B Heng
This past Memorial Day Weekend, in a harmonious blend of beats and brews, revelers from across the Sacramento area flocked to Drake’s the Barn to kick off the summer with a sensational sunset EDM party. The open-air venue and view of the skyline provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of pulsating rhythms, vibrant lights, and communal celebration, marking an effervescent return to a summer of music and social gatherings.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the venue, the air buzzed with anticipation. Attendees, flaunting their new summer fits, eagerly gathered at the brewery, ready to immerse themselves in the rhythmic beats by their local favorites and international legend, Duke Dumont.
Photo courtesy of Reo Gloria
Underneath the unique architectural canopy of the barn, local DJs Chango, Cassie Vega, and G-Stav set the tone for the event by strategically maneuvering the energy of the crowd and appealing to the variety of tastes present. From euphoric trance melodies to bass-heavy beats, the musical lineup catered to a diverse array of tastes, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy without straying from the overall tone of the headliner. The acoustics underneath the structure provided a unique vibe for listeners that paralleled amicably with the production lighting and provided a tremendously delightful overall sensory experience.
Photo courtesy of Reo Gloria
Photo courtesy of Reo Gloria
In addition to the captivating music, attendees were treated to a selection of craft brews courtesy of Drake’s the Barn, ranging from crisp IPAs to refreshing fruit-infused ales. A special event menu was offered by Drake’s as well, featuring themed cocktails and artisanal-style personal pizzas, which were a hit among the crowd. The queue to order drinks and food was considerable, with wait times averaging 20-30 minutes. However, this could be easily corrected with the addition of another bar on the opposing side of the venue to diffuse the flow of traffic. The overall logistics considered in the production of this event were impressive, considering this is the first large-scale event hosted by Valhalla Earth and All Day All Night at this venue. Some minor critiques from attendees included additional bathrooms, water stations, and better stage views from the VIP area. However, some of the highlights were the entrance and exit experiences, flow of traffic, spatial awareness, and overall event experience. It is clear to see the potential opportunities that this series holds with the amount of space that could feature activations, a larger audience, and more. It appears that the sky is truly the limit.
Memorial Weekend holds special significance for many, serving as a time to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Against the backdrop of the sunset, the event provided a poignant opportunity for attendees to come together in unity and celebration, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective joy.
Photo courtesy of Dev Session
As the evening unfolded, the energy remained pleasantly palpable, with smiles in every direction. From seasoned festival veterans to first-time attendees, all were united in their shared appreciation for music and community. When 10 o’clock arrived and the final beats echoed through the night air, attendees reluctantly began to disperse, their hearts full and uplifted by an evening of unforgettable memories. The community is already counting the days towards the promise of future events from Valhalla Earth and All Day All Night with the next event of the series announced as July 7th with renowned deep house producer/DJ, Nora En Pure.
Tickets can be found here. This event sold out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets early.
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