- In my recent feature on Southport Weekender I said "it’s hard to imagine a new event taking its place." There's no suggestion that 51st State is trying to fill Southport's shoes, but both events appeal to a similar demographic. The inaugural one-dayer was filled with the classic US sounds and big name DJs that Southport became famous for. The lineup obviously caught the public's imagination, and the event sold out quickly. That's no mean feat for a new festival in an over-saturated market.
Musically, there's no denying that 51st State delivered. The likes of Masters At Work, Dennis Ferrer and Tony Humphries all played classy, uplifting sets that, when combined with some unusually fine British weather, made for a wicked atmosphere. Unfortunately, though, for some the music was overshadowed by a series of logistical issues. These were most prominent at the entrance, where a significant number of punters had to queue for up to two hours. To their credit, the promoters were quick to acknowledge their failings and have vowed to make the necessary improvements for next year.
If 51st State can iron out these problems, there's a good chance they can build something that lasts. The crowd was racially and generationally diverse, and one that seemed to really represent London. The music, too, was often specifically tailored for the local audience. The Back To 95 tent featured a very particular style of UK garage, inspired by London's Sunday scene of the early '90s. It was fun to hear local heroes, such as the veteran garage MC CKP, get as big a response as the international names on the main stage. Likewise, over at Groove Odyssey, Londoner Joey Negro won over the audience with a selection of respectful disco edits, featuring music from the likes of The O'Jays and Thelma Houston. The only downside was, like several DJs that day, he played a ridiculously short set of 45 minutes.
Josh Milan's performance was also something that felt quite special. His brand of soulful vocal house is hardly the most fashionable style of dance music, but at 51st State it was the sound that was most popular. The former Blaze singer even drew a huge singalong during the chorus of his final song, "Your Body." This music isn't widely showcased on the festival circuit, and this was proof that there's a real market there to be exploited. There's a good chance, with a few improvements, that 51st State can lead the charge.