As the go-to opener for Girl Talk last year, Dan Deacon built a reputation for chaotic, participatory shows centered around his experimental/electronic music. Walking into Exhibition Hall here at Bumbershoot, I sensed the frenetic energy for which his shows have become famous. The crowd looked like a human whirlpool, circling and funneling to a center point where, I had to assume, Mr. Deacon was doing his thing. It became apparent that if I wanted a photo of him, I was going to have to fight for it.

So into the crowd I roamed…

I thought I had him, but took a last-second elbow to the head and was blocked by some guy’s hand.

Finally, I got a break in the form of technical difficulties. Turns out, the crowd trampled Deacon’s equipment, prompting him to politely ask folks to spread out and give him some space. Victory!