On Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, the Denver Broncos played the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and apparently some football went down. But it was Saturday that true magic unfolded at Mile High, when San Francisco’s Dirtybird Records brought their world-renowned Dirtybird BBQ to Denver.
Dirtybird Records celebrates its 10th birthday this year, and label founder Claude VonStroke curated a stacked lineup to showcase their signature style of house music. It included Dirtybird players Mark Staar, Justin Jay, Worthy, J.Phlip, Justin Martin, Claude VonStroke and special guest Too $hort, whose Bay Area style of rap complimented Dirtybird’s brand of house like peanut butter and jelly.
Speaking of peanut butter, there was a large BBQ setup next to the stage where Grill$on (also known by his Christian name, Grillmaster Wilson) dished out burger after burger, as J.Phlip threw down banger after banger to all the fans hungry for more.
As night fell, Justin Martin took to the decks to deliver a bass-heavy set, and every single person in the crowd lost it. Although his BBQ set was more relaxed compared to his incredible, trip-inducing festival sets, it was perfect for the BBQ setting. After Martin spun through a collection of label classics and dance floor pleasers, he handed the reins over to Claude VonStroke.
When Claude took over, he took everything Martin had just done and turned it up to 11. The crowd absolutely loved it, too; it was hands-down the best I had ever seen a Denver crowd react to an artist. There were people in giant dance circles, people on shoulders and people cheering during every second of his set. The best part of it all, though, was the community that formed through the vibes of the BBQ and the absence of a real stage or lights. To put it in perspective, the Dirtybird BBQ is like a family reunion — if you could get down and dirty and blast heavy house music at your family reunion.
Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Robert Hylton at robert.hylton@colorado.edu
