Having never been to Barbados, I was looking forward to some beautiful venues and warm weather, but it was so much more of a special choice than that. The people of Barbados are warm and genuine; everyone we met was friendly and seemed to be genuinely happy to have us there and be part of the festival. The surroundings are absolutely stunning. I have been south before, but Barbados has a certain je ne sais quoi that I have never felt. It is full of life; lush forests with an abundance of colorful flowers, yet is serene and deeply peaceful.
It was a feat of production prowess to pull off 5 venues in 5 days, without one glitch. Drink lines were never very long, bathrooms were always fully functional, and there were no security issues. This truly blew me away. For the inaugural year of a festival of this magnitude, it functioned better than many clubs on an industry night.
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Event Review: Decibel Open-Air Festival
Take a look at the XOYO Birmingham opening night - In PicturesThe festival started heavy at Pirate’s Cove on Wednesday night and set the tone for the next 4 days. Simon Jain warmed up the decks and got into some serious grooves. Green Velvet absolutely slayed as per usual, and Nathan Barato kicked it into high gear and there were no signs of stopping.
After that (well really where do I start), highlights were definitely Lee Foss, who threw down a dirty and funky set at Saturday at Cornwall house, and the sunrise set that came after by Behrouz. Wow, what a sunrise, and wow, what a set. Not sure I will ever need to experience another sunrise set after that, supreme dream level unlocked.
I also really enjoyed Mark Knight at Copacabana. I have actually never managed to see Mark Knight before that, and experiencing ‘Your Love’ in that magnitude was a bucket list item for sure.
Nikki Beach VIP Party though, with Behrouz, Salomé, and Jeff Kirkwood. For those of us lucky enough to attend, that was a highlight of the trip for sure. Vibes were absolutely unreal. That was how a VIP beach party should be.
By Sunday at Copacabana, it seemed everyone was on the same groove-length, and what a Sunday Funday that was. Lee Burridge’s set was dope; I’m a huge fan and he always brings the heat; the beach venue did also. By DJ Tennis’ set everyone’s levels were really good, and it was awesome. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I wished right then we were back on Wednesday and could do it all over.
Vujaday was a mind and body cure for the everyday mundane. I wish I could buy my ticket for next year right now. I left my heart at Vujaday, and I will visit her again next year.
