As Houston’s premiere house music event, yesterday’s season opener of Praia Urbana 2014 definitely set the bar high. This year’s spring installment Praia was headlined by Riva Starr, Ellen Allien, and Keoki. The weather was perfect for the outdoor event and the vibe was sexy and upbeat.
Held a couple of times a year just north of downtown in Houston, Texas, Praia Urbana has established itself as one of the most anticipated events of the year. Last Concert Café lends its unique outdoor venue perfectly to the ‘urban beach’ vibe that party organizers, the East End Boys Productions, have consistently created since this party began, back in May of 2006. Known for it’s grown and sexy vibe, Praia’s attendance numbers have risen alongside its popularity, and yesterday was no exception. A very diverse crowd of house music lovers came out to groove and dance.
I arrived around 6pm and caught most of Vance Lawrence’s set. He is as talented as he is nice, and his set was fire yesterday. He had folks getting down to his funky and fun beats. I caught a little bit of Steven Towers, Bobby Blyss and Extended Play’s (Eddie Spettro and Josh Dupont) sets, and had a fantastic time. As the sun begins to set over the downtown skyline (which by the way is your backdrop for the second stage dance floor), Praia really begins to heat up. Keoki took over the decks and played a really thumping and fun set. Riva Starr opened his set with Green Velvet’s, “La La Land,” and just kept the crowd smiling and moving. We caught some of Ellen Allien before we left for the night, as she was headling the second stage. Her set was just a lot of fun-a mixture of hard-hitting beats and sexy vocal tracks.
Another great electronic event here in Houston, and the Department of Dance was happy to be there to cover it for you guys. Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment of Praia 2014-get your ticket early, bring cash, have some jello shots and get some sexy house music in your life.
-Angel Guevara
Born in Houston, raised on hip-hip, classic rock and disco, I discovered electronic music in the late 90's. I am a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and an avid fan of my city, beers and beats.
