We Struck Gold in Arizona | Goldrush 2019 [Review]

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Gold Rush | Dj Diesel | Oh So Fresch

We Struck Gold with the amazing lineup we witnessed this past weekend at GOLDRUSH 2019 at the Rawhide Events Center in Chandler. The weather was in true late September Arizona fashion that can be summed up in one word- FANTASTIC! To add to the FANTASTIC-NESS (new word alert) was the level of organization exhibited by the Relentless Beats Staff and Security when it came to getting into Rawhide to experience some funky beats. Blossom’s “Home with You” was banging on the main stage as security ushered us in.

This was the third year for GOLDRUSH, an event unique to Relentless Beats from the creative mind of Thomas Turner himself. Turner once again put together a lineup that encompassed so many EDM and Hip-Hop Genres. It’s a double-edged sword when a lineup like this is put together. Herein lies the challenge. On one side you have so many amazing artists to see, but on the other side you have conflicts on the ones you actually get to see. He effortlessly fused EDM and Hip-Hop with a cool laid back western setting by utilizing the Rawhide Events Center. 

Strolling through the dusty streets of the town of Rawhide reveals itself with various food/drink vendors along with an abundant amount of sponsored areas. Kona Brewing was first marking the entrance to The Hideout Stage. As we neared, barefooted Sarong clad Kona brewing marketing team members adorned us with traditional Hawaiian Lei’s offering us samples of their tasty beer. The vibe in the Hideout was just groovin’ as Gerry Gonza was deep into a two-hour set as he moved the masses but it was our time to move on. 

GreenPharms took over the town jail with a cool photo opportunity. While putting on various outfits to take a picture in the town jail, Greenpharms discussed their new Medical Marijuana Delivery service and offered various swag.

The Moonshiners Silent Disco by CARVANA was just down the way. Ever experienced a Silent Disco? Strange at first seeing everyone grooving to their own beat but in actuality, they are all moving to the same track that ELWER was playing. Rather than using a speaker system, his music was being broadcasted via a radio transmitter with the signal being picked up by wireless headphones being worn by the Goldrushers. 

Boogie T was laying down tracks at the Pioneer Stage as we passed by on our way to the Main Stage to see Gareth Emery. HOLY BAT- COW MAN, Gareth just melted the Golden Gorge main stage with a mind-bending Trance set that just blew us all away. Watching the crowd move put a huge smile on our faces and just cemented our happiness in attending this killer event.

Tony Fresch AKA Dr Fresch is one of the coolest DJ’s out there. He loves coming here to Arizona as he proudly told us all before he absolutely set the main stage on fire. I can’t get enough of the Dr. He fills everyone’s prescription with his ridiculous signature sound. What is even more badass about Fresch is that you see him everywhere throughout the events he attends. Always friendly and courteous. Come back soon Tony, you are always welcome in our town.

While kicking up dust back to The Hideout (we are house heads) we passed by the Wagon Wheel Stage presented by CARVANA. This place was packed! Everyone was dancing in the streets. 

Back at the Hideout, we finished out the evening with Will Clarke followed by the Funkmaster himself Green Velvet. Being partial to the house music scene, The Hideout lineup was an amazing place to hang out on Friday. BUT then on Saturday, an amazing change was made to the Hideout stage area. A huge thank you is in order to Thomas Turner for literally laying down artificial turf throughout the Hideout. It was a total game-changer when it came to enjoying the perfect Arizona evening chillin’ to the funky vibes of VNSSA, Justin Jay, Kyle Watson, and then Destructco B2B with VNSSA put together my favorite house set of the weekend. We went back to the main stage to catch a set elusive to Arizona by Chet Porter. Words do not describe what Chet does, it’s absolutely captivating to experience. One of the cutest things to watch was the way Alison Wonderland cheered him on from the left of the stage. We were ecstatic to finally check Chet off of our list of must-see live Dj’s. 

While walking back through the town we saw a caravan of Black Escalades rifling into the back parking lot of the Goldrush grounds, Yeah, it’s him. The freight train himself, DJ DIESEL has arrived and holy crap did he. I missed his set at Decadence this past year and after seeing this one it upset me that I did. If there was a roof to tear off, he did it. Make sure you see SHAQ do his thing. Our evening was already filled with unbelievable experiences, but the best was yet to come. We have fortunately seen Alison Wonderland multiple times over the years and every time is better than the last. She is AMAZEBALLS, we overheard a few people saying that they had never seen her before but totally agree that they have a new favorite. Overall Goldrush 2019 was an amazing experience once again and would be possible without the tireless efforts of Relentless Beats and Thomas Turner himself. I would like to extend a personal Thank You to them for everything they do for the Arizona music scene.

*Featured Image via www.JacobTylerDunn.com