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long review w/ pics - ferry, edc, unwind, markus/oakenfold
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| rizo |
Aaah I ended up writing more than I expected too! It's not even on the same level as Arune or J00F not that I expected too but I threw in pictures which say more than I ever possibly can! I suggest scrolling half way down my post and playing the Hernan Cattaneo video while reading if you have no music going on :p
The weekend leading into July 4th has been one of my favorites and one I will never forget! On Friday I took off from work about an hour early to go home and pack for the weekend including my J00F shirt that I made the night before with some advice from Blurr as I've never done iron-ons (plus I slacked off and didnt want to spend much to have it printed professionaly). I get into the city and head to Playbar to meet up with DJ LEXXX THE BOOTY BUSTER TU PAPI CHULO and whatever else he calls him self lol After I have the shot he had waiting for me, we walk over to Virgin Mega store for an in store 30 minute set by Ferry Corsten. Found some familiar faces already there and more showed up through out Ferry's set. After his set, Ferry signed and posed for pictures for about 15 minutes.
 
Since a lot of us were starving we didn't stay until Ferry was done and proceeded to the dinner meet up which was around the block from Ruby Skye at Lefty's O'doul's. The place wasn't that bad but with a dozen plus of us there, wish there was better seating for all 15+ of us although there was a pretty big party going on well before we got there. Food was ok, nothing special but it fit our needs of having dinner w/o a reservation, being too pricey or waiting on food. Especially the third need, as Taj and Dirtyhertz were opening for Ferry Corsten starting at 9PM
 
Got to Ruby Skye only to find everyone chilling in the smoking room or in the balcony and the dance floor empty. I headed to the front to greet Taj and Dirtyhertz with Blurr no where to be found because he always laggs and tends to flake! Blurr arrives about 30 minutes later in a dress shirt haha with his girl Lynn, my girl Sam and Jim. They went off to dinner but not O'doul's as I told them I'm not sure who's there as more than half the group left when I did. I then introduce a few people on the dance floor to each other, mainly TAs then after awhile I head to the awful smoking room to see whos there and found a few friends who didn't make it to Virgin or the dinner. So I quickly catch up with them then have a good talk with James Williams and his girl Linh about photography then Vegas and DJs w/ James and Franky. I don't really have the cash to go to Vegas to see B&J the week before Love Fest as no way I'm missing Paul van Dyk :) After I've had enough smoke in my lungs and a few pictures I head downstairs to find the dance floor a bit more full. Andrieux and his crew are back from dinner and thier hotel and going ape already to Taj and Dirty.
 
During Taj and Dirty's set, we spotted a rabbit in the crowd! lol "I thought I was on ACID" -Taj The rabbit was too busy on his mobile to pose for a small group photo :whip:
 
Ferry got to the club and we got a chance to greet and take pictures. I didn't get one last time I saw him because there were so many people trying to get a picture and I was kind enough to take photos for others such as Sweet Candy Girl but I finally got my picture with Ferry! :D
 
Ferry then got on the decks at midnight. Forgot which track he started off with but the crowd was already into it thanks to Taj and Dirty's great opening set. When Ferry dropped WoW-Mindcircus, it pretty much hit the spot for me! Of course the Long Islands also did that a bit earlier too haha It was great seeing a lot of 1015 regulars on stage thanks to Taj & Dirty and in the crowd along with meeting new people and seeing familiar RS only faces. Actually this was the most fun I've had at Ruby Skye!
 
Went into the crowd to say hello to others who showed up through the night. Jay got VIP in the balcony so I ended up going there to say hi to his crew and take some photos. On the way back down, I was able to take a photo of Guiv and Taj as Taj was leaving then bumped into Karina and Shawn. This was also my last time seeing Shawn and Karina until they get back from Spain. They're running with the bulls :wtf: and hitting up Ibiza! Seriously awesome trip and wish them the best especially against those bulls! We headed to the bar and Cyber JOe got us all shots, thanks again
 
Ferry closes his set with Out of the Blue! Which Blurr requested and I was betting Stanley that he close with it. After his set, people got to take photos with Ferry w/ Dave sticking in the Love Fest flyer in just about every picture haha Franky asked Ferry for a TA shot but Ferry was confused was like "what shot? oh take one now" haha
The EDC crew got into the EDC express right after Ferry. Spent about an additional hour in the city picking up Amit/Venassa and waiting for Liz to pack (it was a last minute thing for her). I had to add a detour of my own as I forgot my battery chargers for my camera and flash. I don't know how Frank and Liz did it but we eventually got to SoCal and were starving so we had lunch at "On the Waterfront Cafe" on Venice Beach. They don't know what medium or medium well is and have terrible kalamari which might as well be onion rings so it's not recommended :whip:
 
We walked down Venice beach and stumbled upon some amazing art work along these metal figurines of popular characters, my favorite being the robocop and alien one. I've seen them online before but never in person. was tempted to get one but they're so damn expensive
 
We then head to the hotel to blast the AC, shower and get ready for EDC. I think I was the first one ready but since everyone else took longer than I expected we got there around 8, missing the planned TA meeting (sorry about that -- especially whoever called me from a New York area code). Once I got through the entrance, I remembered the site layout and proceeded directly to the circuitGROUNDS hoping to at least see Nicholas Bennison around the stage. He was going to try and get me stage access but I missed him. He missed my last message about the TA meetup and possible group shot too but got back to me wishing he had been in the group shot and to see how things went on my side. Let Bennison know that it didn't happen because I was running late and that the meet up never really happened according to others I talked too, and I apologized for missing his set as I heard it was good according to Mecca
 
Desyn Masiello was doing his thing already at the circuitGROUNDS however I didn't recognize him right away due to his new hair cut. But after seeing him smile a couple of times and listening to his set, I knew it was him! I would wonder off to the side every once in awhile to see if I can get stage access but had no luck. I eventually caught someone's attention that gave the ok to security for me to go beyond the barricade and take photos :D As much as I love just listening to the music, I brought my camera for a reason! Masiello played an awesome set although those who caught Bennison before will disagree because the transition was not properly organized by the promoter as usual at these massive events. J00F shows up and remembers me from May at 1015 in SF and talked for a tiny bit, and even bring up Sarah who wanted to be there but due to surgery she couldn't. Masiello gets off the decks and I get to talk to him about his set and upcoming gig at the End Up. Asked him to sign my EDC schedule which he takes a look at as he didn't even get one. Told him and his girl about the main stage being in the coliseum as they didn't that either.
 
J00F was kicking rad! From start to finish! I want to say it was better than his 1015 set but I was way to drunk that night and very sober at EDC. Mecca and I were text messaging each other early on during J00Fs set. I wanted to show J00F one of those messages but I really hate bothering DJs during their set but that message became irreverent as J00Fs set progressed. Frank got my attention during J00Fs set and pointed out Nancy to me! Never seen here in pig tails and raver candy haha Amid told me later on that he will never miss a J00F set and I have to agree with him!
 
During J00Fs set, I spotted Aruna! We were both surprise to see each other there and she remembered my name which made me love her even more haha Also got to meet Rukes (check out his amazing photos at rukes.com) and Fei Fei. Thank you again Rukes for the photo of me and Fei Fei. The drummer for IM, Rogerio Jardim, got there ahead of the rest of the band was able to take a picture with him. At one point I thought Randy S was DuvDev haha
 
J00F played one or two more tracks as IM was running a bit behind and they had brought additional equipment that the sound techs at the stage didn't expect so not only did they had to quickly setup the stage put also hook up and test the additional equipment on the spot. The crowd was over flowing onto the grass on the sides and coliseum stairs/entrances. Finally IM starts and the crowd goes even more insane! Most of us on stage overlooking IM were just in awe including J00F who reminded me to use my ear plugs again as I took them off for a bit while IM was setting up. IM would of just destroyed the main stage with their energy and rock concert like performance.
 
Stayed for about 30 minutes which I then proceeded to kineticFIELD (main stage) to catch Hernan Cattaneo! I was able to figure out how to get there and met Cattaneo before his set as he was just sitting down and chilling. He remembered me from San Francisco and told me he used my pictures on his website which I already knew but thanked him for using them. I thought his wife had their first kid already but let me know thats not until October so this was likely my last time seeing him for awhile as I'm sure he will want some time off plus he rarely makes it to SF. He's another DJ which I will try to never miss as his set that night was so good and if you saw the pictures that Alex took of me at his previous SF gig. I looked like I was pretty much rolling but without the use of drugs. I actually got kicked out by security shortly after talking to Cattaneo as I had no wrist band and didn't try hard enough to get one. Cattaneo still had about 15minutes until he go on so I went back to IM to meet up with friends. They were up front so I had a horrible time going through the crowd to reach them but finally caught up with them. Stayed there for about 5 minutes and then took off for Cattaneo who was already playing when I got back to kineticFIELD. I made my way to dead front and center but could only last about 20 minutes and had to get out of there. It was a bit too much but would of stayed if I didn't have my camera and more girls than guys were around me.
 
I head to the VIP area which was very nicely setup. One of the best that I've seen at a large music festival actually although their alcohol selection was weak -- just vodka. Since pictures from this view point weren't that great I decided to finally use my pocket camera and capture some video.
Got to talk to a few people around the VIP area, some liking my pocket camera, some my shirt, and other asking who was playing. Helped some girl with her brother who was pretty gone. But sadly there was a stabbing in VIP as well, I didn't see it happen although I did see a gang of Asians yelling "where is he at" on my way to VIP earlier so it could of been them. The guy who got stabbed was ok and the EMT helped him but there was so much blood it was hard not to notice.
After Cattaneo, it was Above and Beyond. About an hour before EDC was about ot end, I decided to look for my friends again. They happened to be at A&B so it worked out. I made my way to their location (front left) at the main stage which wasnt as bad as front center and being with friends helps. I bumped into other people there that I didn't see earlier in the night, including Michele (Tinigrl007). It was funny trying to get to her as her sister and sister's bf would block me thinking I wanted to hit on her hahaha Was finally able to tap her and it was all good. Her sister kept trying to apologize even as they were leaving hahaha Franky and I thought A&B set wasn't so great but a lot of others disagreed with us. 4AM came and EDC had to close down. Tony from A&B gets on the mic and says something like "LA has awful curefew laws but like everyone else here, we're going to continue to party else where" and that theyll remember this night forever. Friends and I chilled for awhile on the field then headed out, along the way taking a group shot and me posing with someone who was completely gone! guess it was payback for me being extremely sober that whole night haha He was okay though, as he semi-woke up a few minutes later
 
I spent the night at Franky's mom/sis place. Met his mom after waking up who was really cool and reminded me so much of Dee (Franky's sister) and even my grandma. We then proceeded to pick up others at the hotel to get some food! Franky took us to a part of downtown LA where it was originally founded in 1781. Shortly stopped by a chruch there where Liz thought a statue had glow sticks hahaha Then we went to the best Mexican restaurant ever! Everything was delicious! Jess and Jo so missed out! I got carnitas and 2 glasses of horchata but we all got to try each others dishes and drinks. The margaritas were great too, especially when you asked them to make it with Patron as Vanessa/Amid did.
 
We chilled in the area after eating. Vanessa bought this old Mexican card game that forgot what it was called, but it has a card of me in it -- borracho! haha And caught J00F again, but this time it was Juan 00 Fernandez! :p
 
We then headed back to the hotel for the EDC crew to split up. Everyone but Frank, Jess, Jo and I were going back to SF (I stayed an extra day to catch Kristina Sky at UNWIND and wish everyone did the same)
 
Frank and I went back to his mom's place for him to shower and for me to backup my photos onto his laptop but not before stopping by a Jamba Juice like smoothie place because it was so damn hot that day. We then headed to the Mor, on the way picking up Jess and Jo at their hotel. We got there as Matt Cerf was just getting on. Got to meet some LATAs during Cerfs set including Thrax and meDina! While getting some fresh air outside, Frank points out Aruna as shes crossing the street. Was good to see her again! Eventually more people showed up including Andrieux Matt and his crew. He tells Frank and I a bit about Ferry at Vanguard then proceeds into the club to order a gazillion appetizers as hes starving. Frank and I go back in to order our second Long Islands which were much stronger this time around. Even little Jess didn't want any haha We also were able to get a group shot of the SFTAs w/ Aruna and Ksky
 
Cerf's set was good but Kristina's set was great! The only other time I saw Kristina was when she opened for Armin at Spundae's white party at Circus. There wasn't a dull moment, track selection was perfect and her energy was great that night, she out shined Armin this night for me and why I love her so much. Some people look at me funny when I bring this night up because Armin was just garbage but the next night in SF I heard he was amazing. I think Andrieux said it best when he told Skwallie it was like day and night as he went to both gigs. This night at the Mor topped that. I had this amazing blissful feeling when Kristina played Waiting here for you because Aruna was there along great friends and good people all around me.
 
I orignally had Matt and Aruna sign the UNWIND poster for me, but someone had jacked it from the booth haha Most likely taken by mistake but hope they like the "To Gil" that Aruna wrote. Was able to get another signed but this time w/ Aruna, Kristina and Alex Z. Alex played a banging set after Kristina, maybe a bit too much that made Jess and Jo tired and had to chill in the car. I loved it though!
 
We chilled outside the Mor for a bit with everyone else and Frank making a point to Kristina that this isnt really unwinding but more like winding up because there was so much energy still! After awhile we had to leave because friends were tired, so Frank and I said our good byes to all the LATAs and everyone else including this very long hug I had with Aruna. I didn't want to let go of her :(
 
Crashed at Frankys moms place again and woke up at around 6am to catch my flight back to SF. I was still waking up and the fact that I wouldn't see Franky again for awhile didn't set in even when I said my goodbye to him when he dropped me off at LAX. As I'm typing this up it is setting in and have to realize Frank is missing much like when Adriana left after finishing up school and PvD. I know the night of EDC, people missed both of us at 1015 for Andy Moor as we're at 1015 just about every Saturday for the past few months.
 
I arrive at SFO w/ my left ear hurting a bit due to the air pressure on the flight and taking out my earplugs at the Mor and standing right next to the monitor for a good hour wasn't my best idea. I think the same ear plugs help w/ the air pressure as well as my friend Jess told me about them before her flight to London earlier this March. Anyway I go directly to work w/ my camera and backpack extremely tired. During lunch I was checking movie listings as I still wanted to watch Paprika but found there was an advance screening of Transformers by my place at 8. Perfect I can just walk over then come back right after to completely crash! Well since Blurr wanted to go to, this turned out differently. We caught it at different time and theater, which wouldn't of been so bad if I wasn't so tired but still went as I don't think I would of had any other time to catch it this week. Avoided all possible previews and trailers until this night. Move was visually awesome! but of course just like most American movies, it was all one liners and even though the romance side story wasn't much, it was still there! The girl is hot and all but I went to go see robots in disguise fight each other and destroy !
After Blurr dropped me off I told him that I may be taking photos for Spundae and he over reacted. Is not like I'm getting paid nor asking to be, I just want to enjoy the gigs and not become one of those photographers that club hop all night. I don't want to be in the middle and avoid any promoter drama. This actually happened at bad time too because I had planned on going to go see Markus Schulz but after finding out Oakenfold was going to be at 1015 I wanted to try and make it to both! Yes I know Schulz is the better DJ and Oakenfold isnt as good pre-2000 but this was at 1015 which was rare! He had been playing at RS and other venues which i didn't really care for.
So Tuesday evening came and while I was walking from the Caltrain station I just had all these thoughts going through me, I was thinking way too much into it to be honest. I headed to Ruby Skye as I knew the opening DJs there although I did miss out checking out new talent (John Early) at 1015. Bumped into Amid, Vanessa and their friend in line. We all got in without any problems and found Skwallie, Alex and Frankie already chilling there. Caught up with them and showed off the pictures from the weekend in LA that I still had on my camera.
Went onto stage to greet Scott Carrelli and ask him what track he played a few tracks back but he gave me the wrong one and didnt want to continue bothering him during his set, oh well. Time flew really fast as Syd Gris set felt like a few minutes probably due to all the pictures and chattering I was doing including with Markus who remembered the gig in Oakland he did in 2003. Was my first time talking to Markus since that day. I actually requested BT vs Sasha - Remember Magnetic North as that track is still amazing and I first heard it on GDJB long ago but he didnt have it.
 
It was a bit hard leaving Markus but I also wanted to catch Oakenfold and see people who I missed especially those who didn't go to Ferry and weren't at Markus. I don't recall that last time I left in the middle of a headliner. So after saying goodbye and taking pictures of lovely Nancy who I just met that night and Alex with Markus. Alex, Skwallie and I headed to 1015.
 
We get to 1015 and saw Koroma, Bluur, Lyn, Sam and Jim outside. These are some of the people I missed! We get into the club and find it packed! The crowd was insane and Oakenfold was playing some good tracks but his mixing wasnt spot on. It was nice seeing 1015 and RS having a good crowd but hope there isnt more of these nights where both clubs have talent I want to catch! Took some photos of Oakey
 
Went around the club to see who else was here. The crowd was very different but was able to find Tommy, Bells, Lyndsay, Vahid, John, Roger (who owes me a gazillion drinks haha) and others.
 
Said hi to Cyber JOe then went back downstairs for Oakenfold. Oakenfold looked pretty friendly until Blurr kept requesting for a picture I then just got this bad vibe off him. I totally understand it too as I wouldnt want to be bothered during a set. I don't know what was Blurr's rush but I was able to get a pic of him and Oakey. I honestly didn't care for one. However Blurr kept bothering me and even Taj about it and I was just like fine whatever and got a pic with him. I appreciate Blurr trying but that was a bit too much. I really disliked the picture because it was being forced not only on to me but also Oakey. Anyway forgot about it and continued to enjoy Oakey's set while fooling around with everyone else in the booth.
 
Taj gets on and transitions great as always. Goofed off some more in the booth then went out to the dance floor and bumped into Vahid where this girl on the gogo booth caught our attention
  
Taj was a bit too housey for me so I went upstairs to catch more of Cyber JOe as he was playing trance! At one point he needed to go to the bathroom so I goofed off and pretend to be the DJ and had a friend take a picture of it but it was just as JOe came back haha
 
After the upstairs room closed I went back down to the main room before wanting to take off. Took photos of Molly and Megan and even passed their US history quiz haha Great idea for 4th of July! I've never heard them laugh and giggle so much until that night too. Said my goodbyes and thankfully JD was able to give me a ride home. Thanks alot!
 
I crashed and slept the most I've ever had since Friday but it also made me miss Alex's BBQ in the city. Overall I had a weekend and Tuesday that I'll never forget. Thanks to everyone who made it that more special!
edit: sorry for any bad grammar and spelling mistakes :p |
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| henryv |
| give me a week on this one. |
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| DJ Taj |
| quote: | Originally posted by rizo
-Taj The rabbit was too busy on his mobile to pose for a small group photo :whip:
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GARSH DANG RABBIT!!!
Brilliant reviews Gilbert!!! :eyes: WOW!!! |
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| Randy S |
| You totally DID think I was duvdev, I was getting a kick out of it - This Israeli dude in the crowd thought I was too - he kept pointing at me and jumping up and down HAH! |
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| GPC |
Great pic :cool: |
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| BinaryUnison |
| Whoa awesome post/reviews. I see you went to Olvera Street In Los Angeles, pretty much the mexican food is great at all of those places. Sorry I missed you both @ EDC (the meetup was pretty lame, just me and few of my TA friends) and @ unwind. I know I will see you sometime either at 1015 or some other event. |
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| Trancelover24 |
very nice review man.. I thought I had a crazy weekend with Ferry, Cosmic Gate and Markus... Silly me yours was X10!! Amazing!!
Keep up the good work with that camera.. wish you took more video tho... |
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| Bob_Motamedi |
| quote: | Originally posted by GPC
Great pic :cool: |
Dave Dave Dave....
Couldn't even smile for this one???
Jeez.... |
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| Andrieux |
| Gilbert, I'm still trying to remember what happened to write my review :cool: :stongue: AWESOME TIMES THOUGH WITH YOU AND ALL OF THE TAs AT RUBY AND THE MOR. It was our home away from home. :crazy: |
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| JohnBeaver |
| WOW GREAT REVIEW-Felt like I was there with ya!!!!! |
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| rizo |
thanks for all the comments :)
Matt, I know what you mean. I didn't go out friday night so Saturday morning I was rested enough to write something up plus pictures help you remember :D |
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