In 2016, an unexpected setback jeopardized the event before it even began.
Last year, event organizers Erik Browne and Chris Gomez announced that techno pioneer Josh Wink would headline the Kompression Lundi Gras Ball. Its location, a secret warehouse, would be revealed on the day of the show. All the intrigue and anticipation was evocative of classic warehouse raves, where the very act of dancing was a symbolic show of defiance against establishment and authority.
However, opposing forces were at play. Unbeknownst to Browne and Gomez, the warehouse did not meet fire safety regulations. It seemed someone else was privy to this knowledge, however. Although much speculation surrounds the series of events that followed, one detail is unambiguous: an unidentified caller reported the venue’s safety violation.
Several confidential sources also speculate that this may have been an attempt to sabotage the party. It hearkened back to tactics used by promoters in the 90s, where they would attempt to shut down competing parties.
News of the violation traveled up the chain of command, and the Fire Marshal arrived to inspect the venue and verify the report. To everyone’s dismay, the Fire Marshal declared that the venue was indeed not up to code.
A party that expected an attendance of nearly 1,000 was forced to cancel. Hopeful attendees were left anxiously waiting to see if the event could be relocated on such short notice. Hopes were low – almost every venue would be booked on a night like Lundi Gras.
“You Can’t Stop the ‘Gras”
After several hours of chaos and an incredibly inspiring display of commitment and dedication to the dance music community, Erik Browne and Chris Gomez managed to secure an alternate venue. The party was on.
In another incredibly inspiring display of commitment and dedication, revelers worked in unison to relocate a party that took two days to set up. They disassembled the sound system, transported it to the new venue, and set all the equipment up in less than an hour.
Against all odds, the Lundi Gras Ball was back on. With a new venue, Wink rallied and played a 3.5-hour set, staying true to the improvisational nature of DJs and giving New Orleans his best effort. Although his flight was at 7:30 am, he played until 6:30 am, a testament to his appreciation for the loyal fans.
The remainder of the party continued until 8:30 am, and sunlight began to filter through the entrance (as seen towards the end of the embedded video above).
“You can’t stop the ‘Gras” became the mantra of the night, as the entire dance music community came together to overcome the impossible. What began as a night that could have jeopardized Browne and Gomez’s music careers instead turned into a story that will live on in dance music lore.
Although it was an incredible night, Mr. Wink and the powers-at-be behind Kompression knew they were capable of even more.
Lundi Gras 2017 is about redemption.
Coming back with a vengeance, Josh Wink will play a 5-hour, extended set this Lundi Gras. Reverberating through the Castillo Blanco Art Studios with the power of a Dynacord Cobra 4 sound system, Wink’s set will be nothing less than electrifying.
New Orleans’ own, heavy-hitting underground talent, including Ryan Deffes, Unicorn Fukr, and Herb Christopher, will perform as support at the 2-stage event. As a testament to her immense growth over this past year, Lleauna will also join this year’s Lundi Gras festivities, as she gears up for her festival debut at BUKU Music + Art Project. Don’t hesitate to explore any one of the high-caliber sets in store for this long Monday night!
The unknown act that you need to know…
About 500 miles west of New Orleans, Dallas also hosts a close-knit community of techno enthusiasts. The city is part of an interconnected network of Southern cities with deeply rooted dance music histories.
Similarly to the New Orleans-based dance music staples (Kompression, Church*, Techno Club) the productions in Dallas seek to carry the torch from the past into the present and beyond. For example, the platform Nothing But Techno and the world-renowned Proton Radio emerged from a small collective of DJs–including the duo Alkeme.
If you love New Orleans-based grassroots efforts, like Church* or Techno Club, then you can certainly appreciate Alkeme. Their efforts demonstrate a shared movement of collaboration, not competition.
Come join the Degenerates!
From Dallas to New Orleans, by expanding the community, this Lundi Gras Ball is bound to be something truly spectacular. Guests must be 21+ with valid ID. Tickets available for purchase online here. Wait, that’s not all…
If you are looking to start your party early, make sure you snag tickets to Sunday’s Church* – Mardi Gras Sermon featuring Thelem. The UK dubstep artist will be playing at the Den alongside local favorites. Two nights of spectacular music and debauchery, does it get any better than that?
Want free tickets to Josh Wink at Kompression? River Beats is giving away TWO FREE TICKETS to Lundi Gras Ball with Josh Wink. This just might be *your* Mardi Gras miracle.
‘Tis the Mardi Gras season: parades, music, and even some surprises coming up…
Each year, most house/techno fans in New Orleans look to local legends, Unicorn Fukr and Herb Christopher, to announce their annually celebrated event, Lundi Gras Ball for Degenerates.
In 2016, an unexpected setback jeopardized the event before it even began.
Last year, event organizers Erik Browne and Chris Gomez announced that techno pioneer Josh Wink would headline the Kompression Lundi Gras Ball. Its location, a secret warehouse, would be revealed on the day of the show. All the intrigue and anticipation was evocative of classic warehouse raves, where the very act of dancing was a symbolic show of defiance against establishment and authority.
However, opposing forces were at play. Unbeknownst to Browne and Gomez, the warehouse did not meet fire safety regulations. It seemed someone else was privy to this knowledge, however. Although much speculation surrounds the series of events that followed, one detail is unambiguous: an unidentified caller reported the venue’s safety violation.
Several confidential sources also speculate that this may have been an attempt to sabotage the party. It hearkened back to tactics used by promoters in the 90s, where they would attempt to shut down competing parties.
News of the violation traveled up the chain of command, and the Fire Marshal arrived to inspect the venue and verify the report. To everyone’s dismay, the Fire Marshal declared that the venue was indeed not up to code.
A party that expected an attendance of nearly 1,000 was forced to cancel. Hopeful attendees were left anxiously waiting to see if the event could be relocated on such short notice. Hopes were low – almost every venue would be booked on a night like Lundi Gras.
“You Can’t Stop the ‘Gras”
After several hours of chaos and an incredibly inspiring display of commitment and dedication to the dance music community, Erik Browne and Chris Gomez managed to secure an alternate venue. The party was on.
In another incredibly inspiring display of commitment and dedication, revelers worked in unison to relocate a party that took two days to set up. They disassembled the sound system, transported it to the new venue, and set all the equipment up in less than an hour.
Against all odds, the Lundi Gras Ball was back on. With a new venue, Wink rallied and played a 3.5-hour set, staying true to the improvisational nature of DJs and giving New Orleans his best effort. Although his flight was at 7:30 am, he played until 6:30 am, a testament to his appreciation for the loyal fans.
The remainder of the party continued until 8:30 am, and sunlight began to filter through the entrance (as seen towards the end of the embedded video above).
“You can’t stop the ‘Gras” became the mantra of the night, as the entire dance music community came together to overcome the impossible. What began as a night that could have jeopardized Browne and Gomez’s music careers instead turned into a story that will live on in dance music lore.
Although it was an incredible night, Mr. Wink and the powers-at-be behind Kompression knew they were capable of even more.
Lundi Gras 2017 is about redemption.
Coming back with a vengeance, Josh Wink will play a 5-hour, extended set this Lundi Gras. Reverberating through the Castillo Blanco Art Studios with the power of a Dynacord Cobra 4 sound system, Wink’s set will be nothing less than electrifying.
New Orleans’ own, heavy-hitting underground talent, including Ryan Deffes, Unicorn Fukr, and Herb Christopher, will perform as support at the 2-stage event. As a testament to her immense growth over this past year, Lleauna will also join this year’s Lundi Gras festivities, as she gears up for her festival debut at BUKU Music + Art Project. Don’t hesitate to explore any one of the high-caliber sets in store for this long Monday night!
The unknown act that you need to know…
About 500 miles west of New Orleans, Dallas also hosts a close-knit community of techno enthusiasts. The city is part of an interconnected network of Southern cities with deeply rooted dance music histories.
Similarly to the New Orleans-based dance music staples (Kompression, Church*, Techno Club) the productions in Dallas seek to carry the torch from the past into the present and beyond. For example, the platform Nothing But Techno and the world-renowned Proton Radio emerged from a small collective of DJs–including the duo Alkeme.
If you love New Orleans-based grassroots efforts, like Church* or Techno Club, then you can certainly appreciate Alkeme. Their efforts demonstrate a shared movement of collaboration, not competition.
Come join the Degenerates!
From Dallas to New Orleans, by expanding the community, this Lundi Gras Ball is bound to be something truly spectacular. Guests must be 21+ with valid ID. Tickets available for purchase online here. Wait, that’s not all…
If you are looking to start your party early, make sure you snag tickets to Sunday’s Church* – Mardi Gras Sermon featuring Thelem. The UK dubstep artist will be playing at the Den alongside local favorites. Two nights of spectacular music and debauchery, does it get any better than that?
Want free tickets to Josh Wink at Kompression? River Beats is giving away TWO FREE TICKETS to Lundi Gras Ball with Josh Wink. This just might be *your* Mardi Gras miracle.
contest rules:
Winners must LIKE River Beats on Facebook (Mandatory to win)
Enter the contest via the widget below
Must be 21+ to enter and win. Winners will be announced Monday, February 27 at 5 pm. Good luck!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Related Content: