Red Bull Sound Select’s 30 Days in LA has officially taken the county by storm. With hype-worthy concerts night after night, each new show gets more exciting than its precedent. Good music, free snacks, Red Bull flowing by the case, swag and unique posters can be found at each night’s respective location. Wednesday night, Sound Select curated a special event at Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale. The Not your Mama’s Roller Disco is a philanthropically inclined Sound Select Soul Clap Records showcase with a live performance by Midnight Magic, DJ sets from Crew Love residents Lonely C of Soul Clap, Navid Izadi and special guest Baby Prince Wolf and Lamb, with donations from the bar going to the Global Alliance for Student Advancement 501c3.
A line wraps around the building from the start – a sure fire sign it would be a full night. The rink almost immediately fills with throngs of happy guests. Attendees are encouraged to “dress to impress,” and at the risk of making it feel like a cheesy time warp roller-discotheque, they rise to the challenge. All of the most colorful characters come out to play and skate on this fine Wednesday evening. The sequins, oh the sequins! It seems as though a glitter cannon attacks as each person has entered the venue. Jumpsuits are also a ubiquitous style choice. Bring on the patterned leggings, afros galore, animal print fleece onesies, a few bold small patches of chest hair, 99 cent store masks, one token caped knight crusader, at least two John Travolta Saturday Night Fever white polyester suit nods, and basically anything shiny. One of the most noteworthy looks includes a white fur vest that literally illuminates with rainbow lights inside – think bright furry personal disco ball. With so many hilarious fashion decisions gliding through the room on wheels, it is nearly impossible to disprove of the merry parade.
The lighthearted eclectic crowd comes out to just dance, skate, and generally have a good time. Once everyone has got a drink or so in them, they head to the rink floor for some serious laps. The disco ball above blazes bright as reflecting light flashes across the vast space. DJs happily spin funktastic tunes that keep the mood groovy and fun. The skaters eagerly clap along to a remix of MJ’s “Rock With You” as they glide around the rink. Those who are skilled enough dare to form a stage front posse dance circle. Meanwhile, the DJ is nonstop bobbing back in forth in approval of his own musical stylings.
The swarm of skaters is forced to come to a halt as the tall afro-donning announcer takes the center-rink stage and instructs them to make way for the band to enter the performance area. Midnight Magic’s ensemble has certainly dwindled in number, but the confidently quirky lead vocalist Tiffany brings enough personality to make up for the lack of bodies on stage. She whales most of her lyrics and talks through all the songs, engaging the few skaters who have stopped to enjoy the music directly. In fact, her voice is almost as loud as her tangerine hair – a fitting color to exhibit her fiery stage presence. In light of no horns being present, MM’s electronic elements have taken on a heavier side. Laser beams and synth notes fill the space in each song. Minus the hooty horns, the music still tends to read straight funky disco. It is jammy and completely appropriate for this scene. Tiffany even exclaims, “This is so fun!” as she realizes people are skating around the stage while the band performs. It is certainly a newer way to see a show, but the active element makes it extremely fun for the guests. The most skaters take the floor for “Beam Me Up,” a Midnight Magic essential song. Toward the end of their set, skaters passing by are getting a bit too ambitious (and possibly revved up by the music) that they start dropping like flies. Luckily, it seems like everyone leaves in one piece – sweat, smiles and all.
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