Dance music is alive and jumping in San Diego, and it’s exciting times as our city continues to make noise in the dance music world with one fabulous event after another. This month, we kick off "Cinco De Drinko" with our feature event: the West Coast Weekender, a four day dance music expo featuring workshop and speaking panels, plus demo opportunities with some of the latest gear and more. Coupled with a fabulous daytime to nighttime party and a star-studded lineup featuring beats by Claptone, Carl Craig, Lee Foss, Doc Martin, Gene Farris, the Pharcyde and many more. Going down at the lovely Viejas Casino, the party is guaranteed to go off, and there’s no better or safer way to enjoy yourself than grabbing a hotel room to crash at! For the full 2019 event program, artist set times, conference and workshop schedule and your weekend tickets, click here.
As the weekend launches into full steam, on Saturday, May 4, the Tacos and Tequila Festival puts together two of my favorite things -- tacos and music! Get down to the jams of Big Lewinsky, Cumbia Machine, Memo Rex and more, in addition to 15 of Southern California’s favorite tortilla wrapped treasures with exquisitely delicious unlimited tequila and craft beer tastings. As a daytime event, Liberty Plaza never sounded so perfect! After the taco fest, Lovelife presents the Fourth Awakens featuring Matthias Tanzmann and Doorly aboard the Hornblower Yacht (6-10 p.m.). Lovelife doesn’t hold back on its Star Wars themed productions, and their surprise DJ Booth setups are always a visual delight. Make sure to come dressed in theme! As nighttime hits, the disco ball gets the lasers shooting at it and all the Desert Hearters that have returned get their Decompression session in at Spin Nightclub. The ring leaders include Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, Susio and more as they take over both rooms setting up chaos and debauchery at its finest.
With a week to rest, a very special intimate night comes along on Friday, May 10, as Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Todd Terry makes his way to San Diego. If you fancy the wobbles and bass notes instead, Broken Beat at Space Bar hosts a lineup featuring one of San Diego’s finest in masterclass DJs, MK Ultra, alongside another incredible live act, First Person. The bass doesn’t stop blasting on Saturday, May 11, as In Da Hoody hosts its Thank You Party at the Hole in the Wall featuring drum & bass all day and night! Featuring Southern California artists, this all day event turns into a bass lovers reunion and is always welcomed with a smile.
With house music at an all time high, East Coast transplant Oscar P hosts "Chocolate: Afro House & Forward Thinking House Music" on Thursday, May 16, at Blonde. Playing the roots of afro house throughout the night, a warm side to the culture of dance awaits you, as the beats don't stop bumping, and the sweat doesn’t stop flowing from the dancing. For all house music lovers, make sure to add this to your "must" list of the month.
As we wind down toward the latter part of the month, FNGRS CRSSD presents Matador and Raito at Quartyard. Matador has been on a rampage as a revolutionary live artist with a shining reputation for versatility and quality. Accolades have been showered on the Dublin-born producer and you get a chance to catch him at this daytime soiree, alongside France’s Raito, on Sunday, May 19, from 4-9 p.m. And last, but certainly not least, Memorial Day weekend closes down with a big double header. On Friday, May 24, big man on campus Diplo makes his way to San Diego to hit 'em down low with his more than entertaining performances, while the notorious Steve Aoki takes over on Sunday, May 26. Known for his intense performances, crowd boat rides and big room energy, Omnia San Diego will be exploding as the Aoki vibes descend upon it. Grab your tickets ASAP, and if you dare, make it to both!
As always, enjoy my suggestions, but know there are plenty of more events for you to venture out to! Keep your smile on and your feet moving the dance floor -- I hope to see you there soon!
DJ IDeaL's May EDM Picks
- May 3-7: West Coast Weekender Conference & Music Festival at the Lafayette Hotel and World Beat Center
- May 3: Burner Podcast presents Alkaline Sessions at Blonde
- May 4: Tacos & Tequila Festival at Ingram Plaza Liberty Station from 1-5 p.m.
- May 4: Lovelife presents the Fourth Awakens featuring Matthias Tanzmann and Doorly on the Hornblower Yacht from 6-10 p.m.
- May 4: Desert Hearts Decompression at Spin Nightclub
- May 10: Todd Terry at Bang Bang
- BrokenBeat SD featuring MK Ultra at Space Bar
- May 11: In Da Hoody Thank You Party at the Hole in the Wall
- May 16: Chocolate Afro House at Blonde
- May 17: House Music Fridays featuring DJ Heather, Matthew Brian and Cachet
- May 19: FNGRS CRSSD presents Matador and Raito at Quartyard
- May 24: Diplo at Omnia San Diego
- May 26: Steve Aoki at Omnia San Diego
Tomas Serrano, aka DJ IDeaL, is the electronic dance music correspondent for SoundDiego, covering the best of San Diego's electronic music events and culture. Follow his whereabouts on Facebook, Twitter or contact him directly.
