Part five of our mid season report looks at the parties doing the business in Ibiza this summer. As we pass the half-way mark of the 2014 Ibiza clubbing season, we check out the Top 5 parties on the island. Its been a good season for a variety of reasons, but none more so than the emergence of a number of fresh, innovative parties, that will hopefully capture the imagination of a new generation of Ibiza clubber. The list below is my personal selection of the top 5 parties in Ibiza so far this summer and is a reflection of popularity, music quality, innovation, trends and endurance. There are other parties that deserve a mention and I am sure they will make a showing before the end of the season but the early movers are the ones listed below.
Tribal Sessions@Sankeys
In only its first season on the island, Tribal Sessions at Sankeys, every Wednesday night in Playa Den Bossa, has lived up to its billing and provided Ibiza with a great party. Atmosphere, DJ's, music and venue, Sankeys has got the mix just right and has delivered a real clubbing experience. A young, up for it crowd who just want to party to music with no bullshit added. Sankeys get the basics right and when a club concentrates on those important elements like sound, layout and size of venue, the rest falls into place. The Sankeys mantra has always been to prioritise the party first and that simple philosophy is now reaping dividends for David Vincent and the Sankeys team.
Paradise@DC10
Jamie Jones is one of those DJ's that you have to have the utmost of respect for. He continues to ensure that a certain style of music and sound is protected and nurtured on the island. A sort of musical freedom that lends itself to the warm Mediterranean air of Ibiza. For many people, especially those in the know, Jamie Jones Paradise party at DC10 is what Ibiza is all about. A different experience to Sankeys, the DC10 sound is more indigenous to the island.
Enter@Space
Continues to do the business in a professional, creative and stylish environment at one of the islands best loved venues. For over a quarter of a century, Space has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to musical expression and with Enter and Richie Hawtin, they have found a perfect match. A cool crowd, some great DJ's and the experience that is Space Ibiza, makes Enter, one of the top parties on the island again this summer.
Cream@Amnesia
A few years after Space opened its doors in Ibiza, a legendary party was born at Amnesia. Cream celebrates 20 years of Mediterranean summers this year having safely navigated a number of generations and influences. It has successfully found a way to plug into the islands personality and while others have come and gone, it continues to thrive. This summer has been one of its best seasons ever, mainly due to its ability to read and understand, the musical experience that holiday clubbers want to have in Ibiza.
Avicii@Ushuaia
The big EDM hit of last summer is back, roadblocking Ushuaia every Sunday. Its quiet an experience to watch the colorful crowds of young, animated clubbers, swarming onto the streets after an Avicii gig at Ushuaia. It's still the most popular party on the island with a younger crowd and the slick Ushuaia production combined with the star appeal of Avicii, makes for a buzzing party full of youthful exuberance and fun.
Ones to Watch.
Ibiza Rocks House@Pikes Hotel.
A delightfully random party, held in an iconic hedonistic venue, where characters like Tony Pike, Sonny and his assistant Baby, mingle with an invite only crowd. Tranny Opera singers, a porn shed and a Karaoke Bathtub, are just some of the surprises that lurk around every nook and cranny of a venue that is steeped in character. I had one of those special Ibiza moments sitting in a bathtub with Sonny, singing out loud to Whitney Houston's Greatest Love Of All. If you've not been, make it a mission to experience a unique slice of magical Ibiza. The party carries on at Pacha on Monday nights and if you seek something different, then Ibiza Rocks House is for you.
Phantasmagoria@Booom
To the relief of many on the island, Mike and Claire McKay are back, with their brand new show Phantasmagoria at Booom. A decadent journey, that uses film and art as a vehicle to explore their creative and alternative outlook on life in Ibiza. With Ibiza Rocks House at Pacha and Phantasmagoria at nearby Booom, the elements required for a Manumission fueled new adventure, are closely aligned. All the reports suggest that Phantasmagoria has lived up to its billing with Claire McKay scaling the rooftops of Dalt Villa without a net, as the after-party continued into Saturday night.
House Of Madness@Amnesia
With Solomon holding court at Pacha and Avicii lording it at Ushuaia, Sunday nights in Ibiza provide slim pickings for the rest of the island. A new party that is making noise, is The House Of Madness party at Amnesia. On the terrace, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike have been setting the room on fire with guests like Martin Garrix and Fatboy Slim, while in the Markus Schulz hosted main room legends such as Paul Oakenfold are packing in the crowds. Definitley a party to watch for next year.
