Miami 2007 Part One - The Scion Showcase at the Raleigh Hotel
First, a little background for the uninitiated.
For over 20 years, there has been an annual event known as the Winter Music Conference, billed as “the granddaddy of dance music conferences.” The conference holds all sorts of seminars, networking events, an annual dance music award show and after-party, and a two-day music festival among other events.
But what people go to Miami for during the conference, for the most part, is any event but the conference. Over time, it was discovered that one didn’t have to shell out $400+ to attend the conference in order to do business, meet and greet, and…let’s admit it…party party party. And they aren’t just parties for fans of dance music, but also for peers to meet one another; DJ’s meeting other DJ’s, producers hooking up with other producers, East meets West, girl meets boy, groupies meet other groupies, and on and on.
For Europeans, Miami is a good excuse to get away from the cold and into the sun. Though the weather has been mixed this year, the events are as strong as ever. And this being the third conference in four years that I’ve attended, I was quite impressed.
Having arrived late Sunday night from California, my first two days were spent being lazy. I gotta say that it takes an awful lot to have me slow down, and I really did enjoy myself on the beach, in cafes, and in various places people-watching. I would highly recommend for anyone thinking of going to Miami Beach to have a day or two for themselves and just lose it on the beach; it’s therapy, baby!
One thing about events put on by Scion is that finding out about them ahead of time can be elusive. But with some able-bodied help (and you know who you are…thanks so much!), I was able to secure a spot for the Scion Showcase at the Raleigh Hotel, one of the more upscale hotels on South Beach.
I was scheduled to interview one of the members of Kraak and Smaak, but I was told that he was running late and, frankly, so was I. Upon entering the hotel, the packed elevator (one of two in use) took me and guests to the penthouse. Exiting the elevator, there was a lounge with cushioned seats, pillows and guests. The next room had a wooden floor with few dancers, and an open bar already hopping with activity.
The DJ deck was already on the move, while some people were already outside on the rooftop admist the heavily overcast skyline. The rooftop, too, had a bar that got ready for business.
As if the bars weren’t enough, guests were treated to a full lunch buffet of freshness…everything from BBQ ribs and baked chicken, to corn-on-the-cob, baked potatoes and baked beans, and salads, fruits and veggies, and other tasty foods as well. Something for everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians without skimping on quality…the food was delicious.
All told, I was at the event for about six hours.
Highlights:
- Meeting Gunnar of Om Records in person after a few years of email correspondence.
- Having his girlfriend helped me out with my digital camera…she’s saved me from countless hours of frustration.
- Talking for a few with Mark from Kraak & Smaak; we never got that interview, but we knew we’d meet again. Kickass DJ set he did, by the way.
- Ben Watt rockin’ the crowd.
- Kruder & Dorfmeister, in separate sets, dropping and showing science.
- The hot woman dancing her dance in front of me as a long line waited to use the restroom…what can I say?
- Being introduced to Benji B. and Geo-logy; very cool guys, indeed. I would find out later on during the week just how good Benji B. is on the decks.
- Being pointed to Tracey Thorn, and stealing a moment or two to have a brief chat.
- Running into homie Angelo; used to be with Sound In Color, now with the Massive Selector crew from the Bay Area.
Feel free to check out the complete set of photos from event. Check back soon for the next installment. Peace.
Big thanks to Brian, Jessica, Sylvia, Mark and Gunnar.
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