A Jefferson City man's love for electronic dance music spurred his motivation to bring a festival celebrating the genre to the area.
The dance music festival, titled Sensationblu, will bring well-known DJs to the North Jefferson City recreational park area on Saturday, Aug. 29, said Dave Julius, the event organizer. He said he enjoys the energy dance music creates and hopes the festival becomes an annual event, adding another entertainment option for local residents.
"I love dance music," Julius said. "I've traveled all over the world for parties and events and I wanted to see if I could get something of that nature here (in Jefferson City)."
Julius, a native of Jamaica who works as a medical technologist at St. Mary's Hospital, said he wanted to offer people a "break from the norm," which he described as events centered around live music. Four DJs - DJ Diamond, DJ Bam Bam, Brian Boncher and Alex Peace - will provide the sounds for Sensationblu, which goes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. According to Julius, Diamond is the No. 1 female DJ in the U.S. and ranks 25th globally. He said that all the DJs are very popular, adding that DJ Bam Bam produces his own club music and Alex Peace is a legend in the dance music scene.
Patrons will be able to view each other's fashion on the large red carpet and take photos before heading into the party, Julius said. Sensationblu is designed for people age 21 and up, and gives adults a chance to "have fun and escape" and "dance with like-minded people."
"It's a chance for grownups to party in a seductive atmosphere and allows them to express themselves," Julius said.
For a "greater experience," Julius said patrons can opt for the Diamond VIP experience, which includes food and drink, an exclusive entrance and lounge and preferred parking, at $80 per person. General admission is $25. Barbecue will be available for purchase and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are available online at sensationblu.com. Online ticket sales end at 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, according to the event website.
"We hope everyone will be free and dance with us and have a good time," Julius said.