For greater than a decade, Desert Hearts has amassed a rising following of devoted partygoers who radiate self-expression whereas embracing the ethos of home, techno and love. Their devoted fanbase materialized by means of the years through retailers like their file label, multi-city events and naturally, their flagship Desert Hearts Pageant.
The multi-day tenting expertise is the cornerstone occasion for supporters of the model. Referred to as a refuge for the radicals at coronary heart, the competition had been struggling to seek out its footing in a post-pandemic world.
After spending years cultivating reminiscences inside California’s Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, occasion producers succumbed to the state pandemic lockdowns, pivoting to livestreaming units all through 2020 and 2021.
In 2022, the competition emerged from the pandemic having misplaced its longtime dwelling, settling down on the shores of Lake Perris as a substitute. The expansive Inland Empire reservoir allowed the Desert Hearts crew to tinker with their as soon as tight-knit blueprint and provided new facilities like swimming, “glamping” and a further efficiency stage.
Because the group equipped for his or her return to Lake Perris in 2023, competition organizers pulled the plug mere weeks earlier than the occasion was set to happen. Citing modifications in venue necessities and rising manufacturing prices attributable to inflation, the affair (and its full lineup) relocated to the grounds exterior the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Hoping to return to their roots as a multi-day transformation competition, the crew scoured the panorama desperate to discover a new dwelling for his or her occasion in 2024. Nevertheless, after a partnership alternative arose with Walter Productions (Burning Man’s Camp Walter, Walter’s The place? Home, Phoenix), the Desert Hearts crew set their eyes on Arizona for his or her triumphant return.
The artistic alliance between Walter Productions and Desert Hearts referred to as for the competition to be relocated to the Northern Arizona mountains exterior of Flagstaff. Surrounded by Ponderosa Pine timber and miles away from close by residents, the brand new locale was excellent for a competition of its type to thrive—and thrive it did.
All through the Independence Day vacation weekend, Desert Hearts and Walter Productions produced fairly presumably the perfect Desert Hearts Pageant since its days at Los Coyotes.
Whereas the infinite clusters of stars illuminated the sky, the spirit of Desert Hearts ignited the mountaintop. From far and extensive, attendees of this renegade competition embraced their self-expression as they regarded inward for self-discovery.
These eccentric beings dazzled all through the weekend with an array of eclectic vogue, prepared for any runway. Sequins, glitter, prime hats and all issues bizarre and quirky had been the secret, straying from normative life and urging attendees to shine in a single’s uniqueness.
These rave fashionistas paired superbly with the unbelievable art work on show all through the campgrounds. From artwork vehicles to fireside dancers and dwell painters, creativity was the secret inside Playa Ponderosa.
Nevertheless, it would not be a Desert Hearts occasion with out its signature 24/7 nonstop home and techno. For 72 hours straight, the mainstage of the intimate competition stayed true to its “one-stage, one-vibe”, permitting for a big selection of digital tastemakers to showcase their abilities behind the decks.
Notable performances all through the weekend embody Atish, Mary Droppinz, Nala, VNSSA, Lubelski, Tara Brooks, Techno Tupac, Doc Martin and Walker & Royce. After all, we would be remiss to not spotlight the closing household set consisting of founding Desert Hearts members Porky, Marbs, Lee Reynolds and Mikey Lion.
As an unbiased competition manufacturing firm, Desert Hearts discovered a approach to climate the post-pandemic storm and are available out of it stronger than ever. Its collaboration with Walter Productions allowed the ragtag crew to recreate the magic and reminiscences from Los Coyotes and rechristen them within the Arizona mountains.
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