For the second time ever, Steve Aoki and his tour crew touched down in Richmond last wednesday, this time at The National. As often as I get to see this guy, his performance manages to get better and more surprising every time. Check out some shots of his new stage tricks (and a link to the full album) after the jump.

The night got started as soon as the doors opened, with Richmond’s own Audio Ammo crew bringing heads out for their opening set.

Audio Ammo members Bobby LaBeat, Billy the Gent, and Long Jawns have been turning heads towards RVA recently with their heavy moombahton contributions. “Kreayshawn - Gucci Gucci (Bobby LaBeat and Long Jawns remix)” and “Billy the Gent and Long Jawns - VIBRATE” have been getting play in sets from all the biggest moombahton acts I’ve seen this year, from Diplo to Nadastrom to Dillon Francis. Big ups to the hometown team!

I was personally really excited to see UK’s Calvertron for the first time in person. This guy is a production genius with knack for finding that perfect balance between heavy dubstep and dance-worth electro. He also adds a good amount of humor to his mixes. I wasn’t at all disappointed with his live performance.

Shout out to the crowd.

Here’s Paul from Steez Promo helping break down the set up to make room for Steve’s CDJs. Dude works mad hard traveling around the country managing logistics for just about all of the events that Steez Promo puts on for the east coast EDM scene. And that’s a lot of events. Keep it up man!

I was walking my friend Trudy backstage at the exact minute Steve’s crew rolled up to the venue. I said what’s up to Steve and Kyle his videographer, and was also happy to see Alvin Risk hanging out too. We chatted for a second until it was time to head inside so Steve could set up. Also, Trudy was so happy about getting this shot with him, I had to put it up.

Of course, things got crazy as soon as Steve hit the stage.

It wasn’t long at all before he got to his world-renowned party antics. Champagne for everyone.

Another part of his act that I always love catching is his vocalization over tracks like “WARP” and “Wake up Call ft. Sidney Samson”. His roots in punk music come out when he grabs the mic.

Party girls know how to party.

Like I said, Steve never fails to surprise me with the new things he brings to every show. He’s well known for his crowd-rafting, but this was the first time I’d seen him jump off a balcony into a boat like that. It was a little scary.

He also likes to make sure the crowd is having just as much fun as he is.

Alvin and Paige hanging out backstage. Funny I’d be running into them again in New York two days later.

Aoki Group!

Captain overboard.

You guys who caught his performance at STARSCAPE this year might remember a little stunt he pulled where he took a batch of cupcakes a fan baked him and threw them back in her face. It looks like he’s taken a liking to baked goods since then.

Boom.

Yummy.

I had actually just walked out of the venue when I heard one of Alvin’s remixes come on. I headed back in to see what his reaction would be to Steve dropping one of his tracks, only to find Alvin himself behind the tables. It was a fun surprise.

Real DJs wear Supras.

Check the rest of the photos HERE.