by Dan Emmons
Shows today are usually compiled of a simple formula- pay at the door and get into the show. Most of the time that money is paid to the often struggling and very talented musicians with the promoter and the venue taking their cut. But what happens when a group of intelligent, somewhat militant and caring people throw a show? Get Lucid.
This Get Lucid! event was in support of Decarcerate PA, a desperately needed cause in our city. In collaboration with Philly based electonic outfit, Psy-Fi the show started at 8pm with an art gallery hosted by artist Jason Brueck of Alter Images and the Sub2 Gallery on Third and Market. Concert goers were especially taken by the teeth-themed art of Jaden Remy who rendered his work to canvases and skateboards.
Next to take the stage was the Raw Fruit LLC. The collective did a performance art piece with the theme of a futuristic Egyptian pantheon. That’s right, futuristic Egyptian pantheon. Their performance was captivating, but afterwards they set up a permanent installation for the evening where they were fed grapes by shirtless “servants” painted in gold.
While the performers were making themselves quite comfortable with the grapes and the servants, DJ Sylo took the stage and got the audience warmed up. The crowd was fully encompassed by sound at this point and the dancing was in full swing for DJ Mr. Manic (of the Psy-Fi crew) who spun a unique set of deep house.
After Mr. Manic, the two-man techno-rock band Galvanize took the stage and played a set consisting of their upcoming album Gold Rush Ritual (scheduled for release in February 2014). To describe Galvanize is like preparing a cake recipe. One part live drums, one part techno-induced Ableton tracks, and one part live guitar. What you get is a delicious mix of dancing and headbanging!
Following Galvanize, Red Richards (one of the co-organizers of Get Lucid! along with Miguel Huerta and Pete Milos of Galvanize) captivated the crowd with some of the tech-house that has made the party such a success in the quickly growing underground over the past year. During his set, artist Karsen Willie did a live painting on stage as the Raw Fruit Egyptian pantheon danced for the partying audience.
To finish things off in a tasteful way, DJ Sean Graham took the stage and played another tech-house set until 3am when things wrapped up.
With a very satisfied and packed Underground Arts, it is easy to see that this movement is growing. The staff of Get Lucid look at the event as a culmination of a social activist party that spends the majority of its time helping speak for and defend those who cannot do so themselves. With an audience full of costumes and a stage full of art, the night went smoothly for the socially conscious partiers. See you at the next one, February 1st 2014!
