EDM ‘Pavement Rave’ series returns to Montage Mountain in Scranton with Blunts & Blondes on April 23
From a press release:
Last year, concert promoters had to get creative and find alternative venues that could safely host events during the pandemic. The Scranton area soon became one of the few destinations for live entertainment in the Northeast as DamnMillennial Promotions and Stage West booked socially distanced outdoor shows at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Dickson City and Montage Mountain in Scranton from August through October.
As conditions have only slightly improved since then, the popular drive-in “Pavement Rave” series of live DJs and electronic artists in the parking lot of Montage Mountain Waterpark is getting an earlier start this year. Yesterday, DamnMillennial announced that Florida dubstep artist Blunts & Blondes will headline the first Pavement Rave of 2021 on Friday, April 23 with Mersiv, Jaenga, CHOMPPA, and Sacred Snow.
Gates open at 4 p.m., and the 18+ concert runs from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Tickets, which range from $159-$299 per carload (up to four passengers), are on sale now via Prekindle. Fifth passenger add-on tickets are also available. The event will be held rain or shine.
Showing just how popular the Pavement Raves are, the gold and platinum sections sold out in less than 24 hours, and general admission tickets may be gone by this weekend.
Entering into the music scene from a giant cloud of smoke, Blunts & Blondes is taking the dubstep game by storm. Formally known as Michael Guard, he’s the life of the party whether he’s on the decks or in the mosh pit. His dynamic personality, style, and unique talent is rocking the masses all over North America in the festival scene as well as in clubs.
Blunts & Blondes isn’t just making it in the game – he’s trying to change the way it works. His sound and styles are the furthest things from cookie cutter. He creates his own unique vibe by blending all elements of bass music and even sprinkling in hip-hop and deep Rastafarian influences. One thing is for certain – this young smoker is only getting warmed up as he prepares to leave the entire dance scene in a total haze. You are destined to leave the show with a contact high that you won’t soon shake.
The Mersiv Sound Project is the brainchild of Anderson Benoit Gallegos. The producer/DJ has been developing a unique pretty-dark-loud style of bass music since he started his musical journey in 2015. The intentions of this project are to bring people into the present moment through a Mersiv experience.
Bass artist Jaenga had a clear philosophy from day one – music should not be limited by industry standards or genre boundaries. Erupting onto the scene in 2015, he distinguished himself in the festival circuit early with his signature purple school bus and electrifying bass sounds.
Jaenga and the “renegade bus” are renowned for hosting some of the biggest names in the electronic scene, attracting top talent such as GRiZ, Space Jesus, Eprom, Slushii, and Buku with its collaborative environment and creative energy. Joining the lineup of festivals such as Camp Bisco at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Electric Forest, Summer Camp, Sonic Bloom, and more, he has defined his live shows by immersing audiences in the world of Jaenga.
A bass purist with retro sensibilities, he integrates live guitar, drums, or even just a pair of CDJs into his experiential performances. His 2018 debut EP, “Toulambi,” was released on Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats label and features the signature bass-heavy sounds and ambient soundscapes that have become synonymous with Jaenga. Taking inspiration from the ideologies of the Toulambi tribe, human technological syncretism, and his own nomadic spirit has enabled Jaenga to created a timely piece that accurately reflects and questions the current zeitgeist.
Adopted from Russia and raised in Washington, D.C., 21-year-old CHOMPPA has cemented himself as a mainstay in the bass scene with his 2020 debut bone-rattling EP “Flabbergast” on Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats imprint. Crafted around high-end melodic sound design and goosebump-inducing basslines, CHOMPPA has been able to develop his own sound in a sea of saturation. With 15 festivals confirmed, fans will be seeing him on many stages the moment touring returns.
Pavement Rave rules:
- You must be 18+ to enter. A government-issued photo ID is required. International IDs must have an accompanying passport to be considered valid.
- All vehicles will be searched.
- Early arrival is strongly recommended. All cars must be turned off by the scheduled showtime.
- You’re required to arrive with your entire party in one vehicle. Arrival by Uber/Lyft will not be permitted, and no overflow parking is available.
- Do not leave your car space to visit other groups at all. This is essential to the continuing safety of guests and these events.
- Masks are strongly recommended when guests are outside of the vehicle. Masks are required when guests move away from their vehicle space for any reason.
- Car passes include four people. If you arrive with more people in your car, companion passes must be purchased upon arrival for each additional person in your vehicle, up to two additional people. Oversized vehicles such as large vans, buses, campers, RVs, and limousines will not be permitted entry. Raised or elevated vehicles are also not permitted.
- You’re highly advised to bring your own water. Although water will be available for sale, providing your own will limit the amount of contact you have with others onsite. Free water stations will not be available.
- Present your printed digital ticket against your driver side window. If your windows are tinted, you may need to roll down your window for the scanner to work. If you’re using a digital ticket, your phone screen must be at full brightness.
- The speed limit is 5 mph.
- All drivers are required to follow all traffic laws at all times. Additionally, please follow directions from all traffic attendants.
- Do not sit on the top of your vehicle.
- Please turn off your headlights and refrain from honking your horn during the show.
- Leave your space as you found it. No trash should be left behind. A trash bag will be provided to each vehicle upon parking.
- Pay attention to all exit announcements as well as instructions from parking attendants at the end of the show. This will allow everyone to get out efficiently and in a timely manner.
- Underage drinking will not be tolerated. If a guest is caught consuming alcohol, the entire car and its passengers will be ejected immediately, no exceptions. The venue takes this rule very seriously, so please do not chance it.
- Don’t drink and drive. Always assign a designated driver. You are not permitted to leave your vehicle overnight. Vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense.
- If you see something, say something. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you see or hear someone doing something suspicious or that makes you feel uncomfortable, reach out to an event staff member immediately.
FAQs
What time should we arrive?
Gates open at 4 p.m. on the day of the show, and music starts at 6 p.m. First-come, first-parked within each section, so arrive early.
Will there be restrooms?
Yes. Port-O-Jons will be on hand and cleaned every 15 minutes. Cones will be used to ensure social distancing.
Are we allowed to be outside our vehicle?
Yes, but you must stay with in the width of your vehicle. You can not dance or group with anyone outside of your vehicle. We will have staff monitoring for social distancing, so please follow their instructions. You will be asked to leave if you do not comply. We are all in this together – be safe and be smart.
Will you have concessions?
Yes, concessions will be open, and there are no outside food of beverages allowed except for water. Please maintain social distancing when standing in line for concessions.
Can I bring alcohol?
No outside food or beverages are allowed. Cars will be searched on arrival, and prohibited items will be confiscated.
Can we reserve spots next to friends?
No reserving spots. If groups want to park near each other, they must arrive together. We recommend meeting up prior to arriving to ensure we can accommodate you.
Will I be able to leave anytime during the event or are we stuck in our spot until the end?
Generally no. We will do our best to handle this on a case-by-case basis for emergencies. However, we cannot guarantee an early exit due to parking logistics.
Can I sit in the back of my truck?
Yes, you can sit in the back of your truck, but you must be level with the roof-line of your vehicle.
Can I put my convertible top down?
Yes, you can have your top down.
Can I bring my pets?
No, unfortunately not. Service animals only.
Can I leave my car and lights on?
All cars must be turned off once you are parked. You are allowed to run the engine for 20-30 minutes to prevent your battery from dying, but please be mindful of the people around you. Jumper boxes are available should you need a jump.
All other questions can be emailed to stagewestscranton@gmail.com.
Photo by Jason Riedmiller Photography/NEPA Scene
