Dirtybird concluded its 20th anniversary tour in Phoenix, and we were fortunate enough to experience the magic firsthand. Taking place on May 3rd at the eclectic Walter Where?House, this unforgettable stop featured Shiba San, Sacha Robotti, MZ. Worthy, and Ladell Ransom. It was a night packed with energy, immersive art, and unexpected surprises.
We kicked off the evening with Ladell Ransom, a local Phoenix DJ whose set caught us pleasantly off guard. Dropping funky, bass-heavy beats to a steadily growing crowd, he brought a contagious energy that set the tone for the rest of the night. During his set, a giant parachute was passed into the crowd, leading to an impromptu game of parachute that added a whimsical twist to the dancefloor experience.
Next up was MZ. Worthy, one of the four original members of the Dirtybird crew. A veteran of Dirtybird Records since January 2005, her signature tech house sound was on full display—gritty, rhythmic, and unrelentingly groovy. Her set honored the legacy of Dirtybird while pushing the sonic envelope with fresh, experimental layers.
The atmosphere turned deeper and darker with Sacha Robotti, who delivered a mesmerizing, industrial-influenced set. This was arguably one of the standout sets of the night, invoking the spirit of the underground European club scene. With eyes closed and senses fully engaged, it was easy to lose yourself in the pulsating beats and rhythmic lighting.
If you’ve never been to Walter Where?House, this venue is a destination in itself. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a kaleidoscope of art installations—many created by local artists and available for purchase. Larger-than-life sculptures, including relics from massive festivals like PHXLIGHTS, offer an unforgettable visual backdrop. The venue features multiple reimagined vehicles and interactive structures, some even multi-level, allowing for unique vantage points and a 360-degree view of the stage. Very few areas are off-limits, making Walter Where?House feel inclusive and like a second home.
Before Shiba San took the stage, he was surprised with a heartfelt birthday celebration. A custom cake featuring his image was presented as everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” It was a touching moment of connection before the beats dropped.
Shiba San, a staple in the global EDM scene, delivered as always. With deep hip-hop roots, his set sampled crowd favorites like “Bring Em Out” by Jay-Z, his breakout track “Okay,” and his newer release “Where We Started.” His signature sound—clean, funky, and bass-driven—had the dancefloor packed all night. Even the iconic Dirtybird mascot made an appearance, dancing alongside him to close out the celebration. The night was one to remember and an epic way to celebrate this impressive milestone. If you missed out, check out our full photo album of the night and experience the event through our lens.
While I can’t say I’ve followed Dirtybird since its inception, it has undoubtedly carved out a place in my heart. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the Dirtybird universe, don’t miss this year’s Dirtybird Campout. The 2025 edition will feature an exciting partnership with Northern Lights Music Festival, promising an unforgettable, genre-bending experience. See you on the dancefloor!