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Photos by: Molly Buckiewicz (https://www.mojophotography.org/)
Writing by: Greg Powell
Hailing from Colorado, The Motet has gathered a cult following over the last few years and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I remember seeing them for the first time at their annual, Halloween mountain show and having it be the highlight of my year. I felt like I was in a time warp back to the funk era. It was refreshing to hear such a passionate tribute to old school funk, performed with such energy and raw musicianship. It was obvious at the time that they were in a league of their own, demanding a larger stage and much-deserved recognition. Since then they have released several albums, built a devoted fan base and worked their way up to be Red Rocks headliners.
Sunday’s show at the Midtown Ballroom in Bend, OR was one for the books. The venue was packed early with excited fans ready for a night of shameless dancing. The opener, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, got things warmed up quickly with their jazz-influenced jams. Medeski was a master on the keyboards and the use of a Sousaphone as their bass instrument really added another element to the performance.
By the time The Motet took the stage the whole crowd was ready to move. They eased into their set with the lights turned low and an instrumental jam. Lead singer Lyle Divinsky jumped on stage and the band dropped into a hard-hitting single from their new album. People of all ages and backgrounds crowded the front, ready to let loose. The band built more energy the longer they played and were able to streamline their set, with minimal downtime between songs. There are not many groups that can start a party with the opening song and keep the crowd dancing hard through their encore.
Their latest release, Death or Devotion, is a 10-track studio album, released via their own music label. It is a well-rounded compilation of catchy singles and badass funk tunes. Make sure to give it a listen and stay up to date on The Motet’s upcoming tour dates, most notably July 12th when they will be back at Red Rocks with Galactic for another rowdy night of music and good times.
For more check out our podcast episode with Dave Watts, the founder of the Motet.
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Another orbit around the sun and another opportunity to shoot at Arise Music Festival. Here are some of my favorite moments and photos from the event. Huge shout out to all of the artists who made this festival possible.
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Coming soon...
August 8, 2018 — Dance your way across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with Groove Cruise Miamiwhich announces Phase I of their highly-anticipated 2019 lineup today. Setting sail on the deluxe Celebrity Infinity next January 10th - 14th, 2019, Groove Cruise Miami will offer up an array of electronic music legends and up-and-coming acts, primed to deliver the best in house, trance and techno. Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, discover, and follow your inner compass to an experience of a lifetime.
As Groove Cruise celebrates its monumental 15th anniversary, the soundtrack for this year’s cruise will be provided by an amazing roster of 2019 headliners that include critically-acclaimed Chicago-bred EDM superstar Kaskade, Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila, Yorkshire-based house/techno phenom Hot Since 82, Detroit house legend MK (Marc Kinchen), German-born, Miami-based trance icon Markus Schulz, and Irish house music extraordinaire Simon Patterson.
Supporting artists on the Phase I lineup include Anthony Attalla, Blackgummy, Chus & Ceballos, Cocodrills, Eli & Fur, Leftwing & Kody, Liquid Todd, Prok & Fitch, Roger Sanchez, Technasia, Adam Scott, Chris Garcia, Dancetronauts, Dean Mason, Drums of the Sun, DSK CHK, Eva Kane, Geronimo, Grube & Hovesepian, Kristen Knight, Kristina Sky, Laser Assassins, Luccio, Scotty Boy Scooter & Lavelle, and Stellar — more TBA in the coming months.
As part of his headlining act, MK will bring his globally - renowned AREA10 party straight to the decks of Groove Cruise, consistently known for featuring some of the hottest names in electronic music as special guests. Groove Cruise Miami will also feature a stellar series of hosted stages, ensuring that there is more than enough music to keep cruisers dancing ‘til sunrise. Look forward to stage takeovers by Coldharbour, Eve, Future Sound of Egypt, Incorrect, Never Going Home, Rubber Ducky, Stereo Productions and Under the Radr.
Surrounded by bumping beats and the beloved GC Fam, captains aboard Groove Cruise Miami will voyage to two new destinations in 2019—the stunning, tropical island of Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. Known for its clear, aquamarine waters, vibrant snorkeling, and culinary delights, Cozumel will add an extra layer of travel and culture to Groove Cruise’s already impressive itinerary. The Groove Cruise family will also be making a stop in Key West, an intimate island hub and favorite Floridian destination. Rolling out further initiatives to heighten the peak experience Groove Cruise Miami delivers, the ship will now depart from the port of Ft. Lauderdale. What was once an arduous cab ride from airport to port is now direct; GC Fam will be able to travel from plane to boat in a matter of minutes.
Among the first passenger cruise vessels to be powered by smokeless turbine engines, the premium 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity is elegantly themed with its iconic three-level foyer grand staircase and sophisticated decor. Captains will discover a bevy of novelty features including a retro restaurant, Egyptian-themed casino, basketball court, jogging track, shuffleboard, indoor solarium and pool, fine dining, and more than 100 spa cabins. From sprawling penthouses (complete with butler and baby grand piano) to the petite and elegant Sky Suites, Groove Cruise on the Celebrity Infinity will undoubtedly be the most luxurious festival experience yet—welcome to the suite life! Click here to snag one of these epic suites before they’re booked. More info surrounding on-board activities and artists activations coming soon!
For those who reside on the West Coast, Groove Cruise Cabo is extending the party to land, air and space with their San Diego pre-party taking place from 8pm - 12am on October 9, 2018, the Tuesday before the festival sets sail. Blasting into San Diego’s iconic Air and Space Museum in Historical Balboa Park, the GC Fam will imbue the museum with outrageous fashion, good vibes, and thumping dance music, giving attendees a flavorful taste of the Groove Cruise experience. A surprise lineup of soon-to-be-announced DJs will transform this sanctuary of science into an intergalactic dance party unlike any other.
For tickets & more info: Groove Cruise Miami 2019
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About Groove Cruise
What started in 2004 as a group of 125 thrill-seeking house-heads (led by founder Jason Beukema) sailing on a cruise together has erupted into the world’s first and largest floating dance music festival. Groove Cruise is the only music cruise to sail from both East and West coasts, and is a non-stop experience comprised of four straight days of beach, pool and theme parties, great food, EDM and luxurious destination parties. In addition to the standard cruise amenities, there are also artist activities, yoga classes (often paired with deep house), costume parties, and various onboard events that rival the best dance music festivals in the world. Groove Cruise is produced by Whet Travel.
About Whet Travel
Over 12,000 people each year choose Whet Travel for their music cruise adventure. Whet Travel has executed 24 full ship charters including Groove Cruise Miami January 10-14, 2019 (15 year anniversary), Cabo and LA as well as Salsa Cruise (20 year anniversary Oct 29-Nov 2 overnight in Havana Cuba). Whet Travel received the prestigious Charter Partner of the year award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines and Inc Magazine ranked Whet Travel as the #4 fastest growing travel company in the USA.
Press
“Combining the luxury and travel of a cruise ship with the pulsating, all-night party of an electronic music festival, it is no wonder that this event sold out so quickly.” — Huffington Post
“The Groove Cruise is The #1 Place in The World to Get Your Groove.” — Travel Channel
”Only after attending can one understand the logistical marvel that is Groove Cruise.” — LA Weekly
“No VIP area or backstage or green room, and it was obvious how it made people feel: free.” — YourEDM
“Just like most movie sequels and TV reboots, Groove Cruise Miami is floating proof in a monsoon market of spinoff rave boats that nothing ever quite lives up to the original.” — Billboard
