Bull City Summit
A Celebration of Art, Music, Technology, and Science!
My husband and I got to be a part of this celebration! An amazing opportunity came to me on December 8th 2023, to capture Chromeo, Bexxie, and Marshall Jones at The Fruit in Durham North Carolina. I love music, going to concerts and now being able to add on my passion of photography was an opportunity I could not pass up. And I was honored and excited to be apart of media to experience the event backstage and performances on stage.
As the pre-party was getting going the vendors started setting up and sound check was happening. There were three on-site vendors; Miss Frosty's Cupcakes, Jullz Jewelry, & Esme Design. As well a vegan food truck, 'StuffyMan's Vegan Stuff' that also catered the pre-party. All had amazing products!! The sponsors for this incredible event included; Tito's Vodka, City of Durham, and FCR Head Start.
The pre-party really brought an exciting vibe for the rest of the night. Music brings people together from all walks of life, one of the reasons I love attending shows, music festivals, and anything having to do with music. Everyone was mingling around speaking to one another getting to know the space and others.
My husband Jesse, and I arrived a bit earlier than the VIP Party would be starting. We took a tour of the venue and even getting the chance to meet Marshall Jones. An incredible cool guy that we bonded over music, specifically the Chicago house music scene and all the old school warehouse raves that used to go down in Chicago. We talked about the legendary Frankie Knuckles and how there is now a landmark in Chicago for him on Jefferson Street. We also talked about the pros and cons of living in Chicago. It was an outstanding conversation that really brought us back to our home.
Soon after it was time for the meet & greet with Chromeo. Bexxie was also in attendance as well as Marshall Jones. VIP ticket holders quickly lined up to get their exclusive poster signed by both members of Chromeo; 'musicians David "Dave 1" Macklovitch and Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel'. Everyone had a smile on their face and was enjoying the perks of VIP ticket holders. Everyone received a Bull City Summit bag, an exclusive concert poster, some treats, Tito's koozies, and Durham city magazine. They also received a free Tito's and soda drink from the bar and of course the catered food from StuffyMan's Vegan Stuff.
Once all the VIP ticket holders got the chance to talk to Chromeo, get a photo and their poster signed, it was show time! Marshall Jones was first on stage and threw down some incredible Chicago house! Marshall Jones is also the owner of his own radio station in Durham 'Dance Gruv Radio' a station for underground house and techno producers from around the globe. I was loving every second of his set. It was so much fun to also be photographing while listening to music that I grew up with. He even played 'Brighter Days' by Cajmere and Dajea, an old school house song, that was my husband and I's walk up song for our wedding! So it was exciting and brought a lot of joy. The whole crowd was feeling his set!
The line was growing outside now as well. People checked in to receive their wristbands, or just hanging outside to get some air. The Fruit is broken up into different sections, two sides and a basement. On one side there was another party going on, a Onsie Party! It was filled with color and creative art features. I checked it out for a bit and the D.J.s were throwing down some dubstep! It was an awesome vibe!
I also got to witness some incredible fire dancers outside! It is another reason why I love attending music festivals and music events, because there is so much more than just music. It really brings together peoples talents and art skills and allows them to showcase however they want. There is no judgment at events like this; people can dress and dance how they want and truly be themselves.
Next up was Bexxie. She threw down some more modern day house music! Her energy was outstanding and the crowd was really growing at this point. She has been producing and Djing since the 90's! I loved being on stage with her and feeling her energy with crowd.
Ending her set with 'Dress Code' by Mau P, the headliners Chromeo were up next. Talk about an incredible set! We recently had seen these guys at Electric Forest 2023 for a disco style house set. This set was similar in energy and vibes. Their sound is a mix of soul music, dance music, rock, synth-pop, disco and funk. This particular set was a DJ set as they played off each other. This sold out show really showed out for Chromeo! You could feel the excitement from the crowd as Chromeo went on stage. They played their hits as well as some modern day house music. They also gave us a disco funk taste which was fun. I was surprised when they remixed 'Lady' by Modjo and a sick remix of 'Caroline' by Cid & Truth X Lies.
Overall, 10/10 experience from venue, to performers, promoters, guests, art, music. All of it was incredible! Shout out to Bull City Summit for hosting this event, and we all look forward to seeing what's to come in 2024 leading up to the official Bull City Summit !
