Festival News

Costa Rica’s Ocaso Festival reveals full lineup feat. Dixon, Bob Moses, Michael Bibi, Chloé Caillet, Doc Martin, Syreeta, Magdalena, Eagles & Butterflies and more

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Ocaso Festival
January 6-9th, 2023
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
https://ocasofestival.com/

@ocasofestival

Costa Rica’s stunning Ocaso Festival from January 6 – 9th, 2023 is fast approaching and today the final international headliners are announced. Playing the gorgeous beaches and jungle clearings of Tamarindo on the Pacific coast will be the previously announced Solomun and Adriatique (their only North American performances before March 2023), plus more from Dixon, Michael Bibi, Bob Moses, Fideles, Airrica, Chloé Caillet, Doc Martin, Eagles & Butterflies, Layla Benitez, Magdalena and plenty of others. Secure your place at this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience at https://ocasofestival.com/.
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Ocaso Festival is a life enriching, soul enhancing escape from the every day. It is all about casting a magical musical spell on you as you are wowed by gorgeous sunsets and the natural beauty of the jungle, and spend time bathing in a breathtaking sun-kissed landscape. There will be parties at night amongst the tumbling jungle vibes, parties as the sun sets on the beach and sand is between your toes, and a main stage offering on a new purpose-built festival arena in the town of Tamarindo.

The final lineup includes exclusive sets from the previously announced Diynamic label head Solomun and key label artists Adriatique, plus a special club set from the one and only Bob Moses. Innervisions boss Dixon will serve up deeply enchanting house, while Solid Grooves founder Michael Bibi will bring the cutting edge tech house. Doc Martin is a West Coast house maestro, Shadows party founder Magdalena never fails to cast a melodic spell and Eagles &Butterflies is another house innovator. Italian pair Fideles, rising star Airrica, plus Layla Benitez, Syreeta and Chloé Caillet all bring plenty of unique underground perspectives.

On top of this are many more cultured selectors from across the world and a wide musical spectrum, from local stars to red hot visitors including Zach Walker, Jon Lee, Papa Lu, Driss Skali, Alejandro Peinador, Alel, Alex Orias, Brett Rubin, Ces Castro and Desostoa amongst many others.

Ocaso Festival is renowned for being welcoming to all as a safe space for people from all backgrounds, genders, races and sexualities. It’s much loved for its vibrant colours and rich local cultures which you can explore on day trips with friends while in the region, while also looking out for howler monkeys and crocodiles which are protected in the local Las Baulas National Park. It is also proud to be a “leave no trace” event with a beach clean-up before and after the festival and a focus on being mindful of the local flora and fauna.

Ocaso Festival is just around the corner so make sure you are a part of this unique underground gathering by getting your tickets now at https://ocasofestival.com/.

LINEUP (A-Z)

Adriatique
Airrica
Alejandro Peinador
Alel
Alex Orias
Bob Moses (Club Set)
Brett Rubin
Ces Castro
Chloé Caillet
Cyrus
Desostoa
Diego Campollo
Dixon
Doc Martin
Double Trouble
Driss Skali
Dusty Carter
Eagles & Butterflies
Farriet
Fernando Campollo
Fernando Melo
Fideles
GCC
Javee
Jon Lee
Julian Prince
Kevin York
Kim Cou
Layla Benitez
Le Roi Carmona
Lujo Prado
Magdalena
Marco Zavala
Maria Wabe
Martinez Sisters
Mel Souler
Michael Bibi
Miggz
Papa Lu
Sharybomb
Salim
Solomun
Syreeta
Toba
Wizard
Zach Walker

Art With Me Announce Full Line Up 2022 – Jamie XX, Moderat, Bedouin, Magdalena Bay, Lee Burridge & DJ Seinfeld headline

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https://artwithme.org/

https://www.instagram.com/artwithmelife/

The Art With Me Festival is returning to Miami and bringing jaw-dropping installation art pieces, top-tier international musicians and performers, and a comprehensive wellness program designed to feed your soul. 
 
Founded by David Graziano in Tulum in 2018, the Art With Me Festival was Tulum’s first large-scale arts and cultural festival. This brought in artists from around the world, which meant guests came in from all over the world as well. As this festival grew, expanding into other countries, it became quite the charitable organization.
 
“To me, the city of Miami has always had flavor and great culture with its diverse communities and the never-ending movement in its tourist sector. Art With Me is not just a festival. It is a lifestyle brand with a clear road map of bringing highly creative experiences filled with unique activations, events, and sculpture parks,” said Graziano.

This year, the family friendly festival will be held at Virginia Key,  an 863-acre barrier island in Miami, located in Biscayne Bay, south of Brickell and north of Key Biscayne. It is accessible from the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway.

The immersive two-day event will bring together local businesses through thoughtful art initiatives, workshops, and panel discussions. 

The events—spanning music, art, food, and culture—will include performances from SG Lewis, Moderat, Bedouin, Big Wild, Elderbrook, Parra for Cuva, Henry Green, Gone Gone Beyond, Magdalena Bay, Lee Burridge presents All Day I Dream, Audiofly, DJ Seinfeld,, QRTR, Paraleven and Matt Caines. and art from multidisciplinary artist South African Daniel Popper, Belgian contemporary artist Michael Benisty, California-based, American contemporary artist Laura Kimpton and many more to be announced. The festival recently announced Phase 2 with the addition of with the addition of Jaime XX, Cole Knight, Facundo Mohrr and many more performers!

Art With Me’s innovative approach focuses on well-balanced and complete experiences across six- core pillars: Art With Me, Dance With Me, Eat With Me, Breathe With Me, Play With Me, and Care With Me.

Art and creativity are central, guiding themes for Art With Me and eloquently tie together the adjacent pillars within the events. The organization brings together a huge array of visual artists who build jaw-dropping installations that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding areas. Showcasing these amazing works sparks important dialogues about their origins, where art is headed in the future, and how creativity is the purest outlet for the human experience. 

Art With Me brings together artists from around the world to participate with our installations, workshops, talks, environmental design experiences, and create a space for our guests to enjoy one-on-one interactions and dialogues with our creators.

The  most fundamental human experiences have been tied to music for centuries. Dance With Me harnesses this power, celebrates the splendor of different cultures and embraces our beautiful planet while creating unforgettable experiences around the world with international and local artists.

Few activities connect us more directly to the Earth than the act of eating. Eat With Me events serve to reinforce community within the Art With Me family worldwide. Guests will take part in premium culinary experiences with juice bars, food truck vendors and concessions.

BreathWithMe, another core pillar, will offer participants a full array of wellness programs from drum circles to yoga, from temazcales to plant medicine healing. You’ll come face to face with a new vision of what it means to care for yourself—and others.

Providing children the opportunity to engage with art in a meaningful and immersive manner is a critical step toward preserving the artist in each of us. Play with Me’s instructors create and oversee a curriculum that gives children an experience that will positively impact them throughout their lives. 

Care With Me is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization that is here to bring awareness and positive change through cultivating inspirational art and educational experiences for local communities and the environment. So while you take in the sights of Miami and enjoy some art, you’ll be helping out a charity do some good in the world. Soothe your soul while you soothe others.

 
 

ABOUT DAVID GRAZIANO, FOUNDER

Artist, creative visionary and hospitality pioneer. David has founded and designed some of the most known nightclubs and restaurants in New York such as Pink Elephant, Bagatelle, Gansevoort 69, Kiss & Fly, and RDV. David visited Tulum for the first time in the early 2000s and set out to design Ahau Tulum hotel. Since then The Ahau Collection has grown to include: Alaya Tulum , Villa Pescadores Tulum, Kai Hotel and Beach Club Tulum, Canzul, and Aluna.

 

 

Epic Pool Parties announce initial Art Basel line ups – Sasha & Danny Tenaglia to play back to back for the first time ever

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Sasha & Danny Tenaglia to Play First Ever back-to-back in History
Today the first two of five daytime events are announced for The Epic Pool Party series taking place at the Sagamore Hotel in South Beach Miami for Art Basel Festival week.  Cult house brand Desert Hearts will host Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs and Porky on Wednesday, November 30th, while two legends in Sasha and Danny Tenaglia go back to back for the first time ever in what will be a history making set on Sunday, December 4th. Get your limited tickets for these unmissable parties at https://theepicpoolparty.com/
The first event announced on Wednesday, November 30 is hosted by Desert Hearts, this ragtag crew of dreamers has emerged as a vibe-focused force radiating a conscious ethos of house, techno, and love and is at the centre of its own vibrant cultural movement. It’s a party that creates intimate experiences of sonic joy. They have hosted all across North and South America, Europe and as far as Australia. Headlining are party mainstays Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs and Porky who will bring classy house sounds.
On Sunday, December 04, there is the epic proposition of two of dance music’s most influential names coming together to go back-to-back for the first time. Sasha is the Last Night on Earth label head and long time pioneer of tasteful and emotive electronica who is constantly pushing new boundaries, and New York hero Danny Tenaglia is known for his multi-genre marathon sets in the world’s most famous clubs. Both have very much helped to shape dance music over the last 30 years so their set will be special indeed. Expect the two titans to dig deep into their collections and serve up a sonic trip like no other. Jonathan Cowan supports the lineup for a party that will go down in history.
Art Basel is a standout week on the cultural calendar as artists from around the world gather together for a special week of parties, discussions, art exhibitions and more on the iconic Miami Beach. Epic Pool Parties from Electric Ibiza and Jonathan Cowan Productions are renowned around the world for their immersive events, next level production and unique locations, and that is the case again during Art Basel as they line-up at The Sagamore, a stunning art deco hotel in the heart of Miami beach. It has a gorgeous pool and terrace and plenty of room for dancing at the festival style main stage, with full production and special fx, cutting edge audio and visual technology with food outlets, elevated bottle service and enhanced VIP options including pre reserved Tables, Private Cabanas and Beds.
Tickets for all parties are now on sale, choose a 5-day pass with re-entry permitted and come and go as you please or a single day ticket.
Wednesday, November 30 
Desert Hearts – Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, Porky

 

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Sunday, December 04
Sasha b2b Danny Tenaglia, Jonathan Cowan

 

HIDEOUT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE FIRST ARTISTS FOR 2023 RETURN TO ZRCE BEACH

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Honey Dijon, Eliza Rose, Sonny Fodera, Chase & Status, Loco Dice and more have been announced

Register for pre-sale | Location: Zrce Beach, Croatia | Date:  25-29th June 2023

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Hideout Festival made a record breaking post-pandemic comeback in 2022 and now it’s full steam ahead for the 2023 edition. This year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever, with a lineup that includes the biggest names across the full spectrum of electronic music and first wave names including Crucast, Gorgon City, Interplanetary Criminal, Jayda G, Patrick Topping, Solardo, Wilkinson.
It once again returns to the iconic Zrce Beach in Croatia from 25-29th June with five stages of world class music. Discounted tickets go on sale November 3rd for anyone who’s registered for presale, what’s left will then be available from November 4th, securable with a deposit of just £50. Every year is a sell out so make sure you sign up before midnight Wednesday!
You can also book accommodation and flight packages directly through the festival for a deposit of £99 & £199 respectively. Packages offer huge discounts, monthly payment plans and other benefits like early access to boat party tickets – take the hassle out of booking a group holiday and plan this most essential summer experience now.
The first wave of names to emerge for 2023 includes the legendary bass crew Crucast, international house talent Gorgon City, garage innovator and UK chart topper Interplanetary Criminal, the always party starting selector that is Jayda G, plus Trik label head and tech house titan Patrick Topping as well as Manchester tech house pair Solardo and the d&b specialist Wilkinson.
There have now been 10 unforgettable editions of Hideout Festival over the last 12 years and has included guests such as Honey Dijon, Sonny Fodera, Chase & Status, Loco Dice, Patrick Topping, Gorgon City & Jayda G. It was one of the first events to start the Croatian clubbing revolution and has been at the forefront ever since. It is a festival that began small but has since grown into an all-action and world-class affair renowned for its attention to detail and cutting-edge production. The welcoming crowd is famously up for it with high-energy parties and vibrant, playful, youthful atmospheres across the whole of Zrce Beach.
It plays out in that stunning spot on the Adriatic coast with boat parties, day parties and exclusive headline shows across five stunning open-air venues. They are the world-renowned Papaya, Aquarius, Noa, Kalypso and the intimate Euphoria stages, and between them they boast sun-soaked wooden terraces, plenty of thematic production, mesmeric lights, world-class sound systems and uninterrupted views of the glistening Adriatic.
Zrce Beach is your own playground during Hideout. Next to the music there is plenty to explore for adrenaline junkies such as water sports, banana boats, jet skis, pedalos and the famous bungee jump, but for those who like to chill there are massages on the beach and plenty of rental options including quads, boats and pedalos in Novalja. The area has a rich array of local culture and natural beauty that soothes the soul.
The official countdown to Hideout 2023 has now begun. Make sure you’re at one of Europe’s most sought-after festivals by signing up for pre-registration now at https://arep.co/p/hideout-2023-1

LINEUP:

Andy C
Anish Kumar
Barry Can’t Swim
Ben Hemsley
Bou
Bru-C

Chase & Status (DJ)
Chloé Robinson
Crucast (Darkzy, Kanine, Lazcru, MC AD, Skepsis, Window Kid, Zero)
Dan Shake
Danny Howard
Eliza Rose
Elkka (DJ)
Gorgon City
Honey Dijon
Hybrid Minds
Interplanetary Criminal
Jaguar
Jayda G
Joy Orbison
Loco Dice
Mall Grab
Mella Dee
Overmono
Patrick Topping
Raw Silk
Sam Divine
Sarah Story
Schak
SHERELLE
Skream
Solardo
Sonny Fodera
Wilkinson
Yung Singh

Reggae Land returns in 2023 To The Milton Keynes National Bowl

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https://reggaeland.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/reggaelanduk/

Reggae Land 2023 is going to be bigger and better than ever before as it moves to the legendary “The Milton Keynes National Bowl”. Taking place on 5th and 6th August there will be a heavyweight lineup of artists from across the reggae and dub spectrum with both red-hot new stars, enduring pioneers and plenty of legends all playing in a family-friendly and authentic Caribbean wonderland. Tickets are on sale Friday November 4th via Skiddle and will sell out, so do not sleep.

Last year’s Reggae Land was the best yet, and as if to prove it was nominated in three different categories in the UK Festival Awards 2022. After its unrivalled success, it made sense to supersize the festival which has now outgrown its original venue. As such, this year’s celebration of all things reggae moves to The Milton Keynes National Bowl which has been the site of many magical moments in musical history from the 80s onwards. The likes of Queen, David Bowie, Metallica, Dizzie Rascal and Foo Fighters have all played epic shows there and now Reggae Land becomes part of the illustrious story.

There is no other experience as authentic as Reggae Land. Over two days it offers 50 artists over four stages which will cover the very best in dub, reggae and dancehall. But also there is so much more than music. There will be a Reggae Flea market, a fairground, an entire Carnival Float stage along with dancers, VIP zone, festival merchandise, mouthwatering Caribbean Food Village as well as plenty of drinks in the Rum Shacks, Gin Bars and Caribbean cocktail bars.

The family friendly Reggae Land 2023 will unveil its full line-up soon but prepare to be wowed as things enter a new chapter at The Milton Keynes National Bowl. Sign up for your tickets now for this unmissable celebration at Reggae Land.

Decentraland’s Metaverse Music Festival to launch the OxArena x in partnership with Unpaired and Party Degenerates

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Gramatik, Yokoo, Arapu, PlastikFunk, Rave Ape Club, Salem Ilese, Lum feat. Mads and others to headline the program in the OxArena

After months of development, Unpaired, the company behind the Party Degenerates NFT collection, is announcing that the unique OxArena will be unveiled as part of Decentraland’s Metaverse Music Festival on November 10th. The stage will be headlined by world class DJs such as Gramatik, Yokoo, Arapu and PlastikFunk, Salem Ilese, Lum feat. Mads,and the web3 native DJ Rave Ape Club. The full festival runs until the 13th with hundreds of thousands of people expected throughout the four days, in celebration of music, art, social connectivity and interactive experiences.

Party Degenerates are one of the main programming partners of the festival and for the OxArena they have joined forces with established brands, labels and festivals such as SXM Festival, Revealed Records, Konflict Recordings, Volta XRand web3 native Superf3st, the first decentralised festival owned and governed by the community.

“OxArena is a unique venue that aims to foster meaningful connections combined with the thrill of the IRL experience, as we collectively experience music and digital art through innovative technologies that expand the imagination. The venue’s architectural fluidity provides a socio-spatial manifestation that entails the conjoining of forces and will serve as a platform for already established and emerging artists, web3 communities and projects to connect with their audience or expand their reach.” – Raluca Cherciu, CEO at Unpaired

The OxArena has been inspired by Starchitect Zaha Hadid and Steve Jobs’ works and is a unique 6×6 build which makes it one of the largest in Decentraland and the largest entertainment venue at the Decentraland Music Festival. The stunning venue features an open-air stage, three indoor clubs, a concept store for digital merch, an outdoor circular NFT gallery, a congress room and two private lounges. The OxArena will host various PARTY DEGENERATES and partner events not only during the festival’s four days but throughout the upcoming year, opening its door for branding and programming opportunities to both web2 and web3 brands thanks to its fully customisable setup and turnkey solution.

Over 3.3 million active users have joined the Decentraland platform which is built, governed and owned by its users and creators. The 2021 festival provided a first opportunity to interact and socialise in Web3 with more than 80 artists, countless wearables and appearances from the likes of Deadmau5, Paris Hilton and 3Lau. This year’s free-to-attend event builds on that success with a diverse line-up of major artists, avatars, new talent, DJS, fully-virtual bands and more stages, immersive music experiences, quests and artist-fan encounters than ever before.

Ultra Records release new single from Boris Way – Kings & Queens feat. SHIBUI 

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Following his #5 Shazam Electro World with his rework of “Running Up that Hill”, French producer/DJ Boris Way is back with new single “Kings & Queens”, a 100% original smash record featuring SHIBUI, who is charting in many European countries as well.

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Boris Way, who’s recently been nominated at the NRJ Music Award 2022 in two categories: “DJ of the year” and “Best Rework/Cover”, is riding high off a hugely successful year. Empowering, federating and resolutely positive, his new single is another standout tune.

“Kings & Queens” includes many different vocal hooks and Boris Way’s famous signature synths melted in a melodic but still electro driven production. Very much suitable for clubs and festivals, here is another “Love House” record made to share much needed positive vibes around the world.

As Boris Way continues to tour A-List venues around Europe, it will be hard to miss the new spearhead of the European dance / electronic scene this winter season.

“More than a simple term, this style of music created by Boris Way is somewhere between slap house and organic house. Intimate through the use of acoustic instruments, but also resolutely “dance” thanks to the electronic and singular productions of Boris Way. As suggested in its name, Love is the cornerstone of “Love House”. Whether the lyrics deal with a romantic relationship or with a more universal theme, its objective is simple: unite listeners around positive messages, sometimes melancholic but always full of hope. »
Artist(s): Boris Way, SHIBUI
Title: Kings & Queens
Record Label: Ultra Records
Release Date: 28th October 2022

Tracklist:
1) Kings & Queens feat. SHIBUI (Extended Mix)
2) Kings & Queens feat. SHIBUI (Radio Edit)

Teenage Mutants drop ‘Die Transformation’ on Reinier Zonneveld’s Filth On Acid

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For FOA119 Teenage Mutants emerge from the shadows again. The German duo are underground mainstays who bring the rave across four super new cuts including collabs with Dok & Martin and Heerhorst. Their new EP will transform every dance floor into a burning theatre! Uno, dos, tres fuego!

Die Transformation kicks off with heavy techno kicks and pinging bass. It’s a late night brain fryer with lashings of acid and bright synths. Vidy is another heavy cut carved from rock. The serrated synths tear up the grooves as soot-black pads bring the shadowy atmospheres. Teenage Mutants then join up with Dok & Martin for Fuego which is edgy and tense, with post apocalyptic rave vibes and eerie synths. Teatro with Heerhorst is the closer with more deep space feel from the lush pads, but still plenty of industrial texture and dark techno drums.

Artist: Teenage Mutants
Title: Die Transformation
Record Label: Filth on Acid
Cat.Number: FOA119
Release Date: 28th October 2022 [Beatport (2 weeks)], 11th November 2022 (all other download stores)

Tracklist:
1) Die Transformation
2) Vidy
3) Fuego – with Dok & Martin
4) Teatro- with Heerhorst

Cross The Tracks reveals dates and first wave of artists for 2023 edition

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Cross The Tracks 2023


4th edition will see Masego, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson,  Roy Ayers, Ravyn Lenae, DOMi & JD Beck, Loose Ends, Hermanos Guitiérrez, Carrtoons, Channel One and more perform


Tickets: https://www.xthetracks.com/
Date: Sunday 28th May, 2023Location: Brockwell Park, London
Facebook / Instagram: @xthetracks

Renowned soul, jazz and funk festival Cross The Tracks is set to return to Brockwell Park on May Bank Holiday 2023. The first phase line-up is an already mouthwatering one including names such as Masego, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Roy Ayers, Ravyn Lenae, DOMi & JD Beck, Loose Ends, Hermanos Guitiérrez, Carrtoons, Channel One, The Silhouettes Project, BCUC, The Count, Chelsa Carmichael, Cherise, Lunch Money Life, Handson Family and more. As well as an all encompassing day of classy music, there will be 10+ London breweries, 40+ food and drink traders; a creatives market; talks, panels and workshops by charity partners; and site art, making this an essential British day out. Tickets are on sale now at xthetracks.com.

After three much-talked-about editions, Cross The Tracks is now known as the ultimate early summer festival. It’s a party of your own making that is a carefully curated mix of style, substance and heritage, where the hottest new names, most enduring legends and plenty in between all come and serve up their own unique sounds to take attendees on a journey from the past to present of soul, jazz and funk. 

Cross The Tracks is a festival with its own creative free spirit and one that encourages you to nourish mind, body and soul not just by dancing with good people, but with a fulsome wellness area, talks from industry insiders, creative markets, on site art, panels, workshops and so much more to offer a truly inspiring and cross-cultural offering.

This year there will be a bigger and better than ever food and drink offering with more than 40 breweries from across South London all representing and more than 40+ food and drink traders bringing you the most delicious things to eat and drink. 


All this goes down for ten hours across seven specially designed stages at the now much loved Cross The Tracks home of Brockwell Park. It is a rolling green space with ornamental ponds, formal flower beds and a wall garden, lakes and plenty of sloping grounds to explore and relax in. The space is transformed for this one day spectacular with plenty of  bespoke bars, food concessions, luxury toilets for VIP access and lush chillout areas. 


As always, music comes first at Cross The Tracks and this year’s line-up is already shaping up to be a classic. First up is Jamaican-American Masego who brings his own sultry sax playing into his seductive fusion of jazz, future soul and r&b. He refers to his own musical style as “TrapHouseJazz” and there are few artists like him. He is joined by American r&b queen and BRIT and Grammy winner Kelis who has been a mainstay of the global scene for over 20 years. 


They are joined by the piano playing jazz sensation, producer, song-writer and British MC Alfa Mist, who has proven himself over fours tuning long players, as well as Worldwide FM founder and new music hero Gilles Peterson. The iconic funk and soul star and vibraphone player Roy Ayers also plays as part of his last ever farewell tour, with next level bass weight from the celebrated Channel One, and plenty more from the likes of Ravyn Lenae, DOMi & JD Beck, Loose Ends, Hermanos Guitiérrez, Carrtoons with tens more yet to be announced.


There is no experience as complete and cultural as Cross The Tracks so make sure you secure your place in this artful adult playground by securing your tickets now. 
LINEUP

Masego, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Roys Ayers (farewell tour), Ravyn Lenae, DOMi & JD Beck, Loose Ends, Hermanos Guitiérrez, Carrtoons, Channel One, The Silhouettes Project, BCUC, The Count, Chelsa Carmichael, Cherise, Lunch Money Life, Handson Family + more to TBA

Ministry of Sound announce brand new clubbing concept Sovereign

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Sasha to return to Ministry of Sound for first time in 6 years
With Sovereign, Ministry reclaims the position of kingmaker in British electronic music. The concept will see our team of experts handpick the very best, most influential artists in the scene today. We will celebrate each one with an all night long headline set on the best sound system in the world and present them with a bespoke, one-of-a-kind sovereign ring in recognition of their unparalleled contribution to electronic music.
Founded in 1991 as the UK’s first super club, over the next 31 years Ministry of Sound has defined the agenda for British club culture. The first club to bring US house music to our shores and a vital breeding ground for the domestic music scene, nurturing all genres – from jungle, to UKG, trance to tech house.
Genre agnostic, Sovereign will champion the leading voices of every corner of dance music, selecting the cream of the crop from every sound and scene. Each artist to headline a Sovereign event will be presented with their unique Sovereign ring on the night. It will serve as both a recognition of the artists contribution to dance music culture and as an official thank you for the joy their music has brought to so many fans.
Our debut event, and the recipient of ring number 001, will be progressive house hero, Sasha. With a career spanning decades, as both a solo artist and in collaboration with John Digweed, Sasha was the original superstar DJ. Sasha’s storied career has seen him win countless awards, including DJ Mag’s No.1 DJ, 4 International Dance Music Awards, 4 DJ Awards and a GRAMMY nomination.
His relationship with Ministry stretches back to the release of Sasha & Digweed’s legendary mix album, Northern Exposure, on Ministry of Sound Records. The double CD album is considered one of the greatest mix albums of all time and is a defining release of the 90s.
Sasha chose Ministry of Sound as the venue for his long-awaited reunion with John Digweed. 10 years after their last tour together, the two played a surprise B2B in our main room on 24th March 2016.
On Saturday 12th November, Sasha will return to Ministry of Sound for our biggest collaboration to date. As the headliner of our debut Sovereign event, we will present a night dedicated to celebrating his outstanding contribution to dance music and present him with the very first Sovereign ring.