Written by Meagen Surowiecki on September 11, 2024
New York is one of the oldest cities in America, a giant playground surrounded by five boroughs covering all surfaces for throwing a great party at a nightclub or a secret warehouse. From Limelight to Pacha, and Brooklyn Mirage throwing legendary parties. This year, New York has seen more pop-up parties and events under bridges and piers than ever. A more of an open-air experience, all parties have been sold out, including Chris Lake Black Book Records ‘On The Pier’, by EMW Presents. The event occurred at the industrial setting, Brooklyn Army Terminal overlooking the city skyline and the water. A gorgeous background along with the finest house music blasting through the speakers.
The layout of the party was very easy. Entry was extremely smooth, once we got through multiple drink and food vendors aligned on each side of the pier. There were multiple bathrooms, so long lines. The stage was located at the end of the pier and on the left side of the stage was the VIP area. The VIP attendees had upfront viewing access, plus a private bathroom, and food and drink vendors. The breathtaking views of the city from the VIP section were the perfect time for a photo op.
Saturday’s lineup was Harry Romero, Green Velvet, and Chris Lake headlining the night. When I arrived Harry Romero was still on the decks about to close out for Green Velvet. He played a vibrant set, he did a great job pumping up the crowd and setting the bar high. Chicago’s house legend, Green Velvet played a moderate but strong set. His choice of house music tracks was different from his performances in the past. However, the crowd still enjoyed his set, their hands flowing in the air to every bass drop.
The headliner, the man behind the concept, and Black Book Records label owner Chris Lake take the decks. I have always been a huge fan of Chris Lake, the first time I saw him perform was in New York, in 2016. Whenever Chris Lake is in town, I always make it imperative to see him perform on the decks. Zooming into his set immediately, delivering compelling tunes and tracks to transcend the night away. House maestro conducted the crowd like a symphony playing his most memorable tracks that led to his star-power status.
Chris Lake started with some known house tracks, leading into his ballot of tracks such as ‘In The Yuma’ featuring Aatig, ‘More Baby’, and his summer banger ‘Summertime Blues’ featuring Nathan Nicholson. As the sky turned to dusk and the moon rose over the Pier, the city lights began to sparkle delivering an astonishing backdrop. Once it got dark outside, the crowd began to grow bigger and bigger and soon filled up the entire pier. Luckily I was able to stay at the handicap viewing stage where I got the best views and connections with the crowd. Towards the end of his set, he played his newest track, a new rendition of Gotye - ‘Somebody’ featuring FISHER. Dancing the night away, hands in the air without a care in the world. Everyone had smiling faces, you could feel the positive vibes all around. Closing with a Chris Lake classic ‘Turn off the Lights’ overlooking the city skyline with fireworks shooting off into the air. It was the perfect way to end the spectacular night. We all felt like the fireworks were meant for Chris Lake’s ‘On The Pier’ shooting in sync with the music and every beat drop.
Being in this industry and seeing Chris Lake perform at local events and world festivals, this was the best set he ever delivered out of all the years in his DJ career. Chris Lake ‘On The Pier’ was the best and most favorite event of the summer. The new event company, EMW Presents did an incredible job organizing the event, with location, vendor placement, sound system, and pyro. They are the newest breakout events company in New York. As the year continues EMW Presents will host more and bigger events with star-studded DJs of the biggest names to date. Stay connected for more exciting events.
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