Last weekend, when the frigid temperatures of winter descended upon us, Downtempo Rituals, Slow Line DC, and Forever and A Day came together to host a fundraiser for Ukraine on the second floor of Zeba Bar located in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C. The purpose of the gathering was to raise funds for “Legion of the Light (Легіон Світла)”, a non-profit organization that provides critical aid and support to refugees who have been displaced from their homes in various regions surrounding Kyiv and Lviv. The event was a heartwarming success, bringing light and warmth to all who were in attendance. The ambiance of the venue was intimate, with flickering candlelight casting a spell of enchantment over the crowd. The musical virtuosity of the DJ lineup, comprising Bamba, Tierra, Faridjee, and Copa Vida, was nothing short of spellbinding. Their artful blend of sounds expertly crafted a sonic tapestry that elicited a plethora of emotions from the enthralled audience.
As the night kicked off, Bamba took to the stage, captivating the crowd with slow, dark, and seductive downtempo beats—the sultry notes of Liz.Ard’s “BamBam” wafted through the air, infusing the space with an irresistible sensuality. Next up, Tierra elevated the energy with his uplifting and energizing tracks, including the rousing “Let Go” by Bassara. The crowd sang along to the infectious melody “Cancel all your plans” while packing tightly towards the front of the dance floor, entranced by the alluring beats. As the evening unfolded, Faridjee took the stage, mesmerizing the audience with his seamless set, marked by its deft transitions and impeccable timing. His setlist featured a range of musical gems, including a sublime remix of the classic jazz tune “Comin’ Home Baby” by Mel Torme. Conceived as an instrumental piece by Ben Tucker, the original version of this song was first recorded in 1961 by the Dave Bailey Quintet, followed shortly after by Herbie Mann. Over the years, “Comin’ Home Baby” has been reimagined by various musicians, attesting to its enduring appeal and timeless quality. The final act of the evening was none other than Copa Vida, a DJ/producer hailing from the charming city of Charlottesville, Virginia. With the night drawing to a close, he curated a set featuring various musical treasures, including a masterful remix of “Foaie Verde De Un Piper,” a beloved Romanian folk song penned by the illustrious Maria Latarescu. The ethereal quality of the music filled the air, leaving the audience entranced and transported to another realm.
The party was a celebration of great music and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As Ukraine struggles with turmoil and displacement, the fundraiser was a reminder that many care and are willing to lend their support. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures outside, the warmth and camaraderie inside the venue kept our spirits high. It was like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of good vibes or a warm hug from a friendly stranger who smelled nice. The only downside was that the night ended a little earlier than expected, with the venue staff flickering the lights and the party winding down around 2:30 am. We still had a little time to dance like nobody was watching (even though they were) and let our inner party animals roam free.
As the clock struck 3, we started to feel the chill of the winter air creeping in. The bright lights came on, signaling the end of the evening’s revelry. But despite the cold and the looming specter of reality, nobody wanted to call it a night. The after-party circuit was buzzing, and the temptation to keep the fun going was almost unbearable. Eventually, the venue doors had to close, and we found ourselves outside, shivering in the freezing air, waiting for our rides to arrive. The question on everyone’s mind was, “Where to next?” but there were so many people that it felt like a migration of penguins in Antarctica, each of us huddling together for warmth and hoping for salvation from our fearless leaders. Finding a suitable place to host such a large group seemed impossible, but we eventually made it. And with that, we’ll leave the rest to your imagination, dear reader.
Ciao,
T&P
Techno & Pizza 