A new high-energy event is coming to Jefferson City this summer, and the organizer hopes it will be a celebration of the city's vibrancy.
The inaugural dance party event, called Sensationblü, is set for Aug. 29 in the North Jefferson City recreational area. Organizer Dave Julius said he hopes to make it a high-energy, high-tempo and, hopefully, annual event.
"We're hoping to make it into a fashion night out," Julius said. "Come out and step on the red carpet and have a good time."
Julius said he has been looking at Jefferson City as an ideal place to host this type of event for several years. Julius said he came to the community as a Lincoln University student from Jamaica and now works as a medical technologist at St. Mary's Hospital. He said it's his love to party as well as his international background that made him want to start a music and dancing event.
"We are notoriously known for throwing good parties," Julius said about his Jamaican background. "I'm gregarious, I like being around people."
He said there is no other event similar to Sensationblü in the area, which was another attraction to having it in Jefferson City. Julius said he does not agree with the perception he sometimes hears of Jefferson City being a boring place and he hopes his event will help celebrate the life and vibrancy of the city.
"That is what I see Jefferson City as, I think it's lively and vibrant," Julius said.
He added he doesn't want to "diminish that light under a cloak of conservatism."
"What I'm hoping to do is bring out this vibrancy, this radiance, this life," he said. "I want to be one of these people that does not engage in the suppression of that energy, but express it so that it can be explored. And enjoy it."
The event is only for those 21 and over, as part of the event advertises "creative mixology" that includes a team of mixologists tasked with creating specific summer drink mixes. Julius said he has contracted with a company out of Washington, Missouri to provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, adding he hopes people will enjoy the unique drinks provided.
"It's a cross between a dance music event and a cocktail party and a corporate event," Julius said. "We want to make it nice and classy."
The event will feature several DJs with a focus on electronic dance music. Julius said he hopes to attract thousands to the area, adding the outdoor area being used will be able to accommodate up to 4,000 people.
"I hope that many people show up," he said, adding he is trying to market the event globally. "We're selling this thing to the entire world."
Tickets are only available online at showclix.com or through sensationblu.com. Earlybird tickets, which went on sale May 1, include general admission, which costs $25, and the VIP Diamond admission, which costs $80, but includes access to VIP-only areas as well as drinks and food. After July 31, he said, general admission tickets will increase to $35 and the VIP Diamond admission will increase to $100.