In Sin City, the harder you look for a good time, the better the experience. Hi-Res LED Billboards flood you with big club events 24/7, but this last Sunday was the first edition of Sundaze: a free-with-RSVP pool party series that proved to be one of the most promising new daytime soirées on the strip.
Sundaze combines indie House label Diamond Blu Records and local hospitality group Stripside Solutions to create an intimate affair. Both organizers of the party, label head Gabriel Blu and seasoned promoter JC Coats, put down their own sets at the Venitian’s Azure Pool alongside their special guests Zima, the Behind City Lights crew(for music and amazing photography), and the main act Spacebyrdz. Passionate about music curation as they are scouting out venues and spreading the word about their new experience, they demonstrated the proper house music they want to see more of from their neighbors. “JC being one of the top promoters in Las Vegas was receiving multiple texts from DJs asking to be booked in Vegas so he tried to throw me off by sending me a heavy hitting techno mix by Nicole Moudaber,” reflects Gabriel. “Unfortunately for him, I loved the mix & the rest is history!”
Gabriel and JC’s find, Azure Pool, is a hidden gem at the Venitian compared to the more extravagant venues nearby. As you traverse the many different pools within the complex, you knew you were getting closer to the party when the deeper sounds begin to overtake the standard playlists out of the other speakers. Azure takes advantage of it’s elevation by offering spectacular views of Las Vegas Boulevard, especially atop a Pink Flamingo Floatie.
Such an intimate spot proved perfect to host Diamond Blu Records’ striking milestone. “We just celebrated the 2 year anniversary at Sundaze which was an absolute blast.” It wouldn’t be a solid label birthday without support from its artists. Waving the flag for Diamond Blu was Bay Area bred producer and Discovery Project Alumnus Zima. “I actually found Zima on SoundCloud about a year ago and signed him on my label. We just did our first collaboration together as well!” Previous to this up and coming collab, the NorCal based artist is responsible for “In Between” from last year, in addition to his many other stellar releases on other labels.
While Vegas could use a beach or seven, the vibes of being by the sand were felt while Alex Clark and Oscar Molina of Spacebyrdz took to the decks. “Sundaze is an Ibiza themed pool party with Techno & House music only, and with everything that Spacebyrdz are doing with the After Las Vegas crew we thought they would be perfect for our party.” Their expertise showed through in their headline set, with the afterhours spirit that they radiate showing through under the sun.
It takes courage to challenge the status quo, but the turnout at Sundaze proved that going against the grain of overly commercial and insincere events is on the minds of a growing population in and around the city. Cooling off on a lazy Sunday afternoon, grooving from left to right with good friends and chilled drinks, and enjoying a prime selection of tunes is the way it should be in Vegas. With a free RSVP at Sundaze, that kind of ambiance is guaranteed.
It is highly recommended that you check out the next edition of Sundaze with Trent Cantrelle on Sunday, July 10.
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