Tiesto descends on the Liacouras for a nearly two-hour set

When Tiësto comes to town, it's not just a concert: it's an event.

On Saturday night, nearly 5,000 electronic dance music enthusiasts and casual fans descended on the Liacouras Center at Temple University to see the world-famous Dutch artist. The highest-paid DJ in the world (an estimated $22 million in 2012) with a less-impressive presence on the charts, Tiësto proved once again that the live component is essential to his sound.

Smoke and a thumping bass greeted concert-goers in the lobby, along with a thorough frisk from security checking for a laundry list of prohibited items that included laser pointers and glow sticks.

"Tonight's Show Uses Strobe Lights and Flashing Lights" warned flyers posted prominently outside the arena. Inside the dark, laser-lit arena, openers Quintino and Tommy Trash delivered on this promise, getting the crowd moving before the headliner.

But it wasn't until Tiësto took the stage promptly at 10 p.m. that the bleacher seats reached capacity, and the ground-floor crowd huddled close to the stage and adopted a singular, fist-pumping rhythm.

A digital screen behind the DJ announced his arrival via a dramatic countdown, and was later lit by phrases like "Make Some Noise" and "Club Life" that sent the crowd roaring. Along with the impressive light show, the set was peppered with smoke, streamers, and sparks that shot from the stage.

Tiësto played his signature brand of popular songs remixed with pounding bass lines and electronic sound effects. Remixed tunes included familiar tracks like Passion Pit's "I Get Carried Away" and Icona Pop's "I Love It."

Ending with a Quintino and R3hab remix of his 2011 song "Maximal Crazy," Tiësto took the stage again for an encore that included Alvaro's "Make the Crowd Go," ending a set that lasted nearly two hours.

Though it was the latest stop on Tiësto "Club Life College Invasion Tour," most of the neon-clad audience didn't seem old enough to get into a club or college. Instead of exclusive VIP rooms or universities, the all-ages show had more of the air of an all-inclusive party.