The stars shined brightly over Hummingbird Ranch as the new era of experimental musicians and artists took way for the fifth installment of Expansion. 

As guests waited in line to get their IDs checked and pay for their tickets much anticipation grew for the main DJs of the night; TOKiMONSTA and Nosaj Thing.

Though this may seem like a rather new gathering what many do not know is that this is the reinvention of Expansion. Back in 2000 Lewis Kunstler came together with Project Sweatshop to begin the series of events at Downstage in Hollywood.

 “We started it again about five months ago,” said Kunstler.

In just under half a year Kunstler, who also manages most of these artists, has booked Free the Robots, Daedelus, and tonight the only female DJ under Brainfeeder Records; TOKiMONSTA.

   “If you notice at almost every one they have someone that’s kind of beat oriented,” said TOKiMONSTA aka Jennifer Lee. “It just happens to be that there is this party here that my manger is throwing at this amazing venue and I get to play so I’m pretty excited.”

 Besides booking edgy musicians Expansion also hires a range of entertainers including live painters, fire breathers, and guest speakers. All of the online hype and exposure outside of Ventura County brings in a surprising amount of Los Angeles natives including 21-year-old Lake Balboa resident, Kathleen Mari.

 “I really come for the music,” said Mari.

Tonight she is here to see the headliners of course and in this past has also attended Expansion to see Daedelus in June. As long as Kunstler continues to book artists of this genre for future events it seems the series of events will have a strong following every month.

 “We all work together and we all support each other; Brainfeeder, Low End Theory, Magical Properties, Ninjatune and so forth we’re all tied in together,” Kunstler explained. “I definitely want to continue to grow.”

The next Expansion will be a Halloween party set on Friday Oct. 28. For more information visit HummingbirdRanchMusic.com