This past Sunday, September 11th, Papa Bird himself – the legendary Claude VonStroke – and his super fly squad joined forces with MeanRed and MixMag to throw the 15th annual DIRTYBIRD BBQ at the Governor’s Club on Governor’s Island.
Photo credits: Chris Moran
The function featured top-notch sets that were put together by Christian Martin, Walker & Royce, J. Phlip, Shiba Shan, and Justin Martin. House lovers united as they got to listen a diverse range of tracks mixed together by some of the best names in the industry. The killer views and amazing vibes weren’t the only two ingredients that went into creating the perfect BBQ. Guests also had the opportunity to play carnival-themed games to win stuffed animals and novelty prizes as well as to engage in contests that took place throughout the day to win tickets to the Dirtybird Campout in October. Contest categories included ‘Best Costume’, ‘Best Prop’, and ‘Best Dance Moves’.
Photo credits: Chris Moran
Grillson with his handy megaphone.
What sets the Dirtybird BBQ apart from other popular electronic music festivals is how the quirky combination of family-style atmosphere and the intimate venue foster a community filled with pure positivity. The original grill master, Chris Wilson – aka Grillson – roamed the festival grounds with a megaphone in his right hand, taking the time to banter with guests. The DJs on the star-studded line-up also took the time to interact with the fans who have created a movement with the Dirtybird name.
Photo credits: Chris Moran
Justin Martin gracing the crowd with his majestic presence and delivering an incredible set.
The general vibes of the event were as warm as the sun rays that embraced the island until dusk. The only clouds present in our vicinity were the feel-good tracks Justin Martin dropped from his ‘Hello Clouds’ EP. Of course, Justin Martin wasn’t the only one to deliver a phenomenal set. His brother Christian Martin eased the crowd in with a sultry hip-hop set that got the crowd ready to bump n grind for the remainder of the day. Preceding Mr. Justin Martin‘s set, the one and only Shiba San hit us with a filthy mix of his best g-house tracks. One of the highlights of the day was when he played his #1 crowd-favorite ‘OKAY’ – I had never seen so much booty shaking going on in one place in my entire life.
The pineapple was the star of the party.
The attendees played a huge role in shaping the success of the BBQ. People unleashed their creativity and brought some of the whackest, yet greatest costumes I’ve ever seen. Sombreros? Check. Hawaiian shirts? Definite check. Sailor costumes? They were everywhere. We brought a pineapple to the function because we figured, why not? However the prop that took the cake was the ‘Birdcage’ – yes, you read that correctly. Someone brought an actual birdcage, put a fake bird in there (security wouldn’t have let a real one come through), and proudly showed it off.
Photo credits: Chris Moran
The winning prop, the ‘Birdcage’
Claude VonStroke finished the night off with a 1 and a half hour long set that was jam-packed with some of his greatest hits, as well as other techno favorites that really encapsulate the Dirtybird sound. It was the perfect end to yet another perfect BBQ! It was one of those days that highlighted how one’s passion for music inherently prompts joy to radiate from within and reach those surrounding them. We’re definitely looking forward to attending them for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history behind Dirtybird, head to their website here. If you liked what you read, consider heading over to the DB Campout taking place from the 7th until the 10th of October in Silverado, California. Tickets are still available here.
