What’s going on, San Diego! This month, we come at you with a mid-month event preview as I’ve been on the road experiencing the international sounds of electronic music, with the last three weeks taking me on a voyage through Ibiza, London, and Canada.
I had the privilege of performing at some amazing events, experiencing the kick-off of Ultra Music Festival’s ‘Resistance’ brand (look it up if you’re into the underground sounds of house and techno), and making it to what is being dubbed the No. 1 camping festival experience that everyone needs to live at Canada’s Shambhala Music Festival.
As we lead into the next couple of weeks up to Labor Day weekend, I look back at the past few weeks and it amazes me to see how lucky we are to live in the city of San Diego and continuously have worldwide talent knocking at our door -- with plenty of underground talent that we are sure to see become world-class performers.
With that in mind, this week’s dance-a-thon kicks off on Friday (Aug. 25) when you can venture out for some house music by France’s Michael Calfan at Bang Bang, whose dance-music sound connects soul and house and will be done proper under their big disco ball. The same night, trance-heads unite for Matt Lange at Spin -- going till 4 a.m.!
On Saturday (Aug. 26), Soul Work continues bringing that European tech sound to their EDEN events on the Spin rooftop -- this time with a ‘Ties & Tutus’ themed gathering. If you fancy a good time in Hillcrest instead that night, house music is alive at Gossip Grill with special guests DJ G, Lurob and Paluka performing a special birthday set, coming down to SoCal from the Bay Area.
Kicking off Labor Day weekend on Sept. 1, Omnia hosts Armin Van Buuren -- one of dance music’s leading artists; head boss of trance label Armada Music; and host of the world-wide syndicated radio show "A State of Trance." If you don’t get a presale or bottle service reservation in, then make sure to get there early! On the other side of the Gaslamp, Parq gets down and dirty with Chuckie -- credited for the ‘dirty house’ scene movement that he originated all the way from Aruba.
The next night (Saturday, Sept. 2), Dark Woods Dreams Festival returns to the Xolos Soccer stadium in Tijuana with a stellar lineup featuring Bad Royale, Croatia Squad, Datsik, Henry Fong, Morgan Page, Vini Vici -- and yours truly! Just minutes away across the border on a taxi, you will be able to experience an 18-and-up festival with plenty of tacos, beers and world class production -- setting a new standard for Baja California festivals. Make sure to enter to win tickets through SoundDiego right here!
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If you’re staying in San Diego that Saturday though, Bassmnt is hitting the trap and bass strong with Lookas, coming in hot from Miami with praise by Rolling Stone as one of the Top 10 Acts to Watch and many more on the hunt to work with the talented DJ/producer. For the pre-party to the Saturday night party, I recommend hitting up San Diego’s Bacon Fest, the annual foodie and beer festival that delivers a delicious experience and refreshing setting at Liberty Station in Point Loma.
For those weekend warriors still seeking a way to close out the weekend with Sunday Funday action on Sept. 3, Hard Rock Hotel’s Float SD pool party is setting up a double-decker lineup featuring Classixx and Amtrac. And finally, If you’d rather hit the bay, Pier Pressure hosts a triple-decker 1,200-person yacht party featuring three areas of music and Donald Glaude onboard the Inspiration Hornblower.
For those looking to get away this weekend, you can join me Saturday night (Aug. 26) in Glendale at the rooftop of EDEN on Brand from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. or if you’re up for a late night after-hours show at Joseph’s in Hollywood for Sunday morning house music, which kicks off at 6 a.m.! Stay classy, San Diego!
Aug. 24: Tribe Vibes at PB Avenue
Aug. 25: Taste with Matt Lange @ Spin
Aug. 25: Michael Calfan at Bang Bang
Aug. 26: Soul Work presents EDEN at Spin Rooftop
Aug. 26: Souleil at Gossip Grill
Sept. 1: Armin Van Buuren at Omnia
Sept. 1: Chuckie at Parq
Sept. 2: Dark Woods Dream Festival in Tijuana
Sept. 2: Lookas at Bassmnt
Sept. 2: San Diego Bacon Fest
Sept. 3: Classixx and Amtrac at Hard Rock Float SD Pool Party
Sept. 3: Pier Pressure with Donald Glaude @ Inspiration Hornblower
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.
