My friend - a “Gorge-virgin”- inquired why people drive so far to see concerts in the middle of nowhere. “You’ll see” I said as we walked toward the crest of the amphitheater. With the full panorama in front of us, he blurted out, ‘Wow.’ To gauge his approval, bear in mind that he does not often bellow out unwarranted hyperbole.

The techno-tent DJ’s - all of similar ilk- bored us, so after checking out one unknown DJ, we headed for the main stage where there proved to be ample diversity in the lineup.

First, the highly entertaining Blue Man Group totaled twelve, with only three‘blue men’ in black jump-suits and shiny azure noggins, additional percussionists, bass, guitar, and vocalists. Their biggest schtick is theatrical antics and inventive percussion: conduit, PVC pipes, a vertical grand piano, drums with ultraviolet dyed water. At one point, thousands of silver streamers shot into the audience, raising the question of why nobody objected to non-biodegradable mylar flying around, or the thousands of animal rights flyers strewn about the hillside.

Busta Rhymes proved quite the entertainer, but fresh air was lacking after the ganja wafted through the audience at his prompting to “share the love.” Hey kids, if a wealthy rapper on stage encourages illicit drug use it’s apparently a-ok. Naturally, the lyrics were also aimed in the direction of sexual conquests and smoking happy grass. Oh well . . . still fun to dance to.

The most anticipated performer, David Bowie, seized the stage in a sharp three piece suit, commanding everyone’s attention with his stage presence, and marvelous band. Bowie beamed as if he was drawing energy from the crowd. Highlights included “Ashes to Ashes,” “China Girl,” “I’m Afraid of Americans,” as well as a Pixies cover, two Elvis covers, and the endearing “Ziggy Stardust” ending his concert on a high note.

Finally, Moby closed out the evening with a high octane supercharge. Amazing lights, musicians and vocalists served as a nice backdrop while Moby bounced around like a chipmunk on crack, between keyboards, congas, guitars and vocals. Intellectual and humorous banter enhanced his animated personality. The set drew material from“Everything is Wrong” and “I Like to Score,” but favored hits from “18" and “Play.” He seemed genuinely pleased with the turnout for his ‘little party.’

While exiting the parking lot was murder, and the concessions were overpriced, spending a day at the Gorge watching rock legends take the stage alongside neo-vaudeville acts, techno DJs, and whatever category Moby fits into, didn’t fail to elicit a ‘Wow’ from most of the audience.