Page 39 - Zone Magazine Issue 015

The Las Vegas dance music scene has been one of two vastly different environments: mainstream house music artists such as David Guetta headlining multi- million dollar nightclubs on the Strip, and underground dubstep shows thrown by hometown promoters trying to make waves in Sin City. Between those two extremes sits an upcoming group named Collective Zoo, whose ambition to bring Hakkasan-level experiences to locals by fusing them with economically sound ticket prices creates a gray area market to which they thrive in. Zoo’s ability to bring blue chip artists begun over a year ago, while still known as Momentus Entertainment. By booking industry staples such as What So Not, Gorgon City, and Destructo, the groundwork for their following was beginning to form. Additionally, having Dirtybird artists such as Shiba San and Ciszak at various shows, including some at the newly renovated Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLV), laid the foundation for their biggest show to date.
Hosted on the clear skies of May 20th, the Dirtybird BBQ was positioned to fit in well with a newly renovated DLV by housing its massive stage, multiple merchandise tents, food trucks, and ambitious swimming pool area. To keep themes consistent, green turf, water sprinklers, and lawn chairs were all placed throughout the venue to give it a true backyard feel. Guests were encouraged to wear bathing suits, sandals, and bright smiles as the harmonious vibes were abundantly clear amongst attendees. Zoo’s familiarity with both the venue and performing artists came in handy, as security, admissions, and on-site personnel were efficient in executing their assigned tasks and assisting guests with any questions. Wilfred Ozewell, a patron from Los Angeles, told me of how professional and effective the staff was and how it surprisingly gave the backyard shindig’s ticket price a sense of value knowing those running the event were competent, more so than any waterslide.
In hopes of delivering a balance of high quality entertainment with economically sound prices, the Dirtybird BBQ sold general admission tickets for a mere fifty dollars and VIP passes for sixty-five. Included with VIP were approval to enter the shaded upper viewing deck areas for maximum comfort to those seeking relaxation under blue skies and good vibes. Additionally,
the swimming pool area required wristbands that could be purchased for a dollar and was accessible throughout the entire event. No matter which area you positioned yourself in; the mainstage was large enough for viewers to enjoy acts fully.
Leading the roster, renown acts Claude Von Stroke, Shiba San, Justin Martin, and Eats Everything all delivered as expected on each set. Differing from his counterparts, Ciszak surprisingly played a much more bass-infused house collection that would align with the Basspod of EDC more so than a Dirtybird show, a change of pace much appreciated by fans. One of the many highlight track selections may be toward the end of Justin Martin’s performance when after playing tech house for nearly an hour, he adjusted the tempo to drop a widely unexpected drum and bass remix of his track “Don’t Go.” The sounds provided by the Dirtybird crew fit well thematically with the BBQ theme as it gave a consistent tempo and environment for guests to swim, eat, dance, and socialize on the sunny Saturday afternoon.
While there have been many Dirtybird BBQ’s around the country, this was Las Vegas’ first attempt at hosting the event, something that showed promise as the majority of early bird tickets sold out before doors even opened. Founder of Collective Zoo, Mike Uriarte, told me that nearly 79 percent of passes sold were to people from California, a sign that Vegas locals may still be finding their place between million dollar nightclubs and underground dubstep events. However, Las Vegas will always be a destination for new and exciting events to take place, even if those nearby take a little longer to realize their value than those from neighboring states. Uriarte went on to say that the
Dirtybird event did well enough to give consideration of a sequel event in the future, one that I predict will the next big step to solidify a consistent house fan base for locals and non- locals alike.
Connect: www.dirtybirdrecords.com
Words By Jon Parker
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 39
event review [usa]
zone rating 8.5