On April 1, for the fourth consecutive year, the Dominican Republic will witness Isle of Light, the indie and electronic music festival that shines like a bright little jewel nestled among larger scale mainstream Caribbean festivals. The organizers have been successful in creating a yearly gathering where local and regional acts can cut their teeth on a big stage side-by-side with international artists, indie fans get their live music fix outside the typical venues and nightclubs, and music industry stakeholders can network. In 2016, the audience was able to enjoy sets by the likes of MULA, Los Wálters, and Neon Indian, and for this edition they’re up for a jaw-dropping surprise.
Let’s cut to the chase. El Faro de Punta Torrecilla, in San Souci, will witness the return to the stages of none other than Rita Indiana. You read that correctly: RITA. INDIANA. The Dominican musical and literary goddess who stated over two years ago she wouldn’t perform live again “ni por un millón de dólares” has come back to us. La Montra is headlining the festival with a special solo show, along with Canadian electronic duo Crystal Castles in their post-Alice Glass iteration.
Dominican talent represents a large chunk of this year’s Isle of Light’s line-up, including local hip-hop sensation Original Juan, plus a DJ set by Stereoptico’s Bacayne. Vaporwave-loving project Volt Phonic, Afro-Latino singer-songwriter Riccie Oriach, and rockers The Cat Lady are also included, as well as Miami-based electro duo Hunters of the Alps.
Early bird tickets are now on sale here. Peep the full line-up below.