun in the sun set to a techno soundtrack.

As I get older, I find myself less able to hang with the nightcrawlers trawling dark 'n dirty early morning dens of sin and more and more drawn to partying where you can actually see who you're dancing with. As a day party, Intro came through in spades. D-Park, with its towering, twisting tubes, made me feel like a pawn in the game Mouse Trap. The stage and lighting set-up fit right in with the industrial area, and the sound was tweaked so well that I heard little echo, a tough task in such a sprawling, odd space.

While I eagerly awaited M.A.N.D.Y.'s set -- which didn't disappoint -- my favorite set of the day proved to be Acupuncture's ELVIS.T. I've heard ELVIS.T before but not on such a big system. I was thoroughly impressed by his blend of trippy minimal and melodic bigger beats.

A few things I would suggest improving for next year: more food vendors, cheaper water (especially with temps like they were on Saturday), and an option to pass out. I was sad I couldn't go check out the "Welcome Stage" once I was in the main area. Luckily, festivals and large-scale parties are learning experiences, and I look forward to seeing how things evolve.

Sadly, as many of you may already have heard, the po-po called a halt to the outdoor festival 30 minutes early and flat out refused to allow the "Intro by Night" afterparty to occur. I've been around the block enough times to know that, unfortunately, despite the best laid plans, shit happens. I've seen this happen to so many festivals and parties that I can't even count them on all my fingers and toes. I'm not saying it's an excuse; I'm just saying that I understand. The best thing that one can do is try to make good with anyone that was let down.

And that's what Acupuncture is doing today and tomorrow. For people with unused tickets, Acupuncture is offering a 100% refund. There's a 50% refund for people that bought a ticket at the door after 9PM.

Refunds are available at the following locations:
Tonight (May 25) until 10PM at room 1312 of the Hilton Hotel
May 25-26, 1-10:30PM at Luce