MP3 TAKES: Project Glow Festival 2023

Introducing MP3 TAKES, our event review series where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of music festivals and live performances. In a time when countless events grace stages across the globe, how do you navigate through the noise and discover the most captivating experiences? Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the highlights, backstage stories, and unforgettable moments that make each event unique. MP3 TAKES is your ultimate guide to immersing yourself in the vibrant world of live music. 

Washington D.C.’s Project GLOW Festival shone bright for its second year despite some gloomy weather last weekend (April 29-30). Thousands of fans took over the RFK Stadium festival grounds in the nation’s capital to enjoy a wide range of electronic dance music.

Project GLOW 2023: 5 Essential Things to Know for D.C.’s Dance Music Festival

Bass staples like NGHTMRE and LSDREAM shook the ground with their Saturday night sets, while Zeds Dead and Dom Dolla B2B Green Velvet had everyone dancing until the festival came to a close Sunday night.

Here are three key TAKES from Project GLOW 2023:

Bigger Production and Attractions

Insomniac and D.C.-based promotions company Club Glow amped up production with bigger screens and stages for Project GLOW’s second year. More art installations throughout the grounds, including a metal statue of a woman breathing fire, dazzled attendees. Plus, a skate park with professional skaters was a unique twist people will not forget.

Fans noted the VIP sections at both the Pulse stage and Eternal stage were improved from the year prior. The Secret Garden stage was a hidden gem for house music that sparkled with disco balls, giant flowers, and dancers.

Despite gray skies and rain on Sunday, Project GLOW seemed well-prepared for the weather. Plastic tents and covers protected DJs and stage lights. However, the Pulse Stage did not have a canopy to protect the crowd as it did in year one.

Standout House B2Bs

The festival lineup sported several eye-catching house B2Bs and an Insomniac Records takeover of the Pulse stage for its second day. Honeyluv B2B Joshwa, Wax Motif B2B Noizu, and Dom Dolla B2B Green Velvet sets created a special experience for house music lovers.

On Sunday night, people who went to the official Wax Motif Soundcheck afterparty were in for a big surprise. Most house producers who performed Sunday surprised fans at Soundcheck with a giant B2B set. Wax Motif, Noizu, Dom Dolla, Green Velvet, Timmy Trumpet, Mau P, Noizu, Joshwa, and J Worra all performed together for one giant party at a smaller, intimate venue.

While Project GLOW leans into a house-focused lineup, it books artists and big names that are sure to please everyone. The Pulse stage was hosted by Bass Rush Records on Saturday to treat fans to some dubstep with performances by NGHTMRE, LSDREAM, Crankdat, Peekaboo, and more.

Will Project Glow Grow?

The festival was launched in April 2022 in Washington D.C. to celebrate “20 years of dance culture and history on the Eastern Seaboard.” After a successful first go, Project Glow attempted to expand to Philadelphia that same year. The festival was booked for October 1-2, 2022, at Subaru Park but was canceled about three months beforehand.

In their letter to 2022 ticket holders, Insomniac and Club Glow wrote, “We regret to announce that Project Glow Philadelphia will no longer take place as scheduled this October. While we are disappointed to share this news, we are appreciative to all of our local community partners and fans for their support in helping us bring this new event to the city. We still look forward to doing so in the future at another time.”

While Project Glow D.C. was a success for its second year, it’s unclear when or if organizers will make a second attempt at expanding to Philadelphia or another East Coast city.

Despite past growing pains, the wide range of dance music and the location of the venue in D.C. make Project GLOW a new staple in the district’s dance community. The festival’s ability to attract a diverse range of electronic dance music artists and create memorable experiences has contributed to its growing popularity. As the festival continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it expands its reach to other cities on the East Coast.

For now, Project GLOW remains a shining example of a successful music festival in Washington D.C., providing an immersive experience for electronic dance music lovers and fostering a sense of community among attendees. With its unique blend of music, art, and attractions, Project GLOW is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s dance scene.

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