Live: U Street Music Hall's Union BBQ [DC]

Union BBQ was a brand new event put together by the U Street Music Hall staff. Taking advantage of the Union Market space and featuring  some of the best BBQ spots in the city and some of the best Djs as well, the event was sure to be fun. With the event going from 12pm until midnight it was no surprise that the crowd didn't pick up until 4pm. With a steady stream of people coming in eventually both the outside and inside parts of the venue were filled up. This was my first event at the location and I really think it worked well. Early sets were all house/techno music that had people grooving but the crowd was thin in both areas and most people were enjoying one of the excellent food choices. The party really started when Jen Lasher hit the outside stage while Sam "The Man" Burns hit the stage inside.

Lasher played some great remixes that included new and old hip hop and pop classics. People began to walk in dancing and following her lead as she partied on stage.  From Lasher on, the Moombahton stage was rocking. Gent and Jawns had the party going with a mostly trap set filled with big drops and great mixes. It's fun to see the young and exciting duo move the crowd.   Tittsworth played mostly originals that kept the crowd moving. He also began mixing in the Moombahton which Sabo continued in his set. Sabo also played a lot of reggae/soca which help the crowd transition to Moombahton. Soca has so many anthems, felt like Sabo could have gone forever. Nadastrom closed the Moombahton stage with a set that had the crowd going crazy. Jumping up and down with a hand or hands in the air, the crowd outside was in all out party mode. Moombahton Massive was definitely in full effect.

On the inside stage Kaytranada and headliner, Jaime XX, kept the crowd dancing. A slower tempo than the outside stage but a lot of original tunes that more than got the job done. It was almost like listening to great beat tapes and the people that weren't dancing were just in a trance bobbing their heads. I enjoyed the mix of the music and atmosphere of the event. Having a stage indoors in an air conditioned area is something I've never seen at a festival but greatly enjoyed the option. Lights which are a part of a Djs show were much more visible and useful inside which also brought interest to the show. Good overall event that I'll be sure to look for in the future. Written by Toronto Alsbrooks courtesy of howwastheconcert.com