Devin Inabinet
In addition to the musical talent bursting the seams of Detroit this Memorial Day weekend, there are multiple outlying pre, after and (of course) after-after parties put on by some of the best and brightest promoters and labels from around the globe. The DEMF 2013 after parties are going to be killer.
For the earlybirds arriving on Friday night, there are some rad pre-parties to get you warmed up for the weekend. Music is 4 Lover’s very own Booty Boss Jon Dadon will be playing with British talent Burnski and Detroit duo Golf Clap at Grasshopper Underground starting at 9:00pm. (Info and tickets HERE.)
Chicago’s favorite underground spot Smart Bar collaborates with TV Lounge for a pre-party BBQ, featuring guest vinyl connoisseur Cassy, residents The Black Madonna, Orchard Lounge, Nate Manic and more from 10:00pm til 4:00am. (Info and tickets HERE.)
Martin Buttrich & Loco Dice’s label Desolat will bring their German-inspired tech house to Detroit’s Bleu with Desolatimus, featuring Buttrich, Guti and Dru Ruiz. (Info and tickets HERE.) You can also catch an intimate 4 hour set from local legend Carl Craig at Motor City Wine, which is sure to be a special experience and benefits the Detroit Institute of Arts. (Info and tickets HERE.)
After a full first day of festivities, quality beats will remain in full supply throughout Motor City, keeping you on your feet through the night. Nightsneak brings the Dirtybird Players to The Fillmore with epic back to back sets from the whole crew. Claude, Justin Martin, J. Phlip, Justin Jay, Kill Frenzy and more are sure to keep the energy level high and the booties droppin low. (Tickets and info HERE.) DC-10 born promoters Circo Loco are bringing the island spirit to TV Lounge, paying homage to the late American multi-instrumentalist Arthur Russel with selections from Carl Craig, Visionquest ‘gents Ryan Crosson & Lee Curtis, D’Julz, Culprit trio Droog, Skream and many more for a night of creative vision. (Tickets and info HERE.) If you are really looking to get in the Detroit spirit, you can get your techno on with local innovator Richie Hawtin & friends at City Club through the morning. (Tickets and info HERE.)
Day 2, the nightlife is completely stacked. The Life & Death team are bringing the heat to St. Andrew’s Hall with live performances from Clockwork and The / Das, and impeccable sets from Tale of Us, James Holden, Maceo Plex, DJ Tennis, Magda and Thugfucker— definitely going be a wild one! (Info and tickets HERE.) Over at Leland City Club, Flying Circus hits Detroit in collaboration with Spybar Chicago, featuring No. 19 duo Art Department, live sets from Benoit & Sergio and Lee Curtiss, the BLOND:ISH ladies and more. (Info and tickets HERE.) Sheik ‘N’ Beik & DetroitEd are presenting a special challenge for the evening: to break the world record for the longest B2B DJ set ever—a historic moment right here. (Info and tickets HERE.) Soul Foundation’s 7th Annual Beat Down and Label Launch Party starts in the early evening at Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub with talent such as Milwaukee’s A.part founder Fortune and Chicago’s SmartBar Resident Nate Manic for only $5.00. (Info and tickets HERE.)
At Bleu, straight off his Boiler Room Detroit appearance–for the lucky VIP ticket holders on Sunday–Blackflag Recordings showcases Stacey Pullen on the decks along with Nicole Moudaber, Nathan Barato and Mike Brown until 4:00am.
The final day of any festival is bittersweet, but Visionquest’s daytime Need I Say More party in the backyard of The Old Miami brightens the mood every year. If you make it to any additional party this weekend, this should probably be it. Although artists are kept on the hush, there is always an all-star line up and sensational vibes to start off Day 3 right. Still ready to party when the lights go down on Hart Plaza? Sure to be a family affair, City Club and Red Bull Academy invite Seth Troxler and friends to play into the morning, letting the DEMF heads soak up every last moment of their tremendous musical journey.
Making it through this long weekend and catching all the best parties is all about endurance, so make sure to stay hydrated, eat well and, most importantly, dance your ass off!
See you cats in Detroit.