From March 21-30, thousands of people from all over the world will congregate in Miami for it's annual Winter Music Conference. With pool parties, panels, and special events surrounding the 29th annual International Dance Music Awards (voting ends tomorrow), this is the premiere EDM event ending with the infamous Ultra Music Festival March 28-30. But for those of you who can't make the pilgrimage this year, fear not. You don't have to suffer from major FOMO this month, as there are plenty of EDM events locally to get your music party fix. After all, every major DJ and producer has decided to take up residency in LA now, giving us access to some of the biggest electronic dance music shows in the US.
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5. Worthy & Dangerhouse
Posch Restaurant & Lounge
Saturday, March 8th
Last weekend, Posh launched its new Maison Saturday deep house night which had everyone in the OC dance music scene in attendance, proving house music's popularity with everyone from hipsters to veteran ravers. This weekend, Maison will host Worthy and local favorite Dangerhouse along with a slew of other DJs in what they call the “Grand Foyer” and “The Study.” No stranger to festivals like Coachella as part of the Do Lab, Dirtybird Records' Worthy will be serving up some funky bass driven beats. With opening support from “real OC DJ's” like Dangerhouse, the evening will be sure to channel one of Miami's infamous booty clapping WMC parties. 9Pm – 2am, 18912 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612.
4. Robbie Rivera
Ten Nightclub
Friday, March 14th
Robbie Rivera's “Made in America” 2014 tour will make its way to Ten Nightclub in preparation of his notorious Juicy Beach party during WMC. The Puerto Rican artist has been making dance music for more than two decades now, paving the way for EDM through his imprint as well as parties all over the US. Rivera is not only known for his chops as a DJ, but also the insane amount of productions under his belt which includes a recent vocally-infused “What to do Now” featuring the EKG's. The Juicy Music label head has been playing out real house music and tribal sets lately and we hope he follows suit in OC. 9pm – 1am, 4647 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
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3. DJ Snake & Slander
The Observatory
Saturday, March 8th
The Grammy-nominated producer and artist born William Grigahcine is best known for his 2013 hit “Turn Down For What” featuring Lil Jon. DJ Snake has already had one of 2014's most highlighted Essential's Mix combining old school hip-hop with today's electronic sound. He makes his way to OC as part of Bassology's monthly party which will have the artist showing us how the French turn up. Besides local trap favorites Slander being the direct opening support at this sold out show, the only thing that would make this night better would be if Lil Jon made a surprise appearance. Regardless, we expect one ratchet 18-and-over party this weekend. 8pm – 1am, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704.
2. Pete Tong
Sutra
Saturday, March 15th
Recent LA transplant, Pete Tong announced his “All Gone Pete Tong” residency at Sound Nightclub in Hollywood (he plays with special guest Moby Friday) and now he's making his way back to OC next weekend. The BBC Radio 1 DJ is heating things up as of late with his own iHeartRadio show Evolution in the states, “All Gone Pete Tong” stage at UK's Creamfields, and other festival appearances this year which will include Electric Zoo Mexico to Spring Awakening in Chicago. A veteran to the dance music scene that's known to shy away from the mainstream Beatport top 40, he's sure to give OC a proper dose of house music education as part of this special Insomniac Saturday night event. 9pm – 2am, 1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
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1. Kraftwerk
The Wall Disney Concert Hall
Tuesday, March 18th – Friday, March 21st
There's no question why the Grammy Academy honored Kraftwerk with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this years ceremony. The electronic band formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider has often been named the pioneers in electric music since their inception in the 1970s. Hailing from Düsseldorf, Germany, their catchy melodies and minimalist lyrics were said to be ahead of their time as they paved the way for all other electronic artist and pop acts like Depeche Mode and David Bowie. At the end of this month Kraftwerk will bring their popular four-night, 3D Catalogue Tour to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA for a once in a lifetime opportunity. A can't miss for any avid electronic music fan. 7:30pm, The Wall Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
See Also:
Top Five Local EDM DJs to Watch in 2014
10 EDM Albums to Listen to Before You Die
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