Written By: Brie Heath

The Wakaan Takeover of Denver’s Mission Ballroom was like nothing I’ve ever experienced raving in Dallas. From the second I stepped out of the car to check into my hotel in Uptown Denver, I could feel the PLURR energy in the air. 

After exploring the city for a day, it was finally rave day, and I couldn’t have been more excited to learn why Denver earned the title “Bass Capital”. After getting ready and scheduling my Uber (always AT LEAST two hours before I’d like to leave), I was off to Mission Ballroom. As soon as I was dropped off in the designated rideshare drop off spot, I IMMEDIATELY scheduled my pick up Uber (another pro tip).

After a very short walk to the venue doors, I had arrived! Entry was a breeze compared to many Dallas venues. Security was extremely organized, quick, and efficient. With a reminder to have ID’s ready, multiple lines and good vibes, the line moved quickly. All three nights combined, I waited maybe 10 minutes the entire weekend to enter the venue. 

Mission Ballroom overall was an amazing venue. After security, it’s also extremely clean, equipped with coat check, free water station, merch and snacks for purchase, upstairs and downstairs bathrooms and bars, vendors and information tables that included harm reduction, a spacious dance floor, with multi story amphitheater like seating and standing available, and lastly, the best production I’ve personally seen at a venue. Sound production makes sure the bass will vibrate your entire body, while the visual team melts your mind with the most beautiful lights and colors your eyes have ever seen.

All three nights came with three different sets, line ups, custom production, and merchandise. Night one was the “Tripped” set, where LowTyde, Crawdad Sniper, Rohaan, and Chmura kicked off the weekend and set the vibes for the crowd–which was so welcoming and respectful, no shortage of PLURR anywhere. 

Liquid Stranger opened with a beautiful, heartfelt montage of Wakaan Festival, and a warm welcome that set the energy of his set and entire weekend. Announcing he would be doing a downtempo set led him straight into his hit single “Revolution” ft. Crooked Bangs, which I feel was a great way to show the embodiment and intention of his music, Wakaan Festival, and Wakaan Label.

I was drawn to the Wakaan Takeover of Mission ballroom because of the festival, which if you have not been to, is a MUST for your festival line up. Wakaan Festival captures the essence of what it means to rave. To me, the festival itself provides a wonderful sense of community and music that will change your brain chemistry in the best way. It promotes art, equality, community/family, a universal energy, and the reminder to love one another and to spread that love. 

Liquid Stranger is one of my favorite artists because not only does he create life-changing music, he’s created a one of a kind community and experience with Wakaan Fest and once in a lifetime opportunities.

On Saturday, I also had the absolute pleasure of attending the first ever Wakaan Denver pop up. Where Elev808 Designs and The Festival Babes held it down while people waited for the opportunity to buy limited edition items, secret items, new custom 420 jerseys, and the chance to meet Liquid Stranger himself, with a free photo and signed item. The event was 12:00pm-4:00pm, with a live DJ inside the location, food trucks conveniently located close by, and The Babes passing out good vibes and free drinks provided by the man, Martin (Liquid Stranger).

After about a two hour wait, I was in! After grabbing a jersey, hoodie, and bucket hat with my partner, we got in line to meet LS. Meeting him felt like a spiritual experience, his energy was kind and warm, he graciously signed my partner’s jersey, and we were able to exchange a few words. One of the amazing Festival Babes was on standby to snap a few pictures of us, and we were on our way with an unforgettable memory.

My entire weekend in Denver has been unforgettable, the biggest of thank you’s goes out to LiquidStranger, MissionBallroom, Wakaan Festival, Elev808Designs, TheFestivalBabes, my partner, and of course everyone who attended the shows that made this Dallas raver feel right at home. Thank you <3 (:

Peace & Love,

Brie