The Ultra Music Festival (UMF) is one of the most ambitious undertakings in the dance music world. With what seems like 300 artists/djs on 25 stages playing to a million people, pulling of such an event is as inspiring as it is essential. How many other musical events bring together such a variety of people?
This year's UMF was exceptional. I spent several hours going from tent - listening to the music and watching the people. The energy was absolutely amazing and the vibe was warm and celebratory. I can't even begin to list all the acts - so I will just say that if you are within 10 hours driving of Miami, you should definitely plan to attend in 2007.
We left Ultra and headed to the Opium Garden for the King Street Party. Unfortunately we didn't get back until after the party ended, so we chilled outside and greeted people as they left. Mink, the singer of the current #1 Billboard Club Chart Hit "Glory of Life," was all smiles and loved have her picture taken. I caught Monique Bingham ("Poor People") and Joe Berinato in quite a jovial mood.
From the we headed up Collins and hit the Herb Albert release party. As I was getting off the elevator, Ben Watt walked off as I kicked myself for not catching him. Herb was there and in quite good spirits.
Next came the Xmix party where I listened to Lenny B open his set. Granted the advertising left his name off the lineup, but those in the know realized to come out early and catch his DJ set. Lenny played an incredible tech set which kept the dancefloor so packed that he stayed on till 1am.
My last stop of the night was the Deejays From Around The World party at The Gryphon Nightclub (Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel. The lineup was insane and I caught sets by Stonebridge, Funky Junction, Ralphie Dee, Phillip Gonzalez, Tommy Vee and Neil Noff. There were more DJs to come, but at 3am and with preparing for my panel tomorrow I realized that i need to get some rest.
Random Definition:
Eco-DJ - dj who recycles old tune, his way of doing his bit for the environment.
Random Observation:
Did anyone else notice djs putting the same songs together in their sets? DJ Rap and Stonebridge both played Deep Dish "Flashdancep]
Songs to watch for:
1. Queen - "Another One Bites the Dust" (Cedric Gervais and Second Sun Remix)
2. Dogtooth - "Abbacadabra (Can't Cool Down)"
3. Bob Sinclar - "World Hold On"
4. Rooster and Sammy Peralta - "Shake It"
Great t-shirt slogans:
1. I hate coke, I love models (Official Scumfrog tshirt)
2. Ultra - Feed the Addiction
3. No.. I'm not on STEROIDS! But thanks for asking...
