Festivals

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Andrew WK, In Flames, Testament and more added to Download 2015 lineup

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Hard-partying punk philosopher Andrew W.K. will make his debut at Download festival in 2015. The rocker cum self-help guru cum motivational speaker has been tirelessly spreading his philosophy of partying over the past decade, delivering lectures at such revered institutions as Oxford and Yale Universities. But in 2015 he will finally take his place on the most prestigious stage of all when he performs at Donington for the first time.

The man himself feels that the iconic festival will be inkeeping with his lifestyle:

Aaaaahhhhhhrrrrgggaaaa!!! I'm totally chuffed about playing and partying at my first ever Download! I've no doubt that it will be partier than even the partiest party I've ever been to!

Swedish metal giants In Flames will also return to Download in 2015; the infernal five-piece spent much of 2014 in the recording studio but are set to roar back on to the UK live scene to set Europe’s biggest rock and metal festival alight this summer.

Lead singer Anders Friden said: 

It will be fantastic to be back on UK soil. Download has always been a great festival. We’re looking forward to meeting friends and playing our take on heavy metal in front of some of the greatest fans that there is.

They will be joined by seminal thrash heavyweights Testament seven years on from their only previous Download performance.

Guitarist Alex Skolnick looked forward to rejoining the pantheon of British rock and metal: I recall reading about Download as a teen, seeing early pics of Maiden, AC/DC and other greats all sharing a bill there (back when it was "Castle Donington"), thinking how lucky they have it in the UK and dreaming about one day playing an incredible event like that with so many bands. Well, dreams can come true, so on behalf of all of Testament, let me say how thrilled we are to be appearing at Download 2015!

Following his surprise departure from Asking Alexandria last week, Danny Worsnop’s new project, We Are Harlot – whose music draws on the awesome tradition of its 1980s classic rock forebears – are also bound for Download 2015.

Grunge legends L7’s addition to the line-up is their first confirmed UK live date in over fifteen years. Having lit up the musical world with their refreshingly grizzly sound and their resolute, tampon-chucking, live-TV-panty-dropping, one-night-stand-raffling refusal to give a f**k, L7enraptured fans by announcing that they were once more ‘hungry for stink’ at the end of 2014.

Among other renowned acts joining the line-up are titanic metal supergroup Hellyeah, featuring former Mudvayne singer Chad Gray,Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell and legendary Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul.

US metallers All That Remains add yet more bulk to the bill with their huge choruses and relentless driving melodies.

Homegrown horror rockers Fearless Vampire Killers also bring their inimitable iron-clad gothic theatricality to the line-up, fresh from the release of new album Unbreakable Hearts.

Guitarist and co-vocalist Kier Kemp looked ahead to the festival: 

Download's line-up totally fucking owns this year! We're just super happy to be part of it all again. We've been working on a lot of stuff behind the scenes. New material, new direction and this will mark a new era for FVK. Download is going to be the perfect forum to show this all to the world.

Elsewhere, ahead of their headline performance, Kiss’ former axe man Ace Frehley will hit Download with a sharp dose of his distinctively grungy sound following the release of mega album Space Invader in 2014.

On bringing his solo project to Donington Frehley said: 

I'm really looking forward to rockin' out in the UK at Download…It's been 7 years since my last appearance and my new band kicks ass!

Acclaimed Alter Bridge and Creed shredder, Mark Tremonti, is also added to the line-up under the guise of his hard-rocking solo act Tremonti, which sees him team up with fellow rock royal Wolfgang Van Halen on bass, with the duo having confirmed recently that they are working on a new album.

His fellow hard rockers and hellraising progeny of Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders, will share material from their hugely anticipated new album,The Killer Instinct, with the Download faithful for the first time.

British rockers Thunder are also confirmed ahead of the release of their first record in six years, Wonder Days, which is due for release in February.

Thunder’s Danny Bowes said:

Download is one of my favourite festivals in the world, so I can’t wait for June to come around. Donington was where we made our mark back in 1532 [sic], so it's fitting somehow to be back at Download this year when we release 'Wonder Days', our first studio album for 6 years, and it’ll be great to see how the new tracks go down alongside the classics. The Download crowd is always amazing, so as my dear old Mum used to say, "Let’s have it!”…

They will be joined by melodic metalcore superstars The Ghost Inside, following the release of their massive album Dear Youth last November.

As well as these rock and metal icons, Download 2015 will provide a platform for some of the genres’ finest young pretenders; King 810 have shot to the attention of rock fans over the past year, having had to pull out from last year’s festival at the last minute, and, fresh from their slot on Slipknot’s mammoth ‘Prepare For Hell’ Tour, Flint’s finest are ready for an all-action, all-conquering performance at Download.

Their fellow debutants Defeater’s Donington debut last year was also thwarted – by an injury to frontman Derek Archambault – but the Boston hardcore mob return stronger than ever in 2015 take their rightful place among rock’s live elite.

Also making their Donington bow are Utah deathcore maniacs Chelsea Grin, who join the line-up following the success of their savage 2014 record Ashes to Ashes.

For vocalist Alex Koehler, the band’s Download appearance represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream: We're all looking forward to playing Download festival this year. Ever since I watched Slipknot's live DVD filmed at download, I've been dying to experience it first-hand.

Local cult heroes, Nottingham metallers Evil Scarecrow, will be scuttling South West along the A52 to unleash the mighty Crabulon on unsuspecting legions of festivalgoers.

Frontman Dr Hell said: 

The first festival I attended was Metallica at Donington Park in 1994. Since that life altering occasion it’s been my lifelong ambition to play this hallowed ground and I finally, finally get to shout “Scream for me Donington!”. We are totally stocked beyond all belief. We are working on a very special show for this, one that will defy the world of physics.

Swedish metalheads Bombus will also fly into Donington for the first time armed to the teeth with their uncompromising breed of barnstorming, balls-out heavy metal, while Brighton punk rockers Gnarwolves make their biggest festival appearance to date, building on the release of their eponymous breakthrough album last year.

If that isn’t enough, alt-power-rockers Hands Like Houses add to the booming Australian delegation, while cult hardcore punks Stray from the Path also hit Download for the first time, as do hotly tipped punk rock tyros, Creeper and the new project form the post-hardcore marauders formerly known as Climate, Blood Youth.

Hands Like Houses see being part of the festival’s bill as the rock world’s ultimate bragging right: 

We are beyond excitement in announcing we'll be playing at Download Festival 2015! It's a huge honour to be invited to be part of such a massive bill and can't wait to get back to the UK for such an iconic rock event!

Blood Youth also looked forward to their debut: It’s every bands dream to be able to play a festival of such magnitude and legendary status. To say we've been given that opportunity is unreal and we're damn grateful. We look forward to tearing it up alongside so many great bands and hope to see you there.

This deluge of talent flooding Donington Park from June 12-14 will be joined by headliners Slipknot, Muse and Kiss, main support Judas Priest, Faith No More and Mötley Crüe and rock and metal megastars Black Stone Cherry, Enter Shikari, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, A Day To Remember, Slash and Miles Kennedy, Black Veil Brides, Lamb of God, Rise Against, Bill Idol, Parkway Drive,Hollywood Undead, Clutch, Body Count, Eagles of Death Metal, Godsmack, Mallory Knox, Motionless in White, Madball, Every Time I Die, Dragonforce, Backyard Babies, Crown the Empire, Northlane and H.E.A.T.

Little Dragon, The Dandy Warhols and more added to Standon Calling 2015 lineup

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Pop outsiders Little Dragon have never been afraid to push the envelope with a slew of sensational albums under their belts, each as unique as the rest. The band's third album Ritual Union skyrocketed them into critical acclaim, yet they've kept their heads and still continue to deliver intriguing and unpredictable music as well as an electrifying live performance that will be seen at this year's Standon Calling. The Dandy Warhols are certainly no strangers to live shows, having celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and toured with the likes of David Bowie, Tom Petty and The Rolling Stones. Standon Calling are proud to announce the Portland band will perform their only live show at this year's tenth birthday and will be an absolute must see over as they wow crowds with their favourite tracks from their eight album back catalogue along with brand new material.

Standon Calling is renowned for its eclectic musical line-up and 2015 will be no different. Roots Manuva brings UK Hip Hop and roots to the festival, house and disco comes courtesy of New Yorker Andy Butler and his ever changing Hercules & Love Affair, while Nottingham's own Saint Raymond brings a helping of folk rock. Supporting rising stars, Standon welcomes BRIT winner and Rudimental collaborator Ella Eyre, BBC Sound of 2015 rock duo Slaves, dreamy electronic dance trio Real Lies, hotly tipped soulful crooner Kwabs, Liverpool trio All We Are and more.

Public Enemy to headline NASS 2015

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Straight from the Terrordome, hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy will be headlining the outdoor main stage at NASS 2015. The godfathers of political rap return to the UK to 'Bring The Noise’ with a full live show featuring the deep and resolute rhymes of Chuck D, the euphorically delivered hype of Flavour Flav and the militant dance moves of the S1Ws. Smashing out hits including ‘Fight The Power, Shut Em Down, Public Enemy #1 and Yo! Bum Rush The Show’ and with a catalogue spanning over 26 years, Public Enemy deliver an intense and electrifying performance every time they rock a crowd. 
 
Public Enemy join already confirmed headliners ENTER SHIKARI on the main stage – watch this space for a further third headliner still to be announced… 
 
Joining Public Enemy at the top of the bill is D’n’B duo Sigma; fresh from collaborations with Ellie Goulding, Groove Armada and Skepta, the boys will be turning it up with their carefully selected tunes.  
 
Next up is UK based Hannah Wants. Notorious for her hard hitting and unique live-shows, self-taught DJ, Hannah Wants will be dropping bass heavy bangers from behind the main stages’ decks. Hannah’s sets feature an extensive, genre-crossing music collection combined with raw talent, creativity and an impressive ability to read the crowd. 
 
Also just added to the huge 2015 line up are renegade futuristic skankers the Dub Pistols who have been adding a much needed rock & roll swagger to the UK dance scene for years. Their full live shows have a tendency of tearing the roof off and more often than not they bring a few ‘friends’ along for the ride..not to be missed! 
 
Then we have UK institution Mike Skinner. Bringing his unique style and intelligent lyricism to the main stage – the rapper/dj/producer will be dropping a set filled with classics, new material and his unmistakeable blend of UK garage, grime, hip hop and d’n’b. 
 
Rodney ‘Roots Maunva’ Smith will also be exploding onto the stage with his unique dub and ragga influenced hip hop sound. With recent performances including full live bands and a string of collaborators from across the globe – we are excited to see what Roots  Manuva brings to this year’s NASS

John Newman & Jessie Ware to headline No Tomorrow Festival

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No Tomorrow Festival will be crowned by a set from John Newman, a Yorkshireman channeling Northern soul into modern pop. Newman’s hits include the number one single ‘Love Me Again’ and guest spots on Rudimental’s ‘Feel The Love’ and Calvin Harris’ ‘Blame’, both of which also topped the UK Singles Chart. This performance will be the first time Newman has headlined a UK festival’s main stage.  Also confirmed to headline is Jessie Ware, queen of an updated take on R&B teetering on the edge of the electronic. As well as her own Mercury Prize nominated material, Ware has appeared as a guest vocalist on tracks by the likes of Disclosure and SBKTRT. This announcement follows two sold out shows for Jessie Ware at Brixton Academy.

Elsewhere the festival’s attention turns to some of the most current and in-demand names attracting critical acclaim. Singer-songwriter James Bay features in the highest profile up-and-coming lists of the year including BBC Sound Of 2015 poll. Bay went on to win the BRITS Critics’ Choice award following in the footsteps of Adele and last year’s No Tomorrow headliner Sam Smith. DJ and house music producer Philip George brings homegrown talent to the festival. The Nottingham-based 21 year old recently made a big first impression by reaching number two in the UK Singles chart with his debut ‘Wish You Were Mine’.
 
Across No Tomorrow’s several stages the festival also boasts many more performances and a number of the finest international DJ talents. Bondax, DJ EZ, and Eton Messy will be delivering epic DJ set across the dance music spectrum. Also expect strong live performances from the enigmatic Bristol duo Blonde with full band, Grammy-nominated MNEK and Bondax guest vocalist KStewart, appearing in her own right with solo material.

The Vaccines and more join Croatia Rocks 2015 lineup

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The Vaccines are arguably one of the biggest names in British music, selling over a million records after the release of their debut album in 2011 and collaborating with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Horrors and Albert Hammond Jr of The Strokes. With their fourth album 'English Graffiti' set for release later this year, 2015 is set to be the year of The Vaccines. Years & Years will be another must see live act at the inaugural Croatia Rocks – the BRIT nominees and crowning champions of the BBC Sound of 2015 are seriously hot property, having sold out two headline dates at the acclaimed Shepherd's Bush Empire. Ethereal synth-pop songstress Lapsley rounds off the live additions who will all join previously announced acts Clean Bandit, Jungle, Kate Tempest, Kwabs, Shura and more.

 

Even more of electronic music’s finest will back up the W.A.R! stage’s almighty DJ roster that already features huge crowd favourites Rudimental, Zane Lowe, Fatboy Slim and more. Additions include Gorgon City who soundtracked summer 2014 with a slew of anthems as well as young electronic heavy hittersBondax, house hero Alexis Raphael and Digital Soundboy's Mella Dee, who's fusion of jungle, bass and ragga has had dance floors going crazy up and down the country. 

BoomTown Fair’s May-Fair Avenue District Line up Announced

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One of eight districts in BoomTown Fair, May-Fair Avenue hosts Electro-Swing, Swing and Vintage Remix across its fully interactive and immaculately themed venues including The Ballroom and The Bandstand. Top of the bill for May-Fair are Parisian electro-swing superstarsCaravan Palace, the pioneer of chap-hop Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer, mash-up DJ collective Dutty Moonshine big band who lace bass heavy sets together with a vintage sound and many more.

On top of the overarching narrative to the event, each district has its own backstory and May-Fair’s involves a socially scheming husband and wife, Mr and Mrs Fitz-Sloane who pledged to uphold the area’s exclusivity by keeping out the riff-raff and ensuring that only the most well-to-do attend their famed Electro-Swing soirées! But things in BoomTown are never as they seem and as citizens step inside these glitzy façades the Fitz-Sloane’s true colours will be revealed…

Full May-Fair Avenue District Line-up:

Caravan Palace / Deluxe / Scarecrow / Dirty Honkers / Bart & Baker / Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer / Swingrowers / The Gaslight Troubadoursfeat. Professor Elemental / Odjbox / Brass Band Remix: Dutty Moonshine Big Band /  The Fontanas / DJ Tofu Vs Brass Funkeys / Trans-Siberian March Band / Grant Lazlo / Smerins Anti-Social Club / Too Many Ts  / Phil Mac / C@ In The H@ / Elle & The Pocket Belles / James Copeland / Don Mescal / Don Johnston / Big Swing Soundsystem Feat. Hypeman Sage / DJ Pony (Montana) / Kiwistar / The After Hours Quintet / The Underscore Orkestra / The Woohoo Revue / Formidable Vegetable Sound System / The Chicken Brothers / Jenova Collective / Rumba De Bodas / Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six / The World's Tallest Dj / The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing / Dr Schwamp /Jitterbug / Madame Electrifie / Mad Apple Circus / Alex Blood & The Diggers / Great Scott / Mr Tea & The Minions / The Rin Tins / Lounge Cat Ideals / Captain Flatcap / Rumpsteppers / Mother Ukers / Shambolique / Papa Shango / Freakeasy / Abaret / Swing Dance Classes

2000trees lineup expands with host of new acts

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The award-winning 2000trees Festival has announced a wave of new acts including The Xcerts, We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Twilight Sad, Turbowolf, The Amazing Snakeheads, Feed the Rhino, Jonah Matranga and Tellison.

Headliners Deaf Havana will also be joined by Nai Harvest, Fatherson, Only Rivals, When We Were Wolves, Dead Harts, To The Wall, Cleft, Ghouls, WOAHNOWS, Samoans, Emperor Yes, These Ghosts, Goan Dogs, Jurassic Pop, George Wilding, New Palace Talkies, Bite the Buffalo, Tim Vantol, Electric River and Human Pyramids.
 

And with the likes of Kerbdog, Pulled Apart by Horses, SOLEMN SUN, Arcane Roots, The Computers, Rob Lynch, Big Sixes, Allusondrugs, Nothing But Thieves and &U&I already confirmed, organisers have created a buzz among fans as the best place to discover new and underground music this summer.

 

“The reaction to the line-up has been fantastic, especially our latest headliner Deaf Havana, mustering loads of support online and receiving plenty of media attention, which means a lot to a small festival like us,” said organiser James Scarlett.

 
The three-day event will celebrate its ninth year in the picturesque Cotswolds when it returns on July 9-11. It features the very best new and underground music on six stages, plus comedy, DJs, a silent disco, quality food and drink and children’s entertainment.
 

Star Names Confirmed For Cheltenham Jazz Festival

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Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns at the end of April with a bold programme featuring a range of exclusive one-off performances, unique collaborations, special commissions and debut UK appearances from a heady mix of established stars and emerging talent.

 

Taking place across 6 days from April 29th – May 4th, this year’s festival will present a smart balance of classic and contemporary jazz, blues, soul and pop from a string of pioneering acts including million-selling singer-songwriter Rumer, Dutch superstar Caro Emerald, experimental producer and composer Squarepusher, one of the queens of soul Martha Reeves, world-renowned DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, Californian blues-rocker Beth Hart, and consummate jazz singer and broadcaster Clare Teal.

 

Once again returning as Guest Director is Jamie Cullum who, alongside handpicking a selection of events for this year’s programme, will perform with trailblazing US jazz funk jam band Medeski, Martin & Wood. Other high profile acts on the bill include venerable jazz-fusion star John Scofield, whose collaboration with German pianist Pablo Held’s trio is currently receiving rave reviews (“a fascinating fresh setting for a unique guitarist who always means business” The Guardian), the mystical sounds of the Sun Ra Arkestra, master ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate, the UK premiere of jazz heavyweight Lee Konitz’s new quintet featuring virtuoso trumpeter Dave Douglas, and a treat for fans of Afrobeat in the form of two contrasting but equally outstanding concerts – a Saturday afternoon show from legendary African drummer Tony Allen, who performs music from his acclaimed 2014 album Film of Life, followed that evening by Joe Lovano’s Village Rhythms Band, an inventive 7-piece outfit which explores the connection between West African music and jazz.

 

BBC Radio 2 continues its long-term association with the festival and has confirmed a range of activity across the week. Alongside live festival-themed shows recorded onsite by Jamie Cullum on Saturday May 2nd and Clare Teal on Sunday May 3rd, the network will air Caro Emerald’s concert on Thursday April 30th, a Frank Sinatra-themed ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’ featuring appearances from Kurt Elling, Clare Teal and Anthony Strong on Friday 1st, and a world premiere to close the festival on Monday 4th, a celebration of the music of George and Ira Gershwin featuring Laura Mvula and Gregory Porter.

 

Justifying its reputation as one of the most forward-thinking festivals in Europe, a varied collection of the next generation of global jazz stars are represented this year by the likes of Anglo-French trio In Bed With, Suiss trombonist and composer Samuel Blaser, Spanish singer and multi-instrumentalist Andrea Motis, the first ever UK performance by the inimitable Surnatural Orchestra, and European trio Phronesis, whose Pitch Black project will be performed in total darkness.

 

A wide range of top UK-based talent will appear on the bill including East London’s unique take on the brass band Hackney Colliery Band, Mercury-nominated piano trio GoGo Penguin, who will join Gilles Peterson at the festival’s much-anticipated club night, funk favourites Average White Band, Neil Cowley Trio, the Rachael Cohen Quartet featuring Phil Robson, soul diva Natalie Williams, a double bill featuring the soulful vocals of Si Cranstoun and Purdy, and the Julian Arguelles Septet, a band formed especially for the festival.

 

Rudimental to headline Sundown Festival 2015 plus more!

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Headlining will be none other than UK festival favourites Rudimental who will be performing live. From their chart storming, number one album ‘Home’ through to Brit and MOBO Awards they are truly one of the most exciting acts in the UK. Coming to Sundown as one of only a very small number of shows this year, they are certainly not to be missed!

Following on from the roaring success of 2014, Sundown Festival is back for 2015 with another larger than life lineup! Hosting only the biggest and best in pop, dance and urban acts, Sundown is the perfect way to close the festival season with one last party in the sunshine.

If the first headliner wasn’t enough, Sundown are also excited to announce the incredible Ella Henderson for the festival. With debut single ‘Ghost’ already certified platinum and debut album ‘Chapter One’ flying straight in at number one on the UK Album Chart she is undoubtedly one of the UK’s hugest stars!

Drum and bass royalty Sigma will be performing live alongside performances from Clean Bandit collaborator Jess Glynne and afrobeat trailblazer Fuse ODG.

As well as this the Andy C Presents Ram stage will play host to electronic production wizard Sub Focus and the multi-genre DJing of the amazing Jaguar Skills.

Campers get even more with an exclusive Saturday night after party with none other than garage superstar DJ EZ on the decks keeping the vibes going until 1am!

All these and many, many more including a second huge headliner will descend onto Norfolk Showground for a weekend not to be missed!

Lineup so far:

Sat – Main Stage 

Rudimental (Live) // Ella Henderson // Sigma (Live) // Jess Glynne // Fuse ODG

Sun – Stage 2 – Andy C Presents Ram

Sub Focus // Jaguar Skills 

Saturday Afterparty

DJ EZ

Bestival 2015 announce Summer of Love theme

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“Hear this as the first of the whispers… the festival returns to its roots. A salute to the original muses: Music, Freedom, Peace, Love and Euphoria. In the year 2015, Bestival acknowledges its ancestry with the theme, 'Bestival's Summer of Love'.

“At the zenith of the season, Bestival invites you to join the great revival, lose your inhibitions and join our gathering of the peoples. Reject the hum-drum, the material and the system! Come to the island, and for a weekend, take heart in the art, the ideals and the madness.

“Turn on, tune in, peace out”.

Rob da Bank says: “Our theme for 2015 is the Summer of Love… it’s a simple theme and hopefully one that’s easy to embrace. It's largely a positive reaction to all the bad news and downright evil going on in the world. We're not hiding our heads in the sand and pretending everything’s rosy and laid-back but we can, as a big family of 50,000 people, come together, listen to music, party and spread love, even if it’s just for the weekend. That has always been at the heart of Bestival and its year-round community. Hate out, love in!”

We just couldn’t help ourselves. The unadulterated disco vibes of last year’s spectacular Bestival stirred something deep inside us, reconnected us to our purpose, and stoked the flames of our burning passion; we know now that in essence, we’re here for the love. The love of the music, the love of the adventure, the love of the unexpected, but most of all, it’s the purest love – the love of the party. From the 10th-13th September, we’re taking our Robin Hill adventures on the Isle of Wight back to the one simple thing that started our crazy story – this year it’s all about Bestival’s Summer of Love.

We’re not just talking about bell-bottomed hippies with flowers in their hair, or red-jeaned ravers circumnavigating the M25. It’s deeper and wider, and even longer than that. It’s about positivity, peace & love, and bananas not guns. We want all people, all sexes, all ages, all cultures to come together and to share the good times, to celebrate the simple joy of unity, to feel the unparalleled pleasures of dancing shoulder to shoulder with wonderful strangers and loving every second. We want the greatest party of all time. And we know you do, too.