Thursday 27th May - F*** Me I'm Famous Opening at Pacha
In the midst of the ongoing IMS shenanigans, Pacha was brought to its knees as one of the prominent figures of the conference, David Guetta, began his guaranteed roadblock of a fiesta. This weeks' guest was Calvin Harris who had the Main Room throbbing with his customary electro sound that the only escape were the roof terrace and Funky Room, both of which were also pretty full! Interestingly, the walls of the Global Room were not in place so the whole entrance area of the club got the full force of Main Room's music ensuring the first big club opening of Ibiza's 2010 campaign went bang in fine style!
Friday 28th May - IMS Grand Finale at Dalt Vila
Check out the separate report and photos here
Saturday 29th May - Cadenza Beach Opening at Ushuaia
Luciano's move to Pacha was the most talked about story bar none during the winter months but just as anticipated are the continued Cadenza Beach Sessions that so successfully brought fame to Wednesdays at Ushuaia last year. These parties will effectively be a pre-party for Cadenza's Pacha residency and therefore take place on Sundays throughout the summer, although just to make matters confusing, the Opening was a Saturday.
Unlike last year's closing event - which was basically a massive, free, bring-your-own booze party on the whole beach - this at least attempted to start within the confines of Ushuaia. If there was a guestlist, it wasn't in use and after a short time queuing, you were whisked in to an already busy and refurbished beach club. At about 6pm, there was already an edgy, early days dc10 atmosphere as the crowd jostled for space whilst enjoying pounding sets from Reboot and Robert Dietz.
By about 9pm, getting in through the main entrance was no longer possible although access via the beach through the back and from the adjoining sand dunes became an option. With Luciano and his arsenal of spanish vocals out in full force, beer supplies reached dangerously low levels (and maybe even ran out) and the VIP area, for which some people had paid €7000 for a bed, now became overrun as every available space was sought out in the darkness.
A Beach Hut in Ibiza Going Mental
If this Opening is anything to go by it seems that the old Luciano crowd are still more than happy to support their boy, at least whilst entrance is free that is, and certainly that Wednesday 'can't find a place to park in PDB' feeling can be switched to Sundays!
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May - Space Opening Weekend
Whilst Saturday's opening experiment can be deemed a success for Space, it didn't quite feel like Space Opening, despite a stellar line-up and fairly busy Terrace and Discoteca dance floors for John Digweed, Pete Tong, Mark Knight and John Digweed amongst others.
By Sunday however, it really did feel like a classic Space Opening fiesta with a rocking Sunset Terrace jackin' to Ray Okpara and Yousef - who caused total carnage - whilst the big attraction, the Parking Arena, held it's customary 5000 clubbers being entertained by huge LED screen stage set up and Space stalwarts Carl Cox and Steve Lawler. Possibly the most extravagant Opening/Closing production yet. The only criticism is that the sound in the Car Park didn't travel so well towards the back, not that that affected the mood in the slightest.
Ray Okpara
Meanwhile, on the Terraza, sound quality was the last thing on anyone's mind as Kehakuma warmed up for the Wednesday night party with resident Nick Curly leading the charge as well as Tiefschwarz, Simon Baker and Radio Slave. But a special mention must go to 2000 and One who produced an insane set to smash the room all over the place just as the crowds from the Parking Terrace were making their way indoors. 100% Pure!
2000 and One
Monday 31st May - Circo Loco Opening at DC10
Excitement had been building long before Andrea Pelino confirmed plans to us about the forthcoming campaign, which meant there was little surprise in the way the Opening went. We've all been in DC10 when it's busy, but this was busyness on another level, the terrace particularly was absolutely mobbed with revellers (not-so) fresh from Space and Ushuaia antics, ensuring the Circo Loco bandwagon garnered even more hype and fervour. Honourable mention goes to Zip especially for his uncompromisingly special music.
Tuesday 1st June - Fuse at Ushuaia, Kubicle at Sands
For those still standing after what can only be described as a mammoth opening session, there were two options, last year's huge success, Fuse, or London peer, Kubicle. Several of the Spotlight team were milling about between both parties, which had the likes of tINI and Clive Henry starring. Whilst we'd practically done our lot by early evening, we'd seen just enough to know that the Fuse parties at Ushuaia are going to go off again this year. Check here for further details.
Summer has started!