Behind the Curtain

The machinations of industry, however, will probably be the last thing on the minds of the throngs who turn up for a noon-to-midnight marathon of DJs and dancing set in the incredible natural amphitheater of Miami's beautiful Bayfront Park, Ultra's undeniably breathtaking setting. The park's unique arrangement of waterfront knolls and paved terraces creates a space where multiple DJs can play simultaneous sets, and, by careful arrangement of speakers and amplifiers, festivalgoers can move through the various acoustic environments grooving, dancing, or just listening as the mood befits.

In 2004 during Ultra's Saturday-night crescendo, the Chemical Brothers were on the main stage while Baby Anne attracted several dozen break dancers to a thrilling "walk-off" on a smaller side stage, and Tisto played by Biscayne Bay. The Chemical Brothers rocking 40,000 watts of "Hey Girl Hey Boy" amid a sea of glow sticks and weaving human breakbeat dancing is a moment not many in attendance will ever forget.

photos by Jonathan Postal

Russell Faibisch and Alex Omes are the brains behind Ultra Music Festival

Jonathan Postal

Russell Faibisch and Alex Omes are the brains behind Ultra Music Festival

Details

For more information, check out www.ultramusicfestival.us. Ultra Music Festival takes place at Bayfront Park on Saturday, March 26. See listings for more info.

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More About

• Russell Faibisch
• Tim Schmand
• Jamie Stevens
• Music Festivals
• Electronic Music

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Many cite the specific vibe as a major draw. "It's not like going to see a band play live, it's like going to a party with thousands of somewhat like-minded, fun, mostly peaceful people ... it feels more like a European event than an American one to me," says Michael Nuckols, who has traveled to the concert for the past five years from Sebring in Central Florida. "I haven't seen the drunken mullet dude with no shirt fighting somebody, which is so prevalent at other large American events. Let's just say that it's a refreshing change from the norm. Go to a football game, go to a Kid Rock concert, you'll see what I'm talking about. The people at Ultra seem to have a collectively higher intelligence."

Dave Lizdas, a native Floridian who went to his first Ultra in 2004, speaks more simply: "It's a charge to wander around with friends and sample all the energy, all night, outside. It's incredibly positive. Being inside a cramped club just isn't the same for me."