Oct 13

Oct 13 Introducing Elysium: A new underground music experience coming to Rochester

A unique music and dance experience is set to launch this month in Rochester.

Operating under the name "Elysium" — a term used in ancient Greek mythology to describe an afterlife in which those chosen by the gods would be blessed for eternity — organizers plan to host events at different venues around the city.

The parties will be anything but a typical night out. First, to provide the allure of mystery, attendee's won't know the location of the event until the day of. Ticket holders will receive a text message just hours before doors open.

Upon arrival, party-goers will immerse themselves into an alternate reality — an environment transformed for that evening, and that evening only. There will be music, libations and dancing. The theme of the night, unknown to attendees at the time of ticket purchase, will soon become apparent.

"We don't want people to come in with expectations," one of Elysium's co-founders told me. "We want to surprise them."

On one level, escape into a paradise with gardens, lounge chairs and cocktails. On the other, dive into a dance party with live musicians and top-notch DJs. Each event will feature different artists, environments and experiences.

"We want to provide a platform to give musicians artistic freedom."

Elysium events will be held at rotating venues across Rochester. Most locations will be unfamiliar to the average person. In other words, don't expect to wind up somewhere you have been before.

The first one is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 27. About 100 tickets are available at $15 each. Admission includes one free drink. There will also be a cash bar.

Here's the lineup for event No. 1:

DJ Kinetic (House)

DJ Joseph Dre (Tropical House)

Hoku Aki (Reggae)

DJ Gavin Boss (Open Format/Mixing)

DJ Chen (Electro House)

DJ Joey Smoke w/ YOSA (Hip-Hop/Rap/Trap)

Med City Republic (Rap/Hip-Hop)

Jysa (Rap/Hip-Hop)

DJ 3J (Trap/Remix)

Lil Crazed (Club/Rap)

Bobby Martinez (Live Painting)