- The Ultra Music Fest has been a staple of the American clubbing calendar for the past years. Ultra’s festival at the Winter Music Conference serves as the grand culmination of the week in Miami and stands as the only real dance festival on U.S. shores. This year, the party moved North for the first time, choosing Rumsey Playfield in the heart of New York City’s Central Park to show what it is all about. The line-up had some big names with Danny Tenaglia, Eric Morillo, Paul Oakenfold, and the Chemical Brothers headlining.
Even though the party ran from 4p.m. until 10p.m. on a Friday, and tickets were not exactly inexpensive, the party still sold out. When I entered the gates Mylo was setting up for a live performance on the main stage. I decided to check out the site for a bit and popped my head into the NYC tent and listened to David Waxman for a bit as I always like to show support to those playing to tents with room to move! After a few minutes I ventured across the grounds to the Ultra Tent as Danny Tenaglia was on. However, as I walked across I noticed that Mylo were still setting up even though their prearranged set time had already started. Something was the matter . . . .
When I finally squeezed my way into seeing Tenaglia in the “sauna” tent, the entire place was going off. It didn’t seem to faze most that it was well over 100 degrees in there, and extraordinarily crowded, because everyone was smiling and getting down. I must admit, the vibe was pretty good, but I just couldn’t stand sweat going into my eyes, so I exited. As soon as I got back outside, it was easy to see that all was not well in Mylo’s world. They tried to start their set once or twice, and it just wasn’t working. In the end, they got the shaft and didn’t get to play at all. For all of Ultra’s experience in throwing large scale parties, events such as these are completely unacceptable. It sucks to have an entire band over to another country, set up, and then not get to play.
With all the confusion, Liquid Todd (at least I think it was him) now played before Oakenfold on the main stage, but the power cut out on him too. Oakey finally got on to a completely rammed “playfield” of punters. However, he only played for about an hour, and then Liquid Todd was on again! I have fallen out with what Oakenfold does over the last five years as he seems to have trouble buying new tunes, or just can’t let go of the old ones. Yet, most people seemed to be enjoying his dated tracks and hands went into the air at all the appropriate times.
At 8 I decided that I had had enough of standing next to Tara Reid, and waiting for 20 minutes for a drink, so I went back into the sweat box to see Eric Morillo. I’m not a huge fan of his when he incorporates lots of vocals, but he was bang on it this evening. Having just flown in from Ibiza did not seem to faze him at all as he kept the tempo high the entire evening. I kept checking back in, and saw Tara Reid again- but this time “amping” the crowd on the mic. Listen dear- I’m sure you’re a wonderful person in real life, but stumbling over your words isn’t all that appealing for those in the crowd.
I reckoned that I had enough of ringing the sweat out of my shirt and got out in time to see the opening of “Hey boy, hey girl. Superstar DJ, Here we go!” My only experience hearing the Chemical Brothers came during one of their DJ sets, so I was well excited to hear the boys play live with all their toys. They ran through all their hits, mashing them into one another and keeping the tempo up the entire time. The only problem with their set was the inconsistent sound volumes. I realize that the Park Service closely monitors the levels, but keep at least keep things constant!
Overall, the party seemed to be a success as most people were having fun. The two tents were well attended and ran on time. The planning/execution for the main stage turned out to be a complete mess. It is a shame too as I expected more from such a seasoned outfit as Ultra. In the end, the Chems rocked, Tenaglia and Morillo showed what New York is all about, and the event turned out fine, but no more.