A ‘rum-arkable’ night at the Opera

Bacardi B-Live 2009 Logo

By C. Daniel

You could feel the music – not just from the collages of album sleeves and cassette covers mounted everywhere. Now if this is crossed with lots of good spirits; pulsating beats and massive energy, what do you have?

This is Atlanta’s installment of Bacardi B-Live, a concert series throughout 21 other cities featuring some of music’s more cutting edged; international and emerging performers and DJs. Held on the eve of Independence Day 2009 in Midtown’s swanky exclusive nightclub district at Opera, the crowd gets a momentous evening of specialty cocktails and a virtual music experience.

The world’s leading select rum provider samples out their signature Mojitos and Coke-based cocktails out of every bar: each equipped with vinyl-shaped coasters. On the patio is the BeSpoke Bar: an area in where club-goers could customize their own Bacardi-based cocktails with fruits; mixers and chasers.

Courtesy of the incredible production designs of the Moment Factory, the stage is set. There is a giant fluorescent master-blaster boombox in the backdrop giving off incredible psychedelic and kaleidoscopic imagery from the speakers. What a surrealistic sight to see everything from oddly-shaped Bacardi logos floating to evolving bright pyramids!

Not to mention the music brings a lot before Opera’s packed house, too! Duo Matt and Kim, armed with a drum set and a Roland synthesizer, introduces the audience to their contemporary brand of high energy synth pop which ends in a dynamic stage dive from Kim. DJ A-Trak, operating from behind his Mac and a turntable, works like a techno-induced mad scientist. He mixes and scratches every boom and clap until the crowd goes into a frenzy. Toronto-based Mstrkrft, the Toronto duo famous for their work with Kanye West, keeps the momentum going by cranking out some high octane electromagnetic techno tracks. In the midst of every acts’ sets, the smoke machine drowns everyone out. Still, the crowd goes crazy with every gush of steam.

 In the rear, the party continues. Of course, there are a few Michael Jackson tributes along the way with a dip and turn into New Jack Swing and mid-‘90s Southern bass. Club-goers are greeted at the entrance with sealed-up bags of tokens marked with the Bacardi logo used to trade for the company’s signature paraphernalia. Partygoers could capture the memory of Bacardi-B-Live with a full-fledged poster booth; a photo booth and a memorabilia station. Everything from signature t-shirts and boombox-shaped duffle bags to cassette-shaped necklaces and track jackets are available. There is even a silkscreen area for more signature tees to commemorate the show.

Special Thanks 2 Cortney Silverman and Katelyn Klenowski of Corbin and Associates 4 their invitation! Much appreciation 2U both…